Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Cleaning Well? Follow Our Troubleshooting Tips for Clean Dishes

Whirlpool dishwashers are renowned for their reliability and efficiency. They offer a solid cleaning performance with added benefits like energy efficiency. You'll find these appliance types in many households around Fort Worth, and for good reason. Their easy-to-use features and low maintenance make them a fan favorite among customers who value both convenience and performance. That's why it is a real shock to even our Fort Worth appliance repair team when a Whirlpool dishwasher isn't cleaning dishes well.

Regardless of how renowned the Whirlpool brand is, it still is an appliance. Like humans, appliances have their strengths and weaknesses. If your unit's weakness is a Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly, Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth will help you identify why. It could be as simple as cleaning the filter or as challenging as replacing a malfunctioning spray arm.

Either way, Mr. Appliance has the expertise to ensure your Whirlpool dishwasher is back to optimal cleaning in no time. Keep reading as we go through how these units operate and common dishwasher troubleshooting to restore functionality.

How a Whirlpool Dishwasher Cleans Dishes

To understand why your Whirlpool dishwasher is not cleaning dishes well, you have to know how it operates. Dishwashers are relatively simple machines with one purpose (to clean dishes), but they are still made up of several essential parts that contribute to an effective wash cycle—knowing how your Whirlpool dishwasher works will be an effective way to solve the common problem we're addressing today.

Let's take a look at the dishwasher cycle and the components that are involved in a cleaning cycle:

Dish Washing Cycle

1. Loading and preparation: Users ensure the unit is loaded properly with dirty dishes. From there, detergent is added, and the specific wash cycle is selected.
2. Water addition and heating: The unit will add water from the water supply to a small basin at the bottom and heat it to the desired temperature (120°F or more, depending on the cycle chosen).
3. Detergent dispensing: The soap dispenser automatically opens during the wash cycle to mix the detergent with heated water.
4. Spraying water: A pump propels the water and detergent up to the spray arms equipped with jets. The arms rotate, spraying high-pressure water against the dishes to remove food particles.
5. Food particle removal: Debris is either caught in a filter or broken down into smaller pieces. The unit's filter prevents food debris from re-depositing onto clean dishes.
6. Rinsing and draining: The Whirlpool dishwasher sprays clean water to rinse the dishes and then drains the water.
7. Drying cycle: A heating element is used to dry dishes by circulating hot air.

Essential Components

1. Dishwasher spray arms: Nothing can block the spray arms to remove food particles effectively. They must be from clogs to ensure proper water distribution.
2. Water temperature: The unit has to run hot water to provide an effective clean. When water isn't hot, it will affect the detergent activation and cleaning cycle.
3. Dishwasher filters: Scrubbing the filters clean is necessary to maintain water pressure and prevent food particles from clinging to your dishes.
4. Dishwasher detergent: You have to use the right type and amount of detergent for optimal cleaning performance.

Now that you're acquainted with the wash cycle and parts involved, we can get into how to fix the issue of why a Whirlpool dishwasher is not cleaning dishes well. Keep reading as we go through how to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher.

Common Reasons For Whirlpool Dishwashers Not Cleaning Dishes Properly and How to Fix It

Dishes Are Too Crowded

While cramming as many dishes into your unit is an effective way to cut back on dishwashing time, it could be the culprit for a Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning well. Dirty dishes like space and water flow may prevent the spray arms from working properly if overcrowded. Avoid crowding your dishes, and make sure larger items like trays and pots aren't obstructing the spray arms. Loading dishes properly is one of the keys to success for an effective wash cycle, and if they're improperly loaded, it could be why your Whirlpool dishwasher might not be cleaning dishes well. Additionally, place smaller dishes on the top rack for better cleaning results, and large items on the bottom rack.

Dirty Dishwasher Filter

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is not cleaning dishes effectively, the next culprit could be a dirty dishwasher filter. Over time, debris will build up on the filter, causing the filter to become clogged. This prevents water from flowing properly through the unit and getting clean dishes. To clean the filter, remove it from the unit by rotating it counterclockwise. Rinse it under hot water and use a brush to remove stubborn debris. Once you've cleaned the filter, run a test cycle to see if the performance improves. Something to note is that hard water can lead to trapped mineral deposits in the filter, affecting the unit's efficiency.

Dirty or Clogged Spray Arm

When the spray arm is dirty, it will prevent water from reaching all the dishes, resulting in a Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning dishes. Therefore, you must clean the spray arms. To clean these essential parts, remove the part by unscrewing it from the unit. Rinse it under hot water and use a brush to remove debris. Once you've cleaned the spray arms, reattach them and run a test cycle. You may have to replace these parts if the performance doesn't improve.

Dishwasher Not Getting Enough Water

An insufficient water supply could be why a Whirlpool dishwasher does not clean dishes adequately. You'll want to make sure that the water supply is turned on and that there are no kinks in the hose that could restrict flow. You could also have a water inlet valve failing to open or debris blocking the spray arm. In these cases, we encourage you to reach out to our team for a dishwasher repair to perform professional Whirlpool dishwasher troubleshooting.

Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth Can Help Solve Why Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Isn't Cleaning Your Dishes

Dishwashers are essential appliances to daily routines, so if you have a Whirlpool dishwasher that is not cleaning and dishes come out dirty, it's time to schedule an appliance service with Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth. Sometimes, it's as easy as using a rinse aid to remove residue, but sometimes, it's as difficult as replacing essential components of the machine for optimal performance. Our crew is dedicated to keeping your dishwasher in great shape, no matter what it takes. Contact our exceptional customer service team today to schedule an appointment.