10 Common Dishwasher Problems & How to Fix Them

Even the most reliable, high-end dishwashers can experience issues, but this doesn’t always mean you need professional assistance. We’ve compiled a list of the ten most common dishwasher problems, along with easy DIY fixes. Let’s get started!

1. Dishes Not Cleaning Properly

The Problem

Your dishes are coming out of the washer dirty, with grease, grime, or other debris still caked on. This can be caused by a few different issues, including poor drainage or malfunctioning spray arms. 

The Fix

• Unscrew the spray arms and clean them thoroughly. Make sure none of the holes are blocked. If some are obstructed, use a toothpick to clear them. 
• Remove and clean your dishwasher filter. 
• Ensure your dishwasher is not overcrowded. 
• Make sure you use a detergent that is suitable for your dishwasher and water type. 
• If you also notice pooled water in the bottom of your dishwasher, ensure there are no blockages in the drainage hose. 

2. Drainage Issues

The Problem

Water is pooling in the bottom of your dishwasher at the end of every cycle. 

The Fix

• Remove and clean the dishwasher filter. For stubborn grime, try soaking the filter and scrubbing with a soft brush. 
• Check that the drain hose isn’t kinked and that it is properly positioned. 
• Remove the drainage hose (taking care to prevent leaks) and check for a blockage in the hose. 
• Check for blockages in the drain pump impeller. 

3. Cycle Won’t Start

The Problem

When you press “start,” nothing happens. Your cycle doesn’t begin and your dishwasher doesn’t seem to respond, despite the display panel appearing normal. 

The Fix

• Check to ensure your dishwasher hasn’t accidentally been put into child-lock mode. Your manual will have instructions for how to get out of this mode for your particular model. 
• Make sure the door is properly closed, and check for obstructions around the latch. Your dishwasher won’t start if it detects that the door is open. 
• Make sure the touchpad is clean and dry. A wet or greasy touchpad may not register your touch, preventing the cycle from starting. Use a mild detergent and a microfiber cloth to clean it. 

4. Noisy Operation

The Problem

Your dishwasher is far noisier than usual when it runs. This is usually due to wear and tear in the moving parts, but it can also be from drainage issues. 

The Fix

• Make sure your dishwasher can drain properly by cleaning out the filter and inspecting the drainage hose. 
• Check to ensure nothing is obstructing the spray arms when they rotate. 
• If you are confident with electrical DIY, inspect the pump and motor assembly for damage and replace them if needed. 

5. Leaks

The Problem

You have noticed water leaking or pooling around your dishwasher when it runs, causing damage to your flooring and the surrounding area. 

The Fix

• Check the door seals to ensure they fit tightly. Replace if necessary. 
• Make sure the water inlet hoses and the drainage hose are properly attached. 
• Check that the float switch isn’t stuck in the “down” position, causing your dishwasher to overflow. 

6. Excessive Suds

The Problem: Your dishwasher fills with excess suds when you use it. You may also notice suds remaining in the bottom of the dishwasher after the cycle is finished, and excessive residue on your dishes. 

The Fix

• Make sure you are using the correct dish detergent for your machine and water type.
• Ensure you’re only using the recommended amount of dish detergent. 

7. Door Not Closing

The Problem

The dishwasher door isn’t closing properly, preventing the cycle from starting. 

The Fix

• Make sure the dish racks are not misaligned, as this can prevent the door from properly latching. 
• Check around the door for any obstructions that may be preventing closure. 
• Inspect the door seals. If the seals are loose, press them back into place. 
• Check the latch to see if it’s faulty. If it’s broken or damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can either leave this to a professional or attempt it yourself with a compatible replacement part. 

8. Not Filling With Water

The Problem

When you start the dishwasher cycle, the interior doesn’t fill with water, or only fills a small amount. 

The Fix

• Check the water inlet hoses. Make sure both hoses are turned fully on, and check to ensure that the hoses are not kinked. 
• Ensure that there is no issue with your home’s water supply. 
• Check the float switch. If it’s stuck in the wrong position, it may prevent the dishwasher from filling altogether. Consult your manual for information on how to adjust the float switch position in your specific dishwasher model. 

9. Heating Issues

The Problem

Your dishwasher is not heating the water sufficiently, leading to cold washes and improperly cleaned dishes. Hot water is needed to properly activate the dishwasher detergent. 

The Fix

• First, make sure you haven’t accidentally set your dishwasher to a cold or delicate cycle, as these often use cold water. 
• Disconnect your dishwasher from the power, then locate the heating element with the help of your dishwasher manual. 
• Use a multimeter to test if the heating element has continuity. 
• If the element is not functioning, replace it with a compatible part. 
• If the heating element is functioning, check the thermostat, and replace it if faulty. 

10. Dishes Not Drying

The Problem

Your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher still wet, requiring manual drying after every load. 

The Fix

• Check that your dishwasher isn’t set to a cold or eco setting, as these often don’t dry dishes very thoroughly. 
• Make sure your dishes are stacked with gaps between them, as crowded dishes don’t dry properly. 
• Make sure the dryer vent is not obstructed, as this can prevent moist air from escaping. 
• As soon as the dishwasher cycle finishes, try cracking open your dishwasher and placing a tea towel in the gap. This is a well-known hack that many people believe ensures perfectly dry dishes.