Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Common Faults & When to Call an Expert for Repair in SA

There’s little more frustrating than opening your dishwasher after a cycle, expecting sparkling clean dishes, only to find them still caked with food or covered in a cloudy film. A malfunctioning dishwasher can disrupt your entire kitchen routine. While some issues might be simple fixes you can tackle yourself, others signal a more serious problem that requires the expertise of a qualified professional.

This guide will help you understand the common reasons why your dishwasher might not be cleaning effectively, what simple checks you can perform, and when it’s time to call in a South African appliance repair specialist.

Why Your Dishwasher Isn't Getting Dishes Clean

When dishes emerge from the dishwasher still dirty, it's usually due to one of several common culprits. Our expert repair technicians often share that the first step in troubleshooting is to observe the specific symptoms.

1. Clogged Spray Arms

One of the most frequent reasons for poor cleaning is blocked spray arms. These arms, located at the bottom and sometimes in the middle of your dishwasher, have small nozzles that spray water during the wash cycle. If these nozzles get clogged with food particles, limescale, or detergent residue, the water distribution is compromised, and your dishes won't get a proper rinse.

• Expert Insight: "I once visited a client who was convinced their dishwasher was dying," shared a technician from Durban. "Turns out, the spray arm nozzles were completely gunked up with dried mielie meal. A good clean sorted it right out."

2. Insufficient Water Temperature

For effective cleaning, your dishwasher needs hot water to dissolve grease and activate your detergent. If the water isn't hot enough, dishes won't be cleaned properly and may come out greasy or cloudy. This could be an issue with your home's hot water supply or the dishwasher's heating element.

3. Detergent Dispenser Issues

Your detergent needs to be released at the right time during the wash cycle. If the dispenser is blocked, not opening correctly, or if you're using the wrong type or amount of detergent, your dishes won't get the cleaning power they need. This often manifests as detergent residue left on dishes or in the dispenser cup.

4. Blocked Filters

Most dishwashers have filters designed to trap food particles and prevent them from recirculating onto your dishes. If these filters become clogged, the water circulating in the dishwasher will be dirty, and your dishes will come out grimy. These filters are usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, beneath the lower spray arm.

• Expert Insight: A Pretoria-based repairman recounted, "A homeowner called me out because their dishes always had a gritty film. The culprit? A completely forgotten and never-cleaned filter. It was almost solid with food debris!"

5. Faulty Drain Pump or Hose

If your dishwasher isn't draining properly, dirty water can sit in the tub or recirculate during the rinse cycle, leaving dishes soiled. A tell-tale sign is standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle. This could be due to a clogged drain hose, a malfunctioning drain pump, or an issue with your home's plumbing.

6. Issues with the Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If this valve is faulty or partially blocked, insufficient water might enter the machine, leading to inadequate cleaning and possibly a humming noise as the machine struggles to draw water.

7. Worn-Out Components (e.g., Wash Motor, Circulation Pump)

Over time, components like the wash motor or circulation pump can wear out. If the wash motor isn't powerful enough, the spray arms won't spin effectively, and water won't be sprayed with sufficient pressure. A failing circulation pump might lead to inconsistent water flow throughout the machine.

Simple Checks You Can Do Yourself

Before you panic and call in a professional, try these basic troubleshooting steps. You might be surprised how often a simple adjustment can solve the problem.

1. Check and Clean the Filters

This is often the easiest and most effective first step. Refer to your dishwasher's user manual for specific instructions on how to remove and clean the filters. Most are twist-and-lock or clip-in mechanisms. Rinse them under warm running water, using a soft brush to remove any stubborn debris.

2. Inspect and Clean Spray Arms

Spin the spray arms by hand to ensure they rotate freely. Then, use a toothpick or a small piece of wire to clear any blocked holes. Sometimes, you might need to unscrew and remove the spray arms for a more thorough clean.

3. Load Your Dishwasher Correctly

Overloading or improper loading can prevent water and detergent from reaching all surfaces of your dishes. Ensure dishes aren't nesting together and that larger items don't block the spray arms' rotation. Face heavily soiled items towards the spray arms.

4. Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid

Ensure you are using fresh, high-quality dishwasher detergent. Old or clumped detergent can be ineffective. Also, always use rinse aid, especially in areas with hard water, as it helps prevent water spots and aids in drying. Check the rinse aid dispenser and refill it if necessary.

5. Verify Water Temperature

Your hot water supply should be at least 49°C (120°F) for optimal dishwasher performance. Run your kitchen tap hot for a minute before starting the dishwasher to ensure it receives hot water from the outset.

6. Check for Blockages in the Drain

If you have standing water, carefully remove the bottom rack and look for any visible blockages around the drain area. Sometimes, a piece of broken glass or a small utensil can get lodged there.

When to Call an Expert for Dishwasher Repair in South Africa

While the DIY checks can resolve minor issues, there are clear signs it's time to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Attempting complex repairs without the proper knowledge or tools can be dangerous and could void your appliance's warranty.

• No Power or Tripped Breaker: If your dishwasher won't turn on at all, or if it trips your circuit breaker when you try to start it, there could be an electrical fault. This requires a certified electrician or appliance technician who understands SANS regulations.
• Persistent Leaks: Any water leaking from the dishwasher, especially from underneath, can indicate a faulty seal, a cracked hose, or a problem with the pump. Water damage can be costly, so address leaks immediately.
• Unusual Noises: Grinding, buzzing, or loud knocking sounds during operation often point to a problem with the wash motor, drain pump, or other internal components that require professional diagnosis.
• Water Not Draining: If you’ve checked for simple blockages and water still isn't draining, the drain pump might be faulty, or there could be a more complex plumbing issue.
• Repeated Error Codes: Modern dishwashers often display error codes. While some can be resolved with a simple reset (refer to your manual), persistent or unfamiliar codes usually indicate a specific internal fault.
• Heating Problems: If the water isn't heating up (dishes are cold after a cycle, or the drying element isn't working), the heating element or thermostat might be faulty. These are electrical components best handled by a professional.
• Detergent Dispenser Not Opening: If the dispenser consistently fails to open or is stuck, the mechanism might be broken and require replacement.

Repairing dishwashers involves working with electricity and water, which can be hazardous if not handled correctly. An experienced appliance repair specialist in South Africa will have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and knowledge to safely identify and fix the problem, ensuring your dishwasher is back to sparkling performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

A1: It's generally recommended to clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you use your dishwasher daily or wash dishes with a lot of food residue. A quick rinse after every few cycles can also prevent buildup.

Q2: Why are my glasses cloudy after washing in the dishwasher?

A2: Cloudy glasses are often a sign of hard water deposits (limescale) or etching. Using a rinse aid regularly can help prevent limescale buildup. If it's etching, it's permanent damage from soft water combined with too much detergent, or overly hot water, and unfortunately, cannot be reversed.

Q3: Can I use regular dish soap in my dishwasher?

A3: Absolutely not. Regular dish soap creates excessive suds that can overflow your dishwasher, damage internal components, and leave a sticky residue on your dishes. Always use detergent specifically formulated for dishwashers.

Q4: My dishwasher smells bad. What can I do?

A4: A foul smell is usually due to food particles trapped in the filter, drain, or other crevices. Clean your filter thoroughly. You can also run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack, or use a commercial dishwasher cleaner, to remove grease and grime buildup.