DISHWASHER TROUBLESHOOTING: TIPS ON HOW TO FIX 6 ISSUES
Your dishwasher is one of the hardest working appliances in your household, so when it begins to perform differently than expected, you notice. Issues like leaks, unpleasant odors, poor draining, or dishes coming out dirty can be easy to take care of by following a few simple steps. Here are some dishwasher troubleshooting tips that may help identify and solve possible dishwasher problems.
1. HOW CAN I FIX A LEAKING DISHWASHER?
A leaky dishwasher is the last thing anyone wants to deal with, but the solution may be simple like switching detergent, loading dishes differently or replacing the door seal. Before scheduling a service call, try these tips to help prevent dishwasher leaks:
USE THE CORRECT DETERGENT
Dishwashers should only be loaded with detergent that is specified for automatic dishwashers. Premium detergents, specifically, tend to be more effective than bargain brands at cleaning your dishes. Regular dish soap creates too many suds, which can overflow the tub, cause your dishwasher to leak on the floor and erode the inside of your dishwasher. While tempting, do not use dish soap in your dishwasher.
Load your dishwasher properly
In order for your dishwasher to run properly, it’s important to load dishes correctly. An overloaded or improperly loaded dishwasher can block spray arms, prevent water drainage, or cause the door not to seal correctly, which can cause leaks.
Check for signs of aging
Like all appliances, your dishwasher will go through normal wear and tear. Depending on the age of your dishwasher, it may be time to replace the door seal. First, try cleaning your door seal. Then, if that doesn’t do the trick, look to see if the seal is making full contact with the dishwasher. Also, check for signs of erosion on the bottom of your dishwasher. If you see any cracks or holes, it might be time to consider a new machine.
2. HOW CAN I FIX A DISHWASHER THAT WON’T DRAIN?
If your dishwasher has a filter, it’s normal to see a small amount of standing water in the filter area. However, If you see more than an inch of water accumulating in your dishwasher filter, you may have a clog. Fixing a clogged dishwasher might be possible by following a few short steps:
Step 1: LOCATE THE FILTER
The filter should be somewhere on the bottom of the dishwasher. It will typically be covered by a cage or grille. Understanding the differences between hard food disposers and filtration systems can help you identify which filter your dishwasher may be using.
Step 2: REMOVE THE FILTER
Many dishwashers allow you to remove the filter by hand while others may require a screwdriver. You'll usually need to give the filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and a quick pull to remove it. Refer to your dishwasher’s use and care guide for model-specific instructions.
Step 3: RINSE THE FILTER
Rinsing your filter under the faucet will remove most soils and debris. If food particles don’t rinse off easily, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes. Do not use a wire brush or scouring pad, as they may damage the filter. If you discover that you need a new filter altogether, browse Maytag brand's selection of dishwasher filters.
Step 4: REPLACE THE FILTER
Replace your filter by turning it clockwise until it clicks in or the arrows align. Run your dishwasher as you normally would, and if it drains, you’re all set. If you need more help troubleshooting your dishwasher filter, this helpful guide can help you clean your filter.
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3. HOW CAN I FIX A DISHWASHER THAT’S NOT CLEANING DISHES?
When dishes come out less than clean, the most basic dishwasher troubleshooting tips can be the most helpful: Make sure you’re not using too much detergent, try adding rinse aid or switch up your loading pattern. Keep reading to discover tips that can help your dishes come out as they should. Keep reading to discover tips that can help get your dishes clean.
HOW CAN I FIX STREAKY DISHES?
This issue may stem from the hardness of your water. Over time, minerals can accumulate on your glassware, causing streaks. Switching to a detergent that combats water hardness is recommended, and use rinse aid to help your dishes dry faster and clearer.
HOW CAN I PREVENT BLACK OR GRAY MARKS ON DISHES?
Be mindful of how you place items into the dishwasher. Avoid placing aluminum utensils next to glassware and dishes, as they can rub against each other and cause markings and scratches. To help prevent etching on glassware, you can also change your dishwasher detergent, refrain from prewashing dishes or even run a shorter cycle.
HOW CAN I PREVENT CLOUDY GLASSWARE?
It’s important to use the correct amount of detergent, since overusing detergent will leave residue on your dishes and glassware. Rinse aid can be effective at helping to prevent white or cloudy residue on glassware. If cloudiness still persists, discover more tips for cleaning cloudy glassware.
USE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF DETERGENT
When it comes to your dishwasher detergent, less is more. Start with one tablespoon of detergent or one detergent tablet or pack. If your dishes still come out dirty, check your detergent’s instructions to see if it’s advisable to add more or switch up the brand. It’s generally recommended that you use rinse aid in addition to your detergent to help prevent water spots or film from forming on your dishes.
4. HOW CAN I GET RID OF DISHWASHER SMELLS?
The most likely culprit of odors coming from your dishwasher is food particles that have gotten stuck over time. An easy fix to this problem is to clean the filter and then run a white vinegar rinse. Follow the steps below to clean your dishwasher with vinegar:
Step 1: PLACE VINEGAR IN the DISHWASHER
Fill two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container, and place it on the lower rack of your dishwasher.
