Your dishwasher is supposed to make life easier, but when dishes come out dirty, streaked, or covered in spots, it feels like more work. Instead of replacing your appliance, a few simple fixes can help restore its performance. Cleaning key components, organizing dishes correctly, and getting into the habit of using rinse aids can all improve results.

1. Clean the Dishwasher's Dirty Spray Arms

Upper spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher. If you haven't checked the arms for clogs lately, you might find food debris or light mineral buildup that affects water flow. When water pressure weakens, dishes don't receive a thorough rinse.

What to do:

• Remove the spray arms (they usually twist off or pop out).
• Use a toothpick or small brush to clear clogged holes. Lots of visible buildup? Consider soaking the spray arms in vinegar (a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water) to help with mineral buildup caused by water hardness.
• Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
• Reinstall, but remember to check for blockages every few months. This is a reoccurring chore!

2. Clear the Dishwasher Filter

A clogged filter traps pieces of food and prevents proper drainage. Filter issues can even leave dirty water sitting in the dishwasher tub, or affect the drain hose. You might even catch a whiff and realize you have a smelly dishwasher. All this can lead to redepositing food residue on dishes instead of rinsing it away. (Gross.)

How to fix it:

• Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Remove it and rinse under warm water.
• Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove buildup.
• Reinstall the clean filter, and clean it regularly to keep water flowing freely.

3. Remove Soap Scum and Hard Water Buildup

Over time, soap residue and water deposits coat the walls, racks, and internal components of your dishwasher, making it less effective. It can cause streaking, cloudiness, and a dull finish on dishes. Using quality detergent products helps, but remembering to clean deposits on the walls and dishwasher racks makes a big difference.

How to clean it:

• Wipe down the interior walls with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
• Run a vinegar cycle. Place a cup of white vinegar on the upper rack, and run a normal cycle to circulate the vinegar and dissolve grime and detergent buildup.
• Need more strength? Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher in addition to using a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot cycle for a deep clean.

4. Add Liquid Rinse Aid for Better Performance

Even with a clean dishwasher, streaks and spots on dishes can still be a problem. Water clings to dishes as it dries, especially on glassware and plastic items. Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid is a product we've used for years.

Why does it work so well? It changes how water behaves in the rinse cycle. Simply put, it makes the water roll off the dishes and glassware quickly for a streak-free, faster-drying finish.

“Finish Jet Dry Rinse Aid defends your dishes against annoying residues, even in the toughest conditions," explains Sarah Post, R&D Sr. Manager North America – Finish. "During a standard dishwasher cycle, residual steam from the hot water used to wash the dishes helps with drying. Finish® Jet-Dry enhances this process by boosting the rinse and dry cycle for the best results—even on hard-to-dry plastics.”

How to use it:

• Locate the rinse aid dispenser (usually on the dishwasher door).
• Fill it with Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid.
• The dishwasher will automatically dispense the right amount during each clean cycle.
• Refill it regularly for the best results.

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5. Organize Your Dishes in a Better Way

Even if your dishwasher is in top shape, improper loading is a common reason one's dishes wouldn't get clean. If water and detergent can’t reach every surface and you're dissatisfied cycle after cycle, try loading your dirty dishes and glasses differently.

Best practices for loading:

• Face plates and bowls toward the spray arms for direct water coverage.
• Keep cups and glasses at an angle to prevent water from pooling inside.
• Leave more space between items so water can flow freely.
• Place large items strategically so they don’t block the detergent dispenser or spray arms. And remember, if you use an upper basket for silverware, any larger items stored beneath can block the flow of water towards the roof of the dishwasher.

6. Check for Damage

If you have an older appliance, any number of issues could be the reason the wash cycle isn't working as well as it used to. Ready to be a dishwasher detective? Consider this:

• A damaged dispenser door spring can be a problem. Always check for a jammed spring.
• Dish soap not circulating? Maybe you have a broken soap dispenser. Check the detergent dispenser lid, especially if you notice that the dishwasher tablet hasn't dissolved during the cycle. If water circulation is the issue, consider a faulty inlet valve or the circulation pump motor.
• If the water isn't at the ideal temperature, you might have a broken heating element.

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FAQs

Why is my dishwasher not rinsing properly?

If dishes feel filmy or soapy after a cycle, there could be a few reasons. Low water pressure, a clogged spray arm, or a dirty filter can all affect rinsing. Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid is one thing we always use to help water rinse away completely.

Should I pre-rinse my dishes before loading the dishwasher?

It’s usually unnecessary, but remember to clean the filter. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles, and manufacturers have even said that detergent actually works better when it has something to grip. Scraping off large food bits into your compost or food recycler is a good idea, but excessive pre-rinsing can reduce cleaning power.