Short answer

A dishwasher that leaves food, grit, or film on dishes is usually dealing with a dirty filter, blocked spray arms, loading that blocks the arms, or water that isn't hot enough. Clean the filter and spray arms, run the sink hot before starting, and use fresh detergent. If cleaning stays poor, the circulation pump, fill level (inlet valve), or heater may need diagnosis.

Person checking glassware on a pulled-out dishwasher rack

Try first

Clean the filter
Clear spray-arm holes and confirm the arms spin
Load so water can reach every surface
Run hot water at the sink first
Use fresh detergent; add rinse aid for spotting

Dishwasher detergent dispenser on the inner door with soap residue — Residue left in the dispenser cup after a cycle points to a blocked spray path, low water temperature, or a door that wasn't fully latched.

Possible causes, in the order they're usually ruled out

Dishwasher not cleaning

Loading & detergentBlocked spray arms, old detergentYou can check
FilterDebris recirculatingYou can check
Water temperatureHot water not reaching the dishwasherYou can check
Fill levelInlet valve or water supplyTechnician
Circulation pump / heaterWeak spray or no heatTechnician

A symptom points to possible causes. Only testing confirms one.

Diagnose by result

Result	Points to
Gritty film	Dirty filter, recirculating debris
White cloudy film	Hard water deposits — check rinse aid and your utility's water report
Food on top rack only	Upper spray arm blocked or not getting water
Everything dirty	Circulation pump or low fill

Dishwasher water path

1Inlet valveFills the tubTechnician
2Circulation pumpDrives the spray armsTechnician
3Spray armsClear blocked holesYou can check
4FilterClean monthlyYou can check
5Drain pump + hoseTo disposal or sink drain

Fill, wash, filter, drain. The filter and the drain connection under the sink are the common clog points you can check; valves, pumps, and heaters are technician repairs.

Possible causes in more detail

Cause	What to look for
Clogged filter	Grit on glasses, food particles redeposited
Blocked spray arm	Upper or lower rack consistently dirty
Low fill	Little water visible in the tub mid-cycle
Weak circulation pump	Humming with little spray noise
No heat	Dishes cool and wet at the end

Load it so water can reach

Face dirty surfaces toward the center and the spray arms
Keep tall items and cutting boards from blocking the arms
Don't nest bowls or overlap plates
Put plastics on the top rack

Empty dishwasher lower rack and spray arm inside a stainless tub

How it's diagnosed

If basic fixes don't help, the technician checks the fill level, water temperature during the wash, and circulation-pump pressure at the spray arms. Low fill points to the inlet valve or water supply; weak spray points to the circulation pump or a blocked chopper assembly.

Repair or replace?

A circulation pump is a moderate repair. If the dishwasher also leaks or has rust inside the tub, replacement is often the better value.

What to request

A symptom points to likely causes; only testing confirms one. If the checks above don't solve it, request a diagnosis for dishwasher repair and mention what you've already checked.

Common questions

Does hard water affect my dishwasher?

It can leave a white film and mineral buildup. Rinse aid and following your manual's hard-water settings help; your water utility's annual quality report lists hardness.

Need dishwasher repair? Call now

Pricing, timing, and appointments are confirmed by the repair provider.

Our phone line is being set up. Please check back soon.

Why isn't my dishwasher cleaning properly?