Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly? Here’s What Might Be Going On

There’s nothing more annoying than opening your dishwasher expecting sparkling dishes… and finding bits of food still stuck on plates. If your dishwasher isn’t doing its job, don’t rush to replace it just yet—this is a very common issue and often easy to fix.

Let’s walk through the most likely causes and how to get your dishwasher back to top performance.

 

First – Is It Really a Fault?

Before diving into fixes, take a quick look at how the dishwasher is being used. Even a perfectly working machine can struggle if:

  • It’s overloaded
  • Items are blocking the spray arms
  • Heavily soiled dishes aren’t rinsed at all

👉 A quick rearrange or lighter load can sometimes solve the problem instantly.

 

Common Causes (and Simple Fixes)

Blocked Spray Arms

Your dishwasher cleans by spraying water at high pressure. If the spray arms are clogged, that water can’t reach your dishes properly.

Signs:

  • Glasses come out cloudy
  • Food remains on plates in certain areas

Fix:
Remove the spray arms and rinse them under the tap. Use a toothpick or pin to clear any blocked holes.

 

Dirty or Clogged Filter

The filter traps food particles—but if it’s full, it can’t do its job.

What happens:

  • Dirty water gets recirculated
  • Dishes come out greasy or gritty

Fix:

  • Locate the filter (usually at the bottom)
  • Remove and rinse thoroughly
  • Clean it every couple of weeks to keep things running smoothly

 

Low Water Temperature

Dishwashers need hot water to clean effectively. If the water isn’t hot enough, grease and food won’t break down properly.

Tip:

  • Your water should be around 50–60°C
  • Run the hot tap in your sink before starting the dishwasher

 

Incorrect Detergent (or Too Much/Little)

Not all detergents are created equal—and using the wrong amount can affect results.

Common mistakes:

  • Using too much → leaves residue
  • Using too little → poor cleaning
  • Using low-quality detergent

👉 Try switching to a trusted brand and follow the recommended dosage.

 

Rinse Aid & Salt Levels

These often get overlooked, but they make a big difference—especially in areas with hard water.

  • Rinse aid helps prevent streaks and improves drying
  • Dishwasher salt helps soften water and improve cleaning performance

👉 Check and refill regularly.

 

Worn or Faulty Parts

If you’ve tried everything and still have issues, there may be a mechanical problem.

Possible causes include:

  • Weak water pump
  • Faulty heating element
  • Worn spray arm motor

At this stage, it may be time to get the machine checked.

 

Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

Keeping your dishwasher working properly doesn’t take much—just a few good habits:

  • Don’t overload the machine
  • Place items so water can reach all surfaces
  • Clean the filter regularly
  • Use the correct settings for the load
  • Run a maintenance cycle occasionally

 

When to Consider a Replacement

If your dishwasher is:

  • Leaving dishes dirty consistently
  • Making unusual noises
  • More than 8–10 years old

…it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model.

 

Need Help Choosing a New Dishwasher?

At Tommie Kelly Electrical, we’re here to help you find the right appliance for your home and budget.

👉 Call into our stores or give us a ring:

  • 📍 Ballinasloe – 090 9644093
  • 📍 Roscommon – 090 6634465

 

A dishwasher that’s not cleaning properly can be frustrating—but most of the time, the fix is simple. From cleaning filters to checking detergent, a few small changes can make a big difference.

And if you do need a replacement, we’ve got you covered 👍