Dishwasher Problems

Dishwashers are not only time-saving kitchen appliances but they also save energy and water. After giving a great party, the last thing you want, is to realize that the dishwasher isn't working. But you don't have to call a repairman immediately. There are some common dishwasher problems that you can fix without having to spend money unnecessarily.

How To Troubleshoot a Dishwasher?

Troubleshooting dishwasher problems does not always need a professional. All it needs is patience and some general know-how. The following are some dishwasher problems and the ways for dishwasher troubleshooting.

Dishes Remain Dirty
One of the most common dishwasher problems is that the dishes remain dirty even after a wash. This does not always mean that it is a technical problem. You have to make sure that you load the dishes correctly. Do not put more than one plate in one slot. This will prevent water from reaching between the plates and leave you with dirty plates. Also, do not put a lot of silverware in all compartments.

If you are sure, you are loading your dishes correctly, then the next step is checking the temperature of the water. You can do that by testing the water in your kitchen sink with a kitchen thermometer. It must be between 140 degrees and 160 degrees Fahrenheit or your dishes will not be cleaned properly.

If food is stuck to your dishes, one reason can be a clogged filter screen which causes the food to be thrown back on the dishes. You can troubleshoot this dishwasher problem by removing and cleaning the spray arm by scraping out the debris and reattaching it.

Dishwasher Not Draining
Another dishwasher problem, is when water does not drain properly. If your dishwasher is not draining, check the bottom of the dishwasher from inside for any debris, which may be blocking the drain hose. Remove all the debris. Make sure your dishwasher pauses between cycles. It's during that time that the water can drain out. If there is no pause, then you will probably have to call a repairman.

If your dishwasher drains on your floor, it probably means that there is a crack in the plastic drain hose, that can be replaced easily. But the most common reason, perhaps, is that you are putting in too much soap. It is very important to put right quantity of soap, and never put regular dish washing soap into a dishwasher. You can also make homemade dishwasher detergent.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have installed a garbage disposal recently, and do not remove the drain plug when using it, it can also cause a draining problem.

Sliding Racks
If you have problems with the sliding racks in your dishwasher, then there is probably a problem with the wheels. Sometimes they are difficult to pull and push. In such cases, the first thing you should do is check that there is no debris around the wheel rod or inside the holes of the wheel. Apply a lubricant (any kind of cooking oil) to get it back into place.

If the wheel is cracked or broken, you will have to replace it with a new wheel set at the hardware store. If the rack falls down when you open the door of the dishwasher then you probably have to change the spring in the door. The spring is located in the access panel . Once you locate it, remove it and take it to your hardware store where they can help you get a replacement.

Film on Dishes After Wash
If you have guests over for dinner, it can be very embarrassing if the dishes have a film on them. This can be because of hard water. Hard water is a common problem in many neighborhoods. Hard water cannot break the chemicals in your soap easily which results in formation of film on your dishes even after a wash. Another reason can be excessive use of detergent or even a particular type of detergent which does not suit the dishwasher.

If you still can't troubleshoot your dishwasher problems, it is best to take tips from a professional. These tips can help you troubleshoot dishwasher problems and make your dishes come out sparkling clean.