Why is My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes?

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski, CEO on Feb 10, 2025 | Written by Olga Larina

In this article…

• 8 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Dishwasher
• 1: The Interior Is Dirty
• 2: Extra Dirty Dishes
• 3: Low Water Temperature or Pressure
• 4: Make Sure The Water Is Running
• 5: Check if the Spray Arms are for Obstructions and Clogs
• 6: Broken Soap Dispenser
• 7: Damaged Inlet Valve
• 8: Load Your Dishes Evenly
• Is Your Dishwasher Still Not Cleaning Dishes?

Sometimes, the simplest things complicate our lives that much more. Have you ever wondered, “Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes?” Do not worry, and you are not alone. A lot of frustration comes with your dishwasher not cleaning properly, and we understand why. Not only should a dishwasher sanitize and leave residue on your dishes, but it should also clear them of all the food, right?

Appliances were created to make life easier, especially when we talk about dishes. Dishwashers are supposed to save us time by preventing us from having to hand wash every single dish. Thus, we feel defeated when using the dishwasher and scrubbing dishes by hand.

The good news is that most answers to this common problem are simple fixes! We have compiled a list of why your dishwasher may be failing you, but if it’s something more involved, we recommend contacting Spark Service PRO. This professional home appliance repair company services the Great Toronto and Simcoe County areas and is always near you.

8 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes effectively, thoroughly cleaning the machine may resolve the issue. Once cleaned, routine maintenance can help ensure your reliable and convenient kitchen appliance performs at its best. However, dirty components aren’t always the main culprit. Below, we outline some of the most common reasons your dishwasher may not be cleaning properly. These insights apply to dishwashers of any brand, including premium models from Bosch, Thermador, Miele, Fisher & Paykel, and more. Explore the troubleshooting tips we’ve prepared to help you address these issues across various brands.

1: The Interior Is Dirty

A dishwasher filled with bits of old food, grease and soap scum is a dishwasher that won’t run as it should or stop working. If this is your problem, it should be easy to detect and fix. Run a cycle with white vinegar! As a simple tactic, pour three cups of white vinegar at the bottom of your dishwasher and run a full cycle. This will also remove any funky smells coming from your dishwasher.

2: Extra Dirty Dishes

You shouldn’t have to put elbow grease into cleaning your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, but you should give them a good rinse before washing. Your dishwasher might be unable to handle ketchup smeared on a plate or a few loose noodles left in a bowl, but rinsing before washing is easy. This also can be why the dishwasher isn’t cleaning the dishes.

3: Low Water Temperature or Pressure

If your water isn’t hot enough, the dishes may appear dirty but will also be dirty. Water must reach a temperature between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit to sanitize dishes easily. It removes pieces of food and allows the dishes to come out germ-free. To test this, run your sink water right after you start a load of dishes. Fill a glass with the (hopefully) hot water and measure that it’s in the temperature range it needs to be. If it’s not, adjust your water heater temperature accordingly.

Low water pressure is a possible culprit for your dishwasher’s poor cleaning. If you notice that your faucet or shower head’s water pressure has been lacking lately, it may be time to point fingers that your dishwasher is also failing you. You’ll need to call in a professional for this.

4: Make Sure The Water Is Running

Your dishwasher needs water to run properly. This may be the issue if your dishes come out completely dirty and exceptionally dry. Place an empty cup on both the bottom and top racks facing up to check it. If the cycle ends and the cups are full of water, you will know you have running water. But if you realize you don’t have running water and your dishwasher is not getting water, contact a professional for help.

5: Check if the Spray Arms are for Obstructions or Clogs

The spray arms are located at the bottom of the washer. Manually spin them to make sure nothing is in their way. If something’s blocking them from spinning completely, your dishes have less chance of getting cleaned evenly. Also, ensure no large pieces of food or other debris clog the spray arm. This will help with draining and cleaning.

6: Broken Soap Dispenser

Without soap, your dishes certainly won’t be getting cleaned or sanitized! Try dissolving debris in the soap dispenser by cleaning it with a brush, warm water and white vinegar. Also, check to make sure the dispenser itself doesn’t have any broken or chipped pieces. If the gasket is broken, the soap won’t dispense properly. If this needs replacing, contact our company’s professional technicians for a dependable repair!

7: Damaged Inlet Valve

The inlet valve allows water to flow into the dishwasher. If you’ve recently noticed a hammering sound coming from the unit as it runs, a faulty inlet valve is a likely culprit. Check your owner’s manual for parts and replacement information. This is a more complex repair that may require a qualified technician, and you are welcome to call a pro from Spark Service for a visit.

8: Load Your Dishes Evenly

The best rule of thumb is that if the water can’t reach it, it can’t clean it! Piling in dishes because you think you’re saving time, not handwashing them, only causes headaches. Ensure enough room for soap and water to pass through every dish. If you don’t, you’ll handwash more than just a few dishes every cycle!

Is Your Dishwasher Still Not Cleaning Dishes?

If these recommendations do not help and your dishwasher is still not cleaning dishes properly. Please do not hesitate to contact the Spark Service repair team. A dishwasher that won’t clean dishes can be frustrating and complicated. Home appliances are tricky, and that is why our technicians receive specialty training to learn how to fix each one.

When you request dishwasher repair service from us, a knowledgeable, drug-tested, and background-checked technician will be sent to your doorstep the same day. You can’t beat that! Please fill out a service request online or call us at 888-242-0777.