Dishes Don’t Get Clean in Dishwasher? Common Problems and Quick Tips
- Lydia Flynn
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
Table of Contents:
The trusty dishwasher – a busy family's most precious appliance. These nifty machines are designed to get crockery and cutlery sparkling clean with minimal effort, which is priceless when you lead a hectic lifestyle. But dishwashers aren't always 100% foolproof. If you're a seasoned dishwasher user, you might have experienced your dishes coming out still a little dirty, just as dirty as they went in, or even covered in a greasy film you can't quite identify.
In this post, we'll cover the top reasons why your dishwasher isn't doing a stellar job and share some practical tips on how to improve its performance.
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Try Cleaning the Filter
If you've found your dishwasher has previously done a great job and has either slowly or suddenly started leaving debris on your dishes after cleaning, you might need to clean the filter.
Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub, usually made up of a flat mesh screen and a removable cylindrical piece. The screen catches larger food bits, while the cylinder traps finer debris. Regular cleaning of this filter is essential for maintaining the dishwasher's efficiency and ensuring that your dishes come out clean.
You'll need to take out these components once a month, at the very least, and give them a good clean with hot soapy water (and a bottle brush can come in handy to get in between small gaps).
Don't Overcrowd Your Dishwasher
It’s tempting to shove as many dishes as possible into the dishwasher to save time— but overcrowding can actually stop your dishes from getting clean. When items are packed too tightly, water and detergent can’t circulate properly, leaving some dishes dirty or spotted.
To get the best results, load your dishwasher thoughtfully: give each item enough space (for example, aim for 1-2 inches between plates) for water to reach all surfaces and don't cram items together too tightly in the cutlery basket.
Rinse Excess Debris off Under the Tap First
While dishwashers are fantastic at getting stubborn grime off your dishes, sometimes they need a little help.
Too much food debris on your dishes can not only clog the dishwasher filter more quickly, but it also makes your dishwasher work harder than it’s supposed to, meaning your dishes might not come out as clean.
This is why it’s good practice to rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and scrape off any dense grime such as burnt food so the appliance can do its job effectively.
Don't Add Non-Dishwasher Friendly Items
Some items just aren't designed to get properly clean in a dishwasher, even if they’re technically dishwasher-safe. This is often due to their material, shape, or the way they interact with water and detergent.
Here are a few common items that may not clean well in the dishwasher:
Lightweight plastic items – They can flip over or move around during the wash cycle, preventing proper cleaning.
Deep or narrow containers – Water and detergent may not reach inside thoroughly, leaving residue behind.
Textured or heavily soiled dishes – Rough surfaces or baked-on food may need pre-soaking or scrubbing before the dishwasher cycle to get fully clean.
Items with crevices or hollow handles – Water can get trapped, leading to buildup or poor cleaning results.
Try Adding Rinse Aid
Rinse aid helps your dishes come out shiny and streak-free by stopping water from clinging to them during the final rinse. Instead of leaving behind spots or droplets—especially on glass and plastic—it helps water slide off smoothly, so everything dries faster and looks cleaner.
While it’s not a miracle fix, rinse aid can make a noticeable difference with things like greasy residue or cloudy water marks, giving your dishes that extra sparkle.
Make Sure Your Dishwasher isn't Faulty
If you’ve tried rinsing dishes and cleaning the filter but they’re still coming out dirty, your dishwasher could be faulty. While some issues can be easily troubleshooted by the average dishwasher owner, some issues may require a professional technician to take a deeper look at the problem.
Clogged spray arms – Bits of food or limescale can block the holes, stopping water from reaching dishes. As many dishwashers allow their spray arms to be manually removed, try giving them a rinse under a running tap and see if they're clogged.
Faulty heating element – If the water isn’t hot enough, dishes may come out greasy. A possible fix: Run your kitchen tap until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher. This gives the appliance a head start. If you're still getting bad results from your dishwasher, the internal heating element may be faulty, and it's best to contact an appliance technician to take a look.Â
Low water pressure – Insufficient water flow can lead to patchy cleaning results. Dishwashers have an inlet hose plugged into the back of the appliance that delivers water to the machine. If you can access this, check the hose isn't kinked or damaged and still firmly attached.
Worn door seal or latch – Can cause leaks or prevent the cycle from running properly. Inspect the rubber gasket around the door for any cracks, food buildup or wear. Clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. If the door still doesn’t seal properly, the latch mechanism or seal might need replacing.
Built-up grime inside – Grease and detergent residue can affect performance over time. Empty your dishwasher and run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack and a sprinkle of baking soda across the bottom. Another option is a specialised dishwasher cleaning solution.
A few simple checks—like cleaning the filter, using rinse aid, or loading dishes properly—can make a big difference in how well your dishwasher performs. Look after it, and it’ll keep saving you time and effort every day.
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