Dishwashers are one of the hardest working appliances in a home and they typically last over a decade. However, repairs are necessary during their lifespan especially when it’s not cleaning your dishes properly. If it comes to that, you should understand what the reason behind it could be so that you can troubleshoot it right away.
- Clogged spray arm
The dishwasher spray arms are responsible for blasting away stubborn grime and cleaning the dishes. They spin above and/or below the racks, with water coming out of tiny holes or nozzles (called jets).
Soap and food residue can get into those jets and block the water coming out. Hard water mineral deposits can also build up in the nozzles.
The usual spray of water then becomes a gentle sprinkle – resulting in dirty plates and utensils.
- Detergent issues
Detergent is a key player in dish cleaning, but dish detergent is different from dishwasher detergent. Not all soaps are formulated for use in a dishwasher.
Even if you have the right detergent, though, improper use can lead to poorly cleaned dishes.
Too much detergent will leave soap scum, while too little won’t wash all the dirt off. Source: Maid2Match
- Improper Loading
If your dishwasher doesn’t clean your dishes thoroughly, it could be something as simple as improper loading. If you are not loading the dishwasher properly, the spray arms may not be able to effectively reach your dishes. If the dishes are overlapping or not placed at an angle, they might block the water and won’t be cleaned thoroughly. Loading the dishwasher correctly might be the easy fix you need to see better results.
- Wrong Cycle
If your dishes are heavily soiled, a heavier dishwasher cycle might be required to effectively clean them. If your dishwasher has an Auto Cycle, it may sense the soil on the dishes and optimize the cycle. A high-temperature cycle would also be beneficial if you know your dishes might need some extra attention, like burnt pans.
If you have a dishwasher with a soil sensor, you shouldn’t have to pre-rinse your dishes before running them in the appliance to get a proper clean. A simple scrape of large food particles is all you really need. Source: Maytag
- Issues With The Dishwasher Temperature
Dishwasher temperature issues can be a common reason why your dishes may come out unclean or greasy. For best practice, the water temperature inside your dishwasher must be hot enough, usually between 49 – 66 degrees Celsius to effectively dissolve the tablet and break down food particles. If the water is not reaching the necessary temperature, your dishwasher may struggle to remove grime, grease, and bacteria from your dishes. This could potentially be due to a malfunctioning heating element, incorrect settings or your home water heater may not be set high enough. Source: Mullen Domestic
If ever the repair for your dishwasher is too much for you to handle, then let a professional take over. Just give us a call and we’ll do the necessary repairs for you!