Step 2: RUN A Normal CYCLE
Run a Normal cycle on your dishwasher without using any detergent. Select an air dry option instead of a heated dry option that is featured on some models.
Step 3: Wipe down the dishwasher interior
Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a soft cloth to remove any debris. Run another cycle, this time with detergent, as you normally would, with or without dishes. If the smell still persists, you can find even more ways to deep clean your dishwasher.
Clean your dishwasher once a month
Cleaning your dishwasher once a month helps maximize machine performance. Cleaners such as affresh® dishwasher cleaner help remove limescale and mineral build-up that could affect your dishwasher’s performance.1
5. HOW CAN I FIX A DISHWASHER THAT WON’T START?
While you may not expect this issue, an unresponsive dishwasher is a problem you may encounter at some point. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you’re left with a stack of dirty dishes to wash by hand.
Check that one of these possible dishwasher problems isn’t the culprit: it’s in sleep or standby mode, you have the control lock on or it’s in need of a reset. Make sure you’re familiar with the parts of your dishwasher before you begin troubleshooting.
Is it on Sleep Mode or Standby?
Make sure that your dishwasher isn’t on standby or sleep mode. Press the Start or Resume button, and wait for it to restart. You can also simply open and shut the door again, since the door may not have been shut properly.
Is the Control Lock set?
If your dishwasher control panel is not working, or if it seems to be completely off even when it’s connected to its power source, the Control Lock might be set. Consult your owner’s manual to see how you can deactivate it. Learn more about how to reset a dishwasher that is experiencing control panel issues.
Try turning the power off and on
If the dishwasher is still unresponsive, it may be time to do a reset of your machine. To reset your dishwasher, simply disconnect from the power source for a full minute before plugging back in. For dishwashers without a plug, you’ll need to turn off the breaker.
6. HOW CAN I FIX A DISHWASHER THAT WON’T FILL WITH WATER?
You can always consider consulting a professional if you notice that your dishwasher isn’t filling with water; however, it may be beneficial to ask yourself these troubleshooting questions to help mitigate the problem first.
IS THE DISHWASHER DOOR CLOSED?
If your dishwasher door is open or unlatched, it will prevent the appliance from filling with water. Double check the door is closed or there aren’t any obstructions that may be preventing it from latching. If the problem persists, you may need to consult a professional.
IS THE WATER SUPPLY VALVE CLOSED OR CLOGGED?
In order for water to properly enter your dishwasher, the water supply valve needs to be open with no obstructions. Find the supply line underneath your sink and check to ensure the valve has been turned to the open position.
Additionally, be sure the valve isn’t leaking or blocked. Low water supply may be a sign that a blockage is present and you may need to enlist the help of a professional. However, if you detect a leak, check that all connections to the valve are secured by tightening with a wrench. Placing a bucket underneath the valve before tightening can help catch water that may escape.
IS THE WATER INLET VALVE CLOGGED?
Your dishwasher’s water inlet valve allows various amounts of water to enter your appliance at different times during a cycle. If the inlet valve has a clog, it may prevent your dishwasher from filling up with water.
The inlet valve is typically located at the base of the inner left panel on your dishwasher. If the valve needs to be cleaned, use clean, dry towels to remove any buildup. You can also use a flashlight to check for blockages at the mouth of the valve. For mechanical or electrical malfunctions regarding the inlet valve, you’ll need to consult a professional.
DOES THE FLOAT SWITCH NEED CLEANING?
The float switch prevents your dishwasher from overfilling. However, if it’s not working properly, it may need to be cleaned. Otherwise, it may not allow your dishwasher to fill at all. You can typically find the float in the front right corner of your dishwasher’s tub. After locating it, check to see that it can move with ease. If it needs to be cleaned, use a clean, dry towel to remove any obstructions.
STILL NEED HELP WITH YOUR DISHWASHER?
Schedule a service call
If your dishwasher is still giving you trouble after troubleshooting, it might be time to schedule a service call. If you’re not sure how to repair your dishwasher or don’t feel comfortable tinkering with it, scheduling an appointment for your appliance can help. Need a service call for your Maytag® dishwasher? Call customer service at 1-800-344-1274.
CONSIDER BUYING A NEW DISHWASHER
If your dishwasher is ready for an upgrade, it may be time to consider purchasing a new model. Maytag brand has a wide selection of dishwashers designed to power through your tough kitchen messes. Learn more about different types of dishwashers to find the model that’s right for you.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
Maytag® dishwashers with Dual Power Filtration let you skip soaking, scrubbing and pre-rinsing with filtration that’s been tested tough to deliver clean dishes the first time. Explore hardworking dishwasher models available from Maytag brand, like front control and top control models, to find the best fit for your home.
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DISCOVER MORE HELPFUL APPLIANCE TIPS FROM MAYTAG BRAND
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
