Dishwasher not cleaning dishes?

Dishes coming out gritty or cloudy usually trace back to a dirty filter, clogged spray arms, a blocked load or the wrong detergent, all of which cost nothing to fix. Run the kitchen tap hot first, because lukewarm water cleans poorly.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your dishwasher and we’ll narrow it down.

Is there water left standing in the bottom?

That's a draining problem. Dishwasher not draining

Likely causes

  1. Dirty filter

    Most commonEasy DIY

    Grit or film on dishes and a musty smell. The filter at the bottom of the tub is coated with food and grease.

    Part: $50–100 (filter kit, if it needs replacing)

  2. Clogged spray-arm holes

    CommonEasy DIY

    Some dishes are clean and others aren't. The small holes in the arms are blocked with food bits or mineral scale, or the arm doesn't spin freely.

    Part: $75–100 (spray arm)

  3. Loading blocking the spray arms

    CommonEasy DIY

    Dirty spots always on the same items. A tall dish or utensil stops an arm from spinning, or bowls nest and shield each other.

  4. Detergent problem

    CommonEasy DIY

    Cloudy film or powder left behind. The detergent is the wrong type, old, too much or too little, or the rinse aid is empty. A dispenser that doesn't open may need replacing.

    Part: $50–90 (detergent dispenser)

  5. Water not hot enough

    CommonEasy DIY

    Greasy dishes and detergent that doesn't dissolve. Run the kitchen tap hot before starting the cycle. If the dishwasher heats its own water, the heating element may have failed.

    Part: $150–250 (heating element)

  6. Failing water inlet valve

    Less commonCall a pro

    Little water in the tub, so dishes stay dirty even with a clean filter and arms.

    Part: $80–125 (water inlet valve)

Quick checks

Turn the dishwasher off and switch off its breaker (or unplug it) before reaching into the sump or removing the filter. Standing water may be hot and full of detergent. Never pour chemical drain cleaner into a dishwasher. If water is leaking near the outlet or under the cabinet, turn the power off first.

  1. Turn the dishwasher off and switch off its breaker (or unplug it) before removing the filter or reaching in.
  2. Remove and rinse the filter at the bottom of the tub.
  3. Check that the spray arms spin freely by hand, and clear their holes with a toothpick.
  4. Reload so nothing blocks the arms and bowls face down and apart.
  5. Run the kitchen tap until the water is hot, then start the cycle with fresh detergent that suits your machine, and check the rinse aid.
  6. If dishes are still dirty, stop and call a pro.
Sharpen the read

Diagnose your dishwasher in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

  • the filter at the bottom of the tub, removed
  • the spray arms and their holes
  • the model label on the door edge

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

The filter, arms, loading and detergent are all fine and dishes are still dirty, there's very little water in the tub, or the water never gets hot. A new dishwasher averages about $1,200, so consider replacing it when a repair nears half that. If it won't empty, see not draining. For lifespan and upkeep, see the dishwasher guide.

Typical cost: A dishwasher repair typically runs $160–300 (about $200), with a full range of $70–600. The service call or diagnostic is $35–100 and is usually credited toward the repair. A water inlet valve is $80–125, a heating element $150–250, and a spray arm $75–100.

Sources: HomeAdvisor: How much does dishwasher repair cost? (updated June 17, 2026)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.

Related problems

  • Dishwasher not draining?

    Dishwasher

    Water is left standing in the bottom after a cycle, usually from a clogged filter, a kinked drain hose or a disposal plug.

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

  • Washer won't drain?

    Washer

    Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.

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