My dishwasher runs a full cycle but the dishes come out still dirty with food stuck on them. I have tried different detergents.
Dishes coming out dirty despite running a full cycle is usually caused by a clogged filter, spray arm blockage, wrong water temperature, or improper loading. Start with the filter: remove the bottom rack, find the filter at the bottom (usually a twist-off cylinder), and clean it under running water. A clogged filter is the cause about 50 percent of the time. Next, check the spray arms — remove them and look for food particles blocking the spray holes. Clean them with a toothpick or thin wire. Test your hot water temperature by running the kitchen faucet until hot and checking with a thermometer. Your dishwasher needs water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to clean effectively. If the water entering the dishwasher is not hot enough, run the hot water at the sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher. Also check your loading — dishes should not block the spray arms or nest together. Face dirty surfaces toward the center where the spray arm rotates.
