Is your dishwasher not getting dishes as clean as you’d like? That’s such a frustrating problem to deal with.

To shine some light on the issue, we’re outlining the three most common causes of a dishwasher not cleaning properly. If you’re a handy DIY-er, then you might be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself using this blog post as a starting point. Good luck!

1. Clogged or Faulty Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is what brings water into the dishwasher. When it has a blockage or defect, it won’t supply enough water for the dishwasher to clean dishes.

Consult your user manual to locate the water inlet valve. If it appears clogged or otherwise defective, replace it. 

2. Dirty Wash Arms

The wash arms of your dishwasher are the spinning plastic pieces that spray water onto your dishes. If there’s dirt and gunk blocking the tiny holes in the wash arm, then the water won’t be able to come out, which means your dishes won’t get clean. 

Depending on the make and model of your dishwasher, there may be up to three wash arms. You’ll need to inspect each wash arm and use an old toothbrush to dislodge any particles from the holes. If they can’t be salvaged, replace them.

3. Failed Circulation Pump

Powered by a motor and impeller, the circulation pump drives water up through the wash arms. Therefore, any problem with the circulation pump will prevent the wash arms from spraying sufficient water and rinsing your dishes. 

Often, the circulation pump’s motor has burned out. Other times, the impeller gets stuck due to debris buildup in the pump housing. If you’re sure that electrical power is getting to the motor and there’s nothing blocking the impeller, then it’s likely that the motor needs to be replaced. 

We hope this helps you get to the bottom of your problem! If not, don’t hesitate to reach out to All Brands Appliance Repair for a fast, effective dishwasher repair service.