How to Fix a Dishwasher That is Not Cleaning Dishes

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This video from Sears PartsDirect shows what to do if your dishwasher isn’t getting your dishes clean.
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1. Load dishes correctly.
Loading the dishes correctly helps the dishwasher clean them. Angle heavily soiled dish surfaces downward and leave enough room between the dishes to allow water to reach all sides. Make sure that spray arms spin freely after loading the dishwasher and don’t block the detergent dispenser lid.
After loading the dishes, select the correct cycle for the type of dishes that you're washing. A quick or normal wash cycle cleans most dishes well, but choose a heavy wash or a pots and pans cycle to clean really dirty cookware.
If your dishwasher has a high-temperature setting, choose it to wash greasy dishes. It also dissolve detergent better, improving cleaning.
2. Check the filters.
Clogged filters interfere with water flow, which can cause poor cleaning performance. Remove dishwasher filters monthly and rinse them under running tap water. Remove dirt or hard water deposits using a soft bristle brush. Scrub the filters if you see soil or residue building up on the screens or if dishes feel gritty and you see food particles after the cycle finishes.
3. Check the spray arms.
Dishes won't get clean if the dishwasher can’t spray them thoroughly with water.
-Check the spray arms for cracks or damage. Replace the spray arm if it’s damaged.
--If the spray arm isn’t cracked, check for clogged openings. Clear the holes with toothpicks or a bamboo skewer. For severe clogs, remove the spray arms following the instructions in the owner’s manual and clean them in the sink. Use a toothbrush and a bamboo skewer to remove clogs and soak them in white vinegar to help remove hard water deposits. Rinse the spray arms thoroughly and reinstall them.
If hard water deposits frequently block your spray arm holes, we recommend cleaning your dishwasher once a month with Dishwasher Magic or Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner.
4. Check the water level.
Start a cycle with the dishwasher empty and let the dishwasher to fill with water, which should take about 2 minutes. When you hear the water stop filling or the pump start running, you know the dishwasher is finished filling.
Open the dishwasher door slightly to stop the cycle. When the cycle stops, open the door fully and check the water level in the tub. The water level should be close to the bottom of the mushroom-shaped float near the front corner of the dishwasher.
If your dishwasher isn’t filling, or the water level is far below the float, check out our video called Dishwasher Not Filling for troubleshooting tips for a fill problem in your dishwasher. • Dishwasher Not Filling
5. Check your water temperature.
Water must be at least 120 degrees to clean efficiently, even if you use the high-temperature cycle. To check the water temperature, run the hot water from your kitchen sink faucet for 1 minute and then fill a glass with hot water. Measure the water temperature in the glass using a cooking thermometer.
If the temperature is less than 120 degrees, slightly increase the temperature setting on your water heater. Make small, incremental increases and don't set your water heater temperature above 120 degrees to protect you from burns in the bath or shower.
6. Check the detergent dispenser.
If the lid to the detergent dispenser lid is still closed after you run the dishwasher, here’s a link to our video called Dishwasher Detergent Cup Not Opening, with troubleshooting tips to resolve that problem. • Dishwasher Detergent C...
7. Check your detergent.
Old or stale dishwashing powder won't clean your dishes well because the detergent loses effectiveness and may leave gritty deposits on your dishes. It doesn't take long for powdered detergent to age if you store it under the damp sink. Toss out old, clumpy detergent and use fresh, dry detergent for the best results. Store powdered detergent where it stays dry so it lasts longer.
8. Check your water hardness.
Use the right amount of detergent based on your water hardness and the dirtiness of your dishes. If you don't know your water hardness, contact your water supplier, look it up online or use a test strip. Once you know the water hardness, follow the directions in your owner's manual to fill the dispenser with the right amount of detergent.