Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly? Parts to Inspect
A dishwasher not cleaning properly leaves food or film on the dishes. Often, a clogged filter or spray arm is behind it. So start with the filter and the arms. Then, work through the water feed and the pump.
Parts to inspect for a dishwasher not cleaning properly problem
1. Upper Discharge Housing Gasket
This gasket seals the upper spray feed inside the tub. When it fails, water bypasses the upper arm and cleaning drops. So inspect the gasket for cracks and flat spots. Replace it if the seal is worn.
2. Spray Arm
The spray arm sprays water onto the dishes. Clogged nozzles cut pressure and leave dishes dirty. First, remove the arm and rinse the holes clear. Then confirm it spins freely, and replace it if it is cracked.
3. Docking Station
The docking station connects the upper spray arm to the water feed. A worn dock leaks and starves the top rack. Therefore, check the dock for cracks and a loose fit. Replace it if it no longer seals.
4. Chopper
The chopper grinds food so it can drain away. When it dulls or jams, debris redeposits on dishes. So inspect the chopper area for stuck food and wear. Clean it, and replace the chopper if it is damaged.
5. Water Inlet Valve
The inlet valve controls water entering the dishwasher. When it sticks open, it can overfill and leak; when it sticks closed, the tub never fills. Therefore, check the valve for leaks and proper shut-off. Replace it if it drips or does not open.
6. Water Delivery Tube
The delivery tube feeds water to the upper spray arm. A cracked or clogged tube weakens the top wash. First, check the tube for splits and blockages. Then clear or replace it as needed.
7. Filters
The filters trap food so it does not recirculate onto clean dishes. A clogged filter is a common cause of poor results. Therefore, remove the filter and rinse it under running water. Clean it regularly, and replace it if torn.
8. Wash Spinner
The wash spinner directs water flow inside the tub. When it binds, coverage becomes uneven. So check that the spinner turns freely and is not cracked. Replace it if it is worn or stuck.
9. Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser opens at the right point in the wash. When it jams shut, detergent never reaches the load. First, check the door and spring for sticky residue. Then clean or replace the dispenser if it will not open.
10. Heating Element
The heating element warms the water and helps dry the load. A burned-out element leaves dishes cool and wet. So inspect the element for breaks or blisters, then test it for continuity. Replace it if it fails the test.
11. Pump Impellers
The impeller spins to push water through the pump. When a blade chips or jams, pressure drops and cleaning suffers. So inspect the impeller for damage and stuck debris. Replace it if the blades are worn or broken.
Get the parts
We supply OEM and replacement parts in bulk. Browse the Appliance Parts catalog, or request a bulk quote for volume orders.
Is the unit old or failing often? A new ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher can cut water and energy use, so weigh a repair against a replacement.
Most of the time, a dishwasher not cleaning properly traces back to one worn part. So replace it, then run a short cycle to confirm the fix.