Matrix HVAC & Appliances
dishwasher-repair

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.

1. Clogged or Dirty Spray Arms

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.

How to Check

  • Remove the lower and upper spray arms.
  • Inspect for food or scale buildup inside the holes.
  • Spin the arms—if they don’t move freely, they may be blocked or jammed.

Solution

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.

2. Overloading or Incorrect Loading

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.

Common mistakes

  • Nesting bowls or spoons too closely
  • Placing tall items near the spray arm or top rack, disrupting rotation

Solution

  • Load plates facing the center.
  • Avoid blocking the spray arms or detergent door.

3. Low Water Temperature

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.

What to Do

  • Run the hot water tap in your sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher.
  • If you have an older water heater or long plumbing runs, consider upgrading or insulating pipes.

4. Using Too Much or the Wrong Detergent

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.

What Works Best

  • Use high-quality detergent that’s compatible with your water type.
  • Consider switching to dishwasher tablets or pods—they offer consistent dosage.

Bonus Tip: Store detergent in a cool, dry place. Moisture can cause powder or tablets to clump and lose effectiveness.

5. Filter Needs Cleaning

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.

How to Clean It

  • Locate the filter under the bottom rack (most modern dishwashers have removable filters).
  • Clean it every 2–4 weeks, or more often if you don’t rinse dishes before loading.

6. Malfunctioning Inlet Valve or Water Supply Issues

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.

Symptoms

  • Dishwasher makes noise but doesn’t fill
  • Cycles take longer than usual
  • Dishes come out dirty or still dry

Fix

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.

7. Worn Out Dishwasher Parts

Sometimes, the problem is mechanical. A failing circulation pump, worn motor, or malfunctioning detergent dispenser can all affect how well your dishwasher cleans.

Warning Signs

  • Loud humming, grinding, or buzzing noises
  • Detergent pod or powder still intact after a cycle
  • No spray or movement inside during operation

If your dishwasher is older (8–10 years+), it might be time to consider a tune-up or replacement of certain parts.

When to Call the Professionals at thematrixsolutions

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:

  • Certified, experienced appliance repair technicians
  • Fast, same-day or next-day service
  • Transparent pricing — no surprise fees

Schedule Your Dishwasher Repair Today

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.

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