7 Reasons Your Dishes Are Still Dirty After a Dishwasher Cycle

Using a dishwasher is one of the best ways to save time and clean up your kitchen. But if your dishes are coming out questionable or even dirty after running the dishwasher, re-washing makes the process much longer. Save time and effort by taking simple steps to ensure you have sparkling dishes in just one wash. Experts offer tips to help you avoid common blunders and keep your dishwasher running smoothly so your dishes get cleaned well every time. 

You’re Not Scraping Your Dishes 

It’s tempting to chuck dirty dishes into the dishwasher as they are, but it’s important to gently scrape them clean with a utensil first. Leaving large chunks of dirt and debris on your dishes can clog up your dishwasher and prevent it from spraying your dishes thoroughly. If your dishwasher is on the older side, you may need to lightly pre-rinse your plates as well.

You’re Not Loading the Dishwasher Properly

“The most common problem is a loading issue,” says Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance repair service. “Make sure you are loading your dishwasher the way the manufacturer shows you in the use and care manual that came with your dishwasher and that you don’t have anything stacked on top of another dish that would block the water.” When you load your dishwasher, keep the dishes clear of each other so they’re not blocking other dishes or the spray arms of your machine. 

You’re Overloading the Dishwasher

Overloading the dishwasher by packing too many dishes into the washer blocks the efficient flow of the cleaning cycle. “Blocking the spray arms or cramming dishes together prevents proper water circulation,” says Darin Detwiler, associate professor of food policy at Northeastern University. “Space dishes evenly, ensuring no large items block the spray arms. Follow your dishwasher’s rack-loading guidelines.” Allow enough room between dishes for the spray and soap to penetrate and your dishes will come out clean. 

You’re Using the Wrong Temperature 

Using cool water temperatures lessens the cleaning power of your dishwasher. Water that’s not warm enough can’t sanitize dishes well. “Water below 120°F (49°C) isn’t hot enough to dissolve food residue, grease, or properly sanitize,” explains Detwiler. “Set your water heater to 120°F–150°F (49°C–66°C). Run the hot water in your sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher to ensure hot water enters immediately.”

You’re Not Using Detergent Properly

Choosing the right detergent for your dish cleaning needs and water type is crucial for cleaning your dishes well. “Ineffective or insufficient detergent won’t break down grease and food particles,” Detwiler says. “Use a high-quality detergent compatible with your water hardness level and follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions.” 

“Also, don’t skip the rinse aid,” Lewis advises. “If you have hard water, you might need a product to break up those minerals, so the detergent doesn’t stick to your dishes along with any food particles that didn’t go down the drain.” 

You’re Not Using the Settings Correctly 

If your dishes come out cloudy or only partially cleaned, you may be using your machine’s settings wrong. Make sure you customize the settings for each load based on the dish type and soil level. “Using a light or quick cycle for heavily soiled dishes won’t provide sufficient cleaning,” Detwiler says. “Use heavy-duty or intensive cycles for pots, pans, and heavily soiled dishes.”

You’re Not Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers experience wear and tear from regular use and require some care and maintenance. Check your filter and clean it thoroughly to prevent debris from piling up. Detwiler recommends doing regular maintenance by cleaning the dishwasher’s filter, spray arms, and seals weekly to prevent bacterial growth.

“Food debris can clog the holes in spray arms, reducing water pressure and coverage,” Detwiler says. “Remove and clean spray arms regularly using a toothpick or small brush to clear out debris. Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar monthly to remove limescale and odors.”