Nobody likes doing the dishes. Sure, household chores are never what you’d call “fun.” Vacuuming takes time, dusting makes you sneeze, and taking the trash out is a smelly affair.
But none (and this is backed by research) are disliked more than washing the dishes.
It’s no small wonder that so many people have a dishwasher to do the job for them! Load it up, pop a tablet inside, press the button, and voila—dishwashing done. It couldn’t be easier.
Until it stops working as it should.
Dishwasher not cleaning well? Few things are more frustrating. You go to unload it in the morning and see the dishes are still smeared with yesterday’s evening meal. You’re forced to go back through them by hand, which totally defeats the point of having a dishwasher in the first place!
Thankfully, there are numerous ways to rectify the problem. Read on for 7 top tips on getting your dishwasher cleaning properly again.
1. Use It Regularly
It might sound counterintuitive, but regularly using your dishwasher is key to keeping it in good working order.
Think of it like a car. Leave it parked up for too long and it won’t start when you need it to. Going for a drive every now and again keeps juice in the battery and ensures it continues to work as intended.
The same goes for your dishwasher!
Running it will prevent any debris from settling, limescale from building up, and the systems from shutting down.
2. Check the Spinning Arms
First thing’s first: are the spinning arms working as they should be?
These arms play a central part in a dishwasher’s functionality. The arms shoot pressurized water from small holes as they spin, which cleans the dishes inside the machine.
If the arms aren’t spinning, or the holes are clogged, then the dishes won’t get cleaned.
Always check that the arms can spin freely before running the dishwasher. Likewise, take a look to see if the holes have gotten clogged somehow. Use something like a toothpick to remove any debris that’s built-up inside.
Do both of these things and your cleaning problems might be solved!
3. Clean the Trap
Cleaning your dishwasher ensures it’ll keep cleaning your dishes effectively!
Alas, there are all sorts of places it can get dirty and clogged up. The dirtier it becomes, the more trouble you’ll have.
The dishwasher trap is one particular place to keep an eye on. Situated under the bottom sprayer, this is the first line of defense against debris. It’s there to trap bits of food, grime, or whatever else ends up in the machine and prevents it from going down the drain.
When that gets clogged up, the machine won’t work as well as it could. Find it, remove it, clear it of gunk, and pop it back in.
4. Check (And Clean) the Drain
The dishwasher drain is another common culprit here.
Sitting at the bottom of the machine, this is where the water exits the dishwasher after a cycle. However, it’s also where any chunks of food or debris end up, too.
All those bits and pieces can end up clogging the drains and impacting the washer’s cleaning capabilities. Unclog and clean the drain, and you might solve your problem.
Get into the habit of clearing the area of large bits and pieces before running the dishwasher.
From there, think about getting your hands even dirtier. By unplugging the machine and removing the drain cover, you can get access to the drain itself. Clear out any larger bits you can see and then use a brush (or something similar) to clean any smaller detritus present.
Put it all back together, turn it back on, and you should be good to go.
5. Give It an Acid Bath
An acid bath might sound painful, but your dishwasher’s going to love it.
Running the machine on a short cycle with something like vinegar inside can make a mighty difference. In fact, its corrosive nature makes it perfect for plumbing maintenance.
For your dishwasher, it’ll help remove pesky water deposits, as well as any other build-up of dirt and grime. Those deposits make it harder for any dishwasher to function as effectively.
Remove them, and you’ll enjoy sparkling dishes again in no time!
Other acids you could try include lemon juice or Tang. The best part? Each acid is totally natural and non-toxic in nature.
6. Replace the Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is another potential source of your dishwasher woes.
This is the gizmo that’s responsible for letting the water into the dishwasher. A malfunctioning valve can prevent sufficient water levels from entering the machine.
Its cleaning capacity suffers as a result.
You’ll find the valve behind the lower access panel. If you feel confident enough to do it, then check it over for signs of damage (or for anything that’s clogging it up). Get that sorted and the machine is sure to work better afterward.
Here’s how to do it.
7. Call a Pro
If all else fails, it might be time to ask for help.
There’s no shame in it. After all, the DIY approach can only take you so far sometimes!
Calling in a professional plumber or dishwasher technician will see the problem solved in no time. They’ve got all the tools and skills required for the task.
Lack the time or inclination to get your dishwasher cleaning properly again? Showing signs you need dishwasher repair? Paying someone else to do it makes a lot of sense.
Get a reputable pro to come out and you’ll be back up and running in a flash.
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Well? Time to Fix It!
Dishwashers play a vital role in the lives of many.
They mean you don’t have to do the dishes by hand! Which is why it’s never fun when it stops cleaning properly.
Is your dishwasher not cleaning well? Hopefully, the tips in this post will make a difference.
Still struggling and looking for plumbing services in Salt Lake City? We can help.
Contact us today to learn more.