When you start the dishwasher before work, you expect to come home and find spotless spoons and glistening glasses ready to unload. What you don’t expect is finding evidence of last night’s Taco Tuesday clinging to half the plates. Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly? A number of possibilities can factor into an underperforming dishwasher, even under a trustworthy name like Whirlpool.
Why Is My Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes?
For over 100 years, the Whirlpool brand has been a monument to reliability curated to bring households maximum convenience. When an unexpected defect like a Whirlpool dishwasher leaving residue on your utensils occurs, it’s easy to be confused. The good news is that many problems can be solved with these Whirlpool dishwasher troubleshooting tips.
Dirty Dishes Are Too Crowded
When it comes to people who load dishwashers, there are generally two types. The first type is those who space out dishes with the goal of stain-free effectiveness. The second is those who cram in as many dishes as possible, hoping their high-quantity loading style will bring high-quality results. Unfortunately, the latter group’s “have your cake and eat it, too” approach typically ends in cake still on the plates. If your Whirlpool dishwasher leaves food particles on dishes, try these surefire loading suggestions:
- Avoid nesting concave dishes such as spoons and bowls.
- Make sure larger items like trays, pots, and colanders aren’t obstructing the spray arms.
- Load cups on the top rack to prevent them from catching water thereby blocking water from reaching the top.
Water Temperature Is Not Hot Enough
If your Whirlpool dishwasher leaves dishes dirty, it could be from your lack of hot water. In regards to breaking down food particles and stains, hot water does the trick miles better than cold water. Try cranking up the temperature on your home’s water heater to 120°F to see if that solves the issue. If that doesn’t work, run hot water in the kitchen sink before powering on the dishwasher. In the event that neither of these suggestions do the trick, consult Maughanster for assistance.
Dishwasher Needs to Be Cleaned
A Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning correctly could mean the dishwasher itself isn’t completely clean. We recommend cleaning your unit once a month for top performance. Here are some simple dishwasher cleaning tips:
- To clean the dishwasher tub, place a small bowl of white vinegar in an empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.
- To clean the spray arms, detach the arms and wash each one under warm running water. Next, soak the arms in a water and white vinegar mixture for 2 hours. Lastly, remove dirt and debris from clogged holes with a piece of thin wire before reattaching the arms.
- To clean the filter, remove the filter and hold it upside down beneath warm running water. Then, scrub the filter gently with a soft toothbrush to remove stubborn food particles before replacing it.
Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser Malfunction
Upon purchasing a dishwasher, it’s suggested that you crack open the user manual for detergent recommendations. Some dishwashers produce a better output with a specific formula. The manual might even advise against pre-washing or rinsing if using a particular detergent. Many of today’s detergents, for example, contain phosphates, which need food residue to break down. If there’s nothing to break down, it can lead to your Whirlpool dishwasher leaving white residue on your dishes.
If a detergent change doesn’t boost your dishwasher’s cleaning results, the detergent dispenser could be accountable. We recommend calling for a replacement if you find that your dispenser won’t open.
Dishwasher Not Getting Enough Water
Insufficient water supply could bear the blame for your Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning to your expectations. Possible causes for this can include the water inlet valve failing to open or debris clogging the spray arm. Both instances demand immediate replacement by a repair technician.
Well-versed in diverse dishwasher brands, we are here to bring our expertise to whatever repair situation you may encounter. Contact Maughanster Appliance Service today for fast, trusted dishwasher repair service.
