Narrow it down
What this symptom can tell you
Only one rack cleans poorly
Loading or a blocked spray arm may be limiting water to that rack.
Food particles appear on many items
The filter, spray openings, cycle choice, or heavy soil may be involved.
Glasses are cloudy or have residue
Water hardness, detergent amount, rinse aid, temperature, or etching may be involved rather than a drain fault.
These patterns narrow the next check; they do not confirm a failed part. Use the exact model number and any displayed code before ordering parts or authorizing repair.
Try these checks in order
Exact controls and access points differ by model. Stop when a step does not match your appliance or manual.
- 1
Reload for water flow
Keep tall pans away from the detergent door and spray arms. Face dirty surfaces toward the center and avoid nesting utensils.
What you want: Spray paths and the detergent door are clear. - 2
Turn the spray arms by hand
With the machine off, rotate each visible spray arm. Remove only loose debris from accessible holes.
What you want: The arms turn freely without hitting dishes. - 3
Clean the removable filter
Follow the manual to remove and rinse the filter. Do not reach into hidden pump areas.
What you want: The filter is clean and locked back in place. - 4
Run hot water first
Run the kitchen hot tap until warm before starting the dishwasher, unless the manual says otherwise.
What you want: Warm water reaches the machine sooner. - 5
Use fresh detergent and the right cycle
Store detergent dry, use the amount listed for local water hardness, and choose a heavier cycle for dried food.
What you want: Detergent dispenses and the cycle matches the soil level.
Most common categories
Possible causes to consider
- Items blocking a spray arm or preventing the detergent door from opening.
- A dirty owner-removable filter or blocked visible spray openings.
- The wrong cycle for the soil level or an overloaded rack.
- Incorrect detergent amount, old detergent, or water-hardness conditions.
- A circulation, heating, inlet, sensor, or control issue requiring service.
Stop and arrange help when
- Glass or sharp objects are in the filter area.
- A spray arm, rack, or tub is cracked.
- The water is dangerously hot or there is steam damage.
- The pump grinds or there is a burning smell.
If the problem remains
Find the full model number. Open the official manual, check for a recall, and describe which checks you completed before contacting service.
Outcome check
Did these checks resolve the problem?
Your answer helps identify which guides need improvement. No appliance details are submitted.
Common questions
Dishwasher not cleaning dishes: FAQs
Should I rinse dishes before loading?
Remove large food scraps and follow the detergent and loading guidance for the machine. Heavy pre-rinsing is not always required, but bones, labels, and hard debris should not enter the filter.
Why is only the top rack dirty?
A blocked upper spray arm, tall item below it, incorrect rack position, or reduced circulation to that area may be involved.
Why are dishes gritty after a cycle?
A dirty filter, blocked spray path, overloaded racks, or food debris being redistributed can leave grit. Clean only parts listed as owner-removable.
Research and verification
Source basis
This general guide was reviewed against official manufacturer support libraries and safety guidance. Exact controls, access points, installation limits, and reset procedures vary by model; the manual for your exact model takes priority.
See something unclear or incorrect?
Send the page link, appliance model, and the detail that needs review.