A clogged filter
A filter packed with debris restricts water flow and can redeposit grit on dishes.
Troubleshooting guide
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes: Causes & What to Check
If dishes come out gritty, cloudy, or still dirty, the dishwasher is usually not getting water or wash action to the dishes. Most causes are easy to check before you call.
Already know you need a technician? Call 850-769-8021 or request service.
Common causes
What usually causes it
Blocked spray-arm holes
Food particles and mineral scale plug the small holes in the spray arms, so water does not reach the dishes with enough force.
Spray arms that cannot spin
A tall item, a handle, or a utensil can block an arm. If the arm cannot rotate, dishes in that area do not get cleaned.
Water that is not hot enough
Detergents work best with hot water. Manufacturers commonly recommend an incoming temperature around 120°F.
Detergent or loading problems
Too little detergent, old detergent, overloading, or blocking the dispenser door can all leave dishes dirty.
A weak wash pump
If the pump no longer moves enough water, the spray arms have no pressure. This is a repair item.
Safe checks
What you can check yourself
These steps are safe for most homeowners. If a step feels beyond your comfort level, skip it and call.
- Remove and clean the filter, then check the sump area for debris.
- Take off the spray arms if they release easily and poke the jets clear with a toothpick. Soak them in vinegar if you see scale.
- Spin each arm by hand to make sure nothing blocks it, and rearrange tall items.
- Run the kitchen faucet hot before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with hot water.
- Check that the detergent is fresh, you are using the right amount, and the dispenser door opens fully.
When to call
When it is time to call a technician
Call if dishes are still dirty after cleaning the filter and spray arms, if the spray arms do not turn with water flowing, or if you hear the pump running but the spray is weak.
We repair dishwashers, including premium and built-in models, in Panama City and across Northwest Florida.
Service visit
$150 service visit & diagnostic fee
The fee covers the technician's trip, diagnosis, and basic repairs that take under 30 minutes. The fee is not credited toward a larger repair. If a repair needs more time, parts, or specialized work, we give you a repair quote before proceeding. Repairs carry a 30-day labor & diagnostic warranty. See warranty terms.
Local factors
Coastal Florida factors and what technicians look for
Humidity and mineral content both matter in coastal Florida. Scale from your water supply can clog spray-arm holes and coat the interior, and warm, moist air between cycles encourages film and odor in the filter and door seal. Running the dishwasher regularly and wiping the door gasket helps.
Technician insight
A dishwasher that does not clean is almost always a flow problem, which means water is not being delivered or moved the way it should. Technicians follow the water from the inlet to the filter, pump, and spray arms. Many of those steps are the same checks you can do at home, so the earlier ones narrow the list for the technician.
Questions
Common questions
Why are my dishes cloudy?
Cloudy glassware is often caused by mineral film from the water supply or too much detergent, rather than a failed part. A vinegar rinse or a rinse aid can help. Persistent problems warrant a diagnosis.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes?
Large food scraps should be removed, but heavy pre-rinsing is not needed on most modern dishwashers. Detergents work by clinging to food soils.
Could the dishwasher be draining poorly instead?
Yes. Standing water and a dirty filter often go together. See our guide to a dishwasher not draining.
Next step. If dishes stay dirty after the basic checks, request dishwasher service and tell us whether the problem affects every cycle or only certain programs.
“The tech was professional, polite, and fixed my dishwasher and fridge in one trip. Excellent service, highly recommended.”
- Mal3 Arthur · Google reviewNeed a house call?
Call during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM) or send a service request online. We reply within one business day.