Dishwasher Not Cleaning or Drying Well

What usually causes it

• Clogged filter. Most modern dishwashers have a manual filter in the bottom of the tub that needs regular cleaning. A clogged filter starves the wash pump.
• Blocked spray arm holes. Seeds, glass and hard-water scale block the jets.
• Wash pump or motor. A weak pump means low spray pressure.
• Water temperature. Water that comes in lukewarm does not dissolve detergent well. Run the kitchen tap hot before starting.
• Heating element or heater. Many dishwashers heat water and dry with an element. If it fails, dishes come out cool and wet.
• Rinse aid. Without it, water beads on dishes, especially plastics.
• Loading. Tall items block the spray arms or the detergent door.

Dishwasher not cleaning

Dirty dishes usually mean a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, or low water temperature.

Check first: Clean the filter, check that the spray arms spin freely, and run the kitchen tap hot before starting.

Dishwasher not drying

Many newer dishwashers dry with condensation, so plastic stays wet. On heated-dry models a failed element or empty rinse aid can be the cause.

Check first: Fill the rinse aid and use the heated-dry option if your model has one.

Safe checks you can do

• Remove and rinse the filter under warm water with a soft brush.
• Spin each spray arm by hand and clear the holes with a toothpick.
• Run the hot water at the sink until it is hot before starting a cycle.
• Fill the rinse aid dispenser.
• Check that nothing blocks the spray arms or the detergent door.
• Use fresh detergent. Old powder clumps.

Parts that fail most often

• Clogged filters cause many "not cleaning" complaints on newer dishwashers.
• Heating elements fail and leave dishes wet.
• Hard-water scale builds up in spray arms over time.

How your home affects it

In older homes

Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Older sink drains and disposals are often the real reason a dishwasher will not drain.

In new construction

Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. A disposal knockout plug that was never removed or a kinked drain hose is a classic new-home dishwasher problem.

In apartments and condos

In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. The dishwasher and sink often share a drain, so check the sink first.

In garages

Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Hard water and heat both take a toll on outdoor and garage sinks and dishwashers.

During storm season

Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. A dishwasher that sat in water needs its pump and controls checked before use.

When to call for repair

• Dishes stay dirty after cleaning the filter and spray arms.
• The dishwasher no longer heats.
• You hear the motor but very little water spraying.

If water is leaking near the electrical connection under the dishwasher, turn off the breaker before cleaning up.

Need help? We do dishwasher repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.

Common questions