If your dishwasher leaves food, film, or cloudy glassware behind, the cause is usually mechanical (spray arms, filters, pump) or chemical (detergent, water temperature), not “bad luck.” Work through the symptom table below, then schedule dishwasher repair if cleaning does not improve after two full cycles with a clean filter and loaded spray arms.
Quick checks before you dive in
- Scrape heavy soil into the compost bin—dishwashers are not garbage disposals.
- Run hot water at the kitchen tap for 30 seconds before starting a cycle so the first fill is hot.
- Confirm the detergent dispenser opens mid-cycle (listen for a click; residue in the cup means it did not).
- Rotate spray arms by hand—they should spin freely with no cracked holes or blocked ports.
Most “not cleaning” complaints we see in Ontario homes trace back to clogged filters, blocked spray arms, or using the wrong cycle for heavily soiled loads—not a failed pump on the first visit.
Start here by symptom
| Symptom | Guide |
|---|---|
| Dishes still dirty after a full cycle | Dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes |
| Weak jets or poor spray | Why dishwasher jets are spraying weakly |
| General poor cleaning performance | Why your dishwasher isn’t cleaning well |
| Water won’t drain / standing water | Clogged dishwasher won’t drain |
| Detergent pod won’t dissolve | What to do when dishwasher detergent won’t dissolve |
| Maintenance and prevention | Tips for keeping your dishwasher up and running |
When to call a professional
Book service if you smell burning, see leaking under the cabinet, hear grinding from the pump, or if DIY steps (cleaning filters, checking spray arms, running an empty hot cycle) do not improve cleaning after two cycles. Our technicians diagnose pumps, inlet valves, heating elements, and control boards on all major brands.
Book dishwasher repair online or call 1-866-415-3937.