Could it be clogged filter?

Twist out the filter in the tub base and look for a film of grease and debris. Wash it in hot soapy water. Most manufacturers ask for this monthly, and almost nobody does it. Typical cost: DIY.

Could it be blocked spray-arm jets?

Spin each spray arm by hand and hold it up to the light. Mineral scale and seeds block the small holes. Unclip the arms and clear each hole with a toothpick or wire, then soak in white vinegar to dissolve scale. Typical cost: DIY.

Could it be incoming water not hot enough?

Run the kitchen tap until hot before starting a cycle. Dishwashers are designed around roughly 120°F water. Raise the water heater setting, or run the tap first so the machine does not fill with cold water. Typical cost: DIY.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes

Dishes coming out dirty is usually a water problem, not a pump problem: a clogged filter, blocked spray-arm holes, or incoming water that is not hot enough.

Causes, in order of likelihood

Causes of dishwasher not cleaning dishes, with typical repair costs
Cause	How often	Typical cost
Clogged filter	Most common	DIY
Blocked spray-arm jets	Most common	DIY
Incoming water not hot enough	Common	DIY
Hard-water scale and the wrong detergent	Common	DIY
Overloading or blocked spray arms	Common	DIY
Worn circulation pump or wash motor	Less common	$260–$560

1. Clogged filterYou can check this

How to check: Twist out the filter in the tub base and look for a film of grease and debris.

The fix: Wash it in hot soapy water. Most manufacturers ask for this monthly, and almost nobody does it.

2. Blocked spray-arm jetsYou can check this

How to check: Spin each spray arm by hand and hold it up to the light. Mineral scale and seeds block the small holes.

The fix: Unclip the arms and clear each hole with a toothpick or wire, then soak in white vinegar to dissolve scale.

3. Incoming water not hot enoughYou can check this

How to check: Run the kitchen tap until hot before starting a cycle. Dishwashers are designed around roughly 120°F water.

The fix: Raise the water heater setting, or run the tap first so the machine does not fill with cold water.

4. Hard-water scale and the wrong detergentYou can check this

How to check: A chalky white film on glassware points at mineral content rather than a fault.

The fix: Use rinse aid, keep detergent fresh and sealed, and run a dishwasher cleaner monthly. In hard-water areas this is maintenance, not an optional extra.

5. Overloading or blocked spray armsYou can check this

How to check: A tall pan or a plate hanging through the rack stops the upper arm rotating.

The fix: Reload so nothing obstructs the arms, and do not nest items.

6. Worn circulation pump or wash motorTechnician job

How to check: If everything above is clear and wash pressure is visibly weak, the pump is losing performance.

The fix: Pump replacement.

When to call a technician

Book a technician when the filter and arms are clean, the water is hot, and dishes still come out soiled — that points at the circulation pump or the diverter.

Describe the fault and get matched with an independent appliance technician in California.

Call (844) 659-0046