You load your dishwasher, press start, and wait for the magic to happen—only to open the door later and find greasy plates, gritty glasses, or stuck-on food. Sound familiar? If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes properly, it’s not just frustrating—it’s also wasting your time, water, and money.
At thematrixsolutions, we understand how vital a functioning dishwasher is to your daily routine. That’s why we’re breaking down the most common reasons dishwashers fail to clean properly, and what you can do to fix the issue—fast.
The spray arms in your dishwasher are responsible for blasting water at your dishes. Over time, food particles, mineral deposits, or hard water buildup can clog the tiny holes in the spray arms, reducing water pressure and cleaning power.
Soak the spray arms in warm vinegar to dissolve deposits. Use a toothpick or brush to clean out any blockages. If the arms are damaged or warped, they may need replacing.
It may surprise you to learn that how you load your dishwasher affects. Overloading can block water and detergent from reaching all items, while improper placement can cause poor rinsing and drying.
Hot water—ideally around 120°F or 49°C—is necessary for dishwashers to breakdown food and activate detergent. If your water heater is set too low, or hot water isn’t reaching the appliance quickly enough, the wash performance suffers.
All detergents are not created equal. Cheap or expired detergent may not clean effectively. Meanwhile, using too much detergent can cause residue, film, or spotting—especially in areas with soft water.
Bonus Tip: Store detergent in a cool, dry place. Moisture can cause powder or tablets to clump and lose effectiveness.
The filter in your dishwasher collects food particles to keep it from clogging. If it’s dirty or blocked, dirty water gets recirculated during the wash cycle—leaving dishes gritty or smelly.
Your dishwasher cannot clean efficiently if it isn't receiving enough water, or any at all. The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the machine. If it’s faulty, you’ll hear a humming noise without water entering.
Check for kinked or blocked supply lines. If water still isn’t entering the unit, contact thematrixsolutions for a professional inspection and valve replacement if necessary.
Sometimes, the problem is mechanical. A failing circulation pump, worn motor, or malfunctioning detergent dispenser can all affect how well your dishwasher cleans.
If your dishwasher is older (8–10 years+), it might be time to consider a tune-up or replacement of certain parts.
DIY maintenance can fix many common dishwasher issues—but if you've tried the basics and your dishwasher still underperforms, it’s time to call in the experts.
At thematrixsolutions, we provide:
Stop washing your dishes twice. If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning like it used to, let thematrixsolutions diagnose the issue and fix it fast—so you can enjoy clean dishes without the hassle.