DIY Guide: How to Fix a Dishwasher That's Not Cleaning Properly

Are you tired of opening your dishwasher after it's done with its cycle only to find the dishes still dirty? Well, you're in luck, amigo! As your friendly neighborhood repairman, I'm about to take you on an exciting, dirt-busting journey that will ensure your dishwasher gets the respect it deserves.

Understand the Culprit of Your Dishwasher's Poor Performance

Before we get our hands dirty, it's crucial to understand what could be making your dishwasher slack on its job. Routinely, the reasons for this underwhelming performance could be blocked spray arms, clogged filters, or simply using the wrong type of detergent.

#1: Check and Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms are the heart of your dishwasher - the key players who do the rough job. Overtime, these can get blocked by food particles and debris, causing a poor cleaning outcome.

1. To check them, you'll want to be sure your dishwasher is off and cool.
2. Next, remove the lower and upper trays for better visibility and access. Generally, the lower spray arm can be unscrewed by hand, while the upper might require a bit of force or a screwdriver.
3. Once they're off, run them under warm tap water and gently use a soft brush to clean off any blockage. For those tiny holes, you can use a toothpick or a piece of thin wire to remove any stubborn debris.

Remember, always be gentle! You don't want to cause any unnecessary damage.

#2: Inspect and Flush out the Filters

Remember when I likened the spray arms to the heart? Well, the filters are like the kidneys of your dishwasher - they sift the dirty water and prevent particles from reentering your dishware.

A good routine cleaning can do wonders for your filters.

1. First, locate the filters. They're usually at the bottom of the machine.
2. Pull out the filter system - it's often a two-part mechanism of a flat filter and a cylindrical one.
3. Rinse these under warm tap water, and like before, use a soft brush to scrub off any residues.
4. If your dishwasher has a grinder, which grinds up larger bits of food, be sure to check this too!

A friendly reminder: always reassemble the filters correctly. Check your manual if you're unsure!

#3: Ensure You're Using the Right Products

Sometimes, the issue isn't mechanical—it's chemical. Using the wrong cleaning solution could affect the dishwasher's cleaning ability.

Always ensure you're using a high-quality detergent, rinse aids (if your water is hard), and that you're using the correct load amount—the manual is once again your best friend here.

#4: Consider Running a Cleaning Cycle

As time goes by, grime and grease build upon the interior of your dishwasher leading to unpleasant odors and poor cleaning outcomes.

1. You might want to consider running a cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner or a DIY solution such as vinegar.
2. Simply pour the cleaner or vinegar into the bottom of your dishwasher and run a full cycle. Trust me; this cleaning blitz will have your dishwasher smelling fresher and performing better in no time.

Summoning the Dishwasher's Mojo Back

If you've done all the steps above, and your dishwasher is still not getting things clean, it might be time to call in the cavalry—aka a professional. However, for most underperforming dishwashers, these quick DIY tips will usually bring them back to their pristine washing state. So, keep living the DIY dream, friend—your dishwasher, dinnerware, and your pocket will thank you. Happy fixing!