A dishwasher that leaves food or film on dishes is usually blocked, not broken. A clogged filter or spray arm and cool water cause most of these problems, and you can check all three yourself.
Call (539) 281-3311All troubleshooting guidesQuick checks you can do safely
- Remove the lower rack and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub. Rinse it under the tap and scrub it with a soft brush.
- Check the spray arms. Look at the small holes along the arms and clear any food or mineral buildup with a toothpick.
- Make sure the arms spin freely and are not blocked by a tall dish or a pan handle.
- Run the kitchen tap until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher, since cold water at the start leaves grease on dishes.
- Do not overload the racks, and do not let dishes nest or block the detergent door.
- Use fresh detergent and add rinse aid. Old or damp detergent cleans poorly.
What usually causes it
- A clogged filter or spray arm.
- Water that is too cool, especially in the first part of the cycle.
- Hard water, which can leave film and spots that look like dirt.
- A detergent door that does not open, or a dispenser that is blocked by a dish.
- A failed circulation pump or a weak water inlet valve, so the dishwasher does not move enough water.
When to call
- Dishes are still dirty after cleaning the filter and spray arms and loading properly.
- You hear a grinding or humming noise during the wash.
- The tub has standing water at the end of the cycle. Our dishwasher not draining guide covers that case.
- The dishwasher leaks or stops mid-cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes?
The usual reasons are a clogged filter, blocked spray arm holes, water that is not hot enough, or racks loaded so the spray cannot reach the dishes. A weak circulation pump is less common.
Why are my dishes cloudy or gritty after washing?
Cloudy film is often hard-water residue, and grit is usually food trapped in a dirty filter. Clean the filter and use rinse aid.
Should I rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher?
Scrape off large food pieces, but you do not need to rinse completely. Modern detergents work better with some soil on the dishes.
When is a dishwasher not worth repairing?
A newer dishwasher with a single failed part is usually worth repairing. An older one with several faults may not be. Our repair or replace guide explains how to decide.
Related guides
- Dishwasher not draining
- Dishwasher repair in Broken Arrow
- Repair or replace: how to decide
- All troubleshooting guides
Dishes still dirty after the checks?
Call and tell us what you see on the dishes and what you hear. We will tell you what to expect before anyone comes out.
Call (539) 281-3311Written by the ElectricAppliance team, 2351 W Vancouver St, Broken Arrow, OK. Last updated 2026-10-29. This page is general information, not a quote. Prices and timing depend on the appliance, the part and the fault, so call for a diagnosis.