Dishwasher Stopped Working
In today’s fast-paced world, dishwashers have become more than just a convenience—they’re a necessity. In addition to time savings, they’re actually better than hand washing! Dishwashers clean at temperatures far hotter than hands can tolerate, killing bacteria and germs more effectively than manual washing. When your dishwasher starts to lose efficiency and stops cleaning as well as it used to, it can be frustrating and you may feel like it’s time to give up and replace it. Before you kick your dishwasher to the curb, try the suggestions below to get a bit more life out of your hard-working appliance!
1. Check the Spray Arms
Food particles can clog the spray arm holes, blocking the water spray.. Inspect the spray arms for clogs in the holes, which can prevent water from reaching the dishes. Remove the spray arms and clean them under running water. Use a toothpick or small brush to clear any blockages. You should also make sure the spray arms can spin freely and aren’t obstructed by large dishes each time you load the dishwasher.
2. Inspect the Dishwasher Filter
Many dishwashers have a filter at the bottom to catch food debris. If it's clogged, water won’t circulate effectively. Check the bottom filter and ensure it's clean and free of food debris. Filters are removable, so you should pull it out and clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water. You can also wipe the void where the filter lives with a damp cloth to get rid of any gunk stick inside. See our blog about dishwasher maintenance for more ways to keep the dishwasher clean.
3. Water Issues
Verify that the water inlet valve is fully open, as low water pressure or insufficient water entering the dishwasher can reduce cleaning performance. Run the dishwasher and listen to ensure it’s filling properly; if not, clean the water inlet valve or check for kinks in the supply hose. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, as you don’t want dirty water to recirculate onto the dishes. Before starting a cycle, run hot water at the sink to ensure the dishwasher begins with adequately heated water. If the water temperature is too low, consider adjusting your water heater to achieve the recommended setting of 120°F (49°C).
4. Detergent and Rinse Aid
If the detergent doesn’t release or is clumping, the dishes won’t get clean. Ensure the dispenser is opening during the cycle and not blocked by large dishes. You can even set the detergent pod in the bottom of the dishwasher to ensure it doesn’t get stuck in the dispenser. Lack of rinse aid can leave residue and water spots on dishes. Check to ensure the mechanism is functioning properly and the reservoir is full.
When appliances don’t seem to be working their best, it’s not always because a repair is necessary. Sometimes it just takes a little TLC to boost performance. Going through the checklist above can potentially save the time and hassle of waiting for a repair technician’s diagnosis and washing dishes by hand. If the suggestions above don’t seem to make a difference, your next best option is to have a Complete Protection™ home warranty in place for when the time comes to call a professional!