Nothing is more frustrating than opening your dishwasher after a cycle only to find dirty dishes, standing water, or mysterious residue. Before you call an appliance repair technician and face a substantial service fee, many common dishwasher problems can be diagnosed and fixed at home with basic tools and a bit of knowledge. This guide covers the most frequent issues Australian homeowners encounter and provides practical solutions.
Key Takeaway
Many dishwasher problems stem from simple maintenance issues like clogged filters, blocked spray arms, or incorrect loading. Before calling for repairs, work through these troubleshooting steps to potentially save hundreds of dollars in service fees.
Dishes Coming Out Dirty or With Residue
This is the most common complaint among dishwasher owners. When dishes emerge with food particles, a gritty film, or white residue, several factors could be at play.
Check the Filter
The filter is often the primary culprit when dishes don't come out clean. A clogged filter restricts water flow and allows food particles to recirculate onto your dishes. Remove the filter, located at the bottom of your dishwasher, and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn debris. You should clean your filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you don't scrape dishes before loading.
Inspect the Spray Arms
The spray arms have small holes that can become blocked with food particles, mineral deposits, or even small items like broken glass. Remove each spray arm and hold it up to the light. If you can't see through the holes, use a toothpick or thin wire to clear them. Also check that the spray arms spin freely when reinstalled.
Review Your Loading Technique
Overloading or improper loading prevents water and detergent from reaching all surfaces. Ensure dishes aren't blocking the spray arms or nesting together. Large items like cutting boards and baking trays shouldn't obstruct water flow to other racks.
Water Temperature Matters
Your dishwasher needs hot water to clean effectively. Run the hot tap at your kitchen sink until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher. This ensures the first fill uses hot water rather than cold water sitting in the pipes.
Dishwasher Not Draining Properly
If you open your dishwasher to find standing water at the bottom, drainage is compromised. This can lead to odours and hygiene issues if not addressed promptly.
Clear the Drain Area
Check around the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher for food debris, broken glass, or other obstructions. Remove anything you find. Also check that the drain cover sits flat and isn't dislodged.
Examine the Drain Hose
If accessible, check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. The hose should have a high loop before connecting to your sink drain or garbage disposal to prevent backflow. A kinked hose is a common issue, especially after the dishwasher has been moved or the sink cabinet accessed.
Check the Air Gap or Garbage Disposal
If your dishwasher connects to a garbage disposal, ensure the knockout plug was removed when the disposal was installed. Also, running the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher clears the drain line.
Cloudy Glasses and White Film on Dishes
This problem is particularly common in Australian homes due to varying water hardness across different regions.
Hard Water Deposits
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits can leave a white film on glassware and dishes. This is especially prevalent in Adelaide, parts of Perth, and many regional areas. Use rinse aid consistently and consider using a dishwasher cleaner monthly to remove limescale buildup inside the machine.
Etching Damage
Cloudy glasses can also result from etching, which is permanent damage to the glass surface. This occurs when soft water combined with too much detergent or high water temperature attacks the glass. If the cloudiness doesn't wipe off, the glass is etched and cannot be repaired. Reduce detergent amounts if you have soft water or a water softener.
Test Your Glasses
To determine if clouding is hard water deposits or etching, soak a cloudy glass in white vinegar for 15 minutes. If the cloudiness disappears, it's mineral deposits. If it remains, the glass is etched.
Strange Noises During Operation
Some noise is normal, but new or unusual sounds can indicate problems.
Grinding or Humming
A grinding noise often indicates something is caught in the pump or chopper blade. Small items like bones, fruit pits, or broken glass can cause this. Stop the dishwasher, remove the bottom rack, and carefully check the drain area and around the spray arm base for foreign objects.
Thumping or Knocking
A rhythmic thumping usually means something is interfering with the spray arm rotation. Check that tall items in the lower rack aren't blocking the spray arm's path. Also ensure the spray arm is properly attached and not wobbling.
Squealing or Screeching
High-pitched sounds may indicate a failing pump motor or worn bearings. If cleaning the filter and drain area doesn't resolve squealing sounds, professional service is likely needed.
Dishwasher Won't Start
Before assuming a major failure, check these common issues.
Door Latch Issues
Dishwashers have safety switches that prevent operation if the door isn't properly latched. Ensure the door is closing completely and the latch is engaging. Check for items on the racks that might be preventing full closure.
Control Lock or Child Lock
Many dishwashers have a control lock feature that can be accidentally activated. Consult your user manual for how to deactivate this feature, which typically involves holding a button or combination of buttons for several seconds.
Power Supply
Check that the dishwasher is receiving power. Test the outlet with another appliance, check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box, and ensure the power cord is properly connected if accessible.
Leaking Dishwasher
Water on your kitchen floor is concerning but often has straightforward causes.
Door Gasket
Inspect the rubber seal around the door for cracks, tears, or debris. Food particles caught in the gasket can prevent proper sealing. Clean the gasket with warm soapy water and check for damage. Damaged gaskets should be replaced.
Oversudsing
Using regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent, or using too much detergent, creates excessive suds that can push water through door seals. Run a cycle with no detergent to clear the suds, and always use the correct detergent type and amount.
Check the Door Alignment
If your dishwasher has been bumped or the kitchen floor has shifted, the door may no longer align properly with the cabinet. This can prevent the gasket from sealing correctly. Many dishwashers have adjustable feet that can help correct alignment issues.
Safety First
If you notice significant leaking, unusual electrical smells, or your dishwasher won't turn off, disconnect it from power immediately and call a professional. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
When to Call a Professional
While many problems can be resolved at home, some issues require professional expertise:
- Persistent error codes that don't clear after resetting
- Burning smells or visible electrical damage
- Water leaking from the bottom of the unit rather than the door
- Complete failure to fill with water
- Motor or pump failure
- Electronic control board issues
When calling for service, note any error codes displayed, describe the symptoms precisely, and mention any troubleshooting steps you've already tried. This helps technicians diagnose the problem more quickly, potentially reducing your service costs.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance prevents most common problems from occurring:
- Weekly: Wipe door edges and gasket, clear debris from drain area
- Monthly: Clean filter, check spray arms for blockages
- Quarterly: Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar
- Annually: Inspect hoses for wear, check door latch mechanism
By addressing minor issues promptly and maintaining your dishwasher regularly, you can avoid most major problems and extend the lifespan of your appliance by several years.