Dirty Dishes? Common Dishwasher Problems and How to Fix Them

The secret to consistently clean dishes is proper dishwasher cleaning.

Dealing with dishes that don’t come out of the dishwasher completely clean can be frustrating—but figuring out why it happens doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, the reason is often simpler than you think.

Is it time to clean your filter? Are the spray arms blocked? We’re going to teach you how to figure out the cause—and fix it quickly and easily!

Clogged Filters and How to Clean Them

If your dishes come out from the dishwasher with stuck-on food bits or a gritty feel, your filter might be the problem. Over time, food particles and mineral buildup gather in the dishwasher filter, making it hard for it to catch debris effectively. As a result, food leftovers may end up back on your clean dishes.

Your filter is usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher and is easy to clean. Most filters can be taken out by simply twisting the cap. After you take it out, give it a gentle scrub using a soft brush and warm, soapy water.

• How often you should clean your dishwasher

Optimizing Spray Arm Functionality

The spray arms in your dishwasher are critical in cleaning every dish well. These parts are placed strategically around the dishwasher and spray water on your dirty dishes to wash away food particles—but sometimes they get blocked by mineral buildup or food scraps.

Check the spray arms from time to time to make sure they aren’t blocked. If you do see any clogs, you can take the arms off according to your dishwasher's user manual. Then give them a good scrub using a dish brush and warm, soapy water. clean.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Finding the right dishwasher detergent is also important for achieving clean and shiny dishes. Your detergent helps break down food particles and wash them away, but not all detergents are created equally. Using the wrong kind or even too much of the right kind can impact how clean your dishes get.

Our rule of thumb? Pick a dishwasher detergent that’s tried, tested, and proven effective—without any of the harsh ingredients. We love Blueland’s 100% plastic-free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets for sparkling dishes you can feel good about.

Best Practices for Loading Your Dishwasher

Believe it or not, how you load your dishwasher can matter just as much as using the right detergent. If you load it inefficiently, your dishes may stay dirty, even after a full cycle. Here are some best practices to keep in mind.

• Lower rack: Use this space for plates, big bowls, and sturdy items like pots and pans. Load them so they face inward toward the spray arms. This helps water flow easily.
• Top rack: This spot is perfect for cups, mugs, glasses, and small bowls. They should face down to stop water from gathering inside. Also, use the top rack for delicate items that can’t handle the strong washing in the lower rack.
• Avoid overcrowding: Don't try to fit every dish in the dishwasher. Packing it too full will block water flow and lead to dirty dishes. If you have too many, just run a second cycle. This gives enough space for good cleaning.