Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly? Here’s How To Fix It With A Good Clean

A dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in any home or office break room. Load it up, press a button, and a few hours later, sparkling clean dishes. But what happens when you open the door to find cloudy glassware, greasy plates or bits of food still stuck to your utensils?

While it might seem like a mechanical issue, in many cases, it’s simply a cleaning problem. Build-up from food debris, grease and minerals can block filters, clog spray arms and leave your dishwasher underperforming with every cycle. 

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to clean your dishwasher and extend its lifespan with simple, regular upkeep.

Signs your dishwasher needs cleaning

If your dishwasher isn’t delivering the results it used to, you’re not alone. These common issues often signal that key parts of the machine are overdue for maintenance:

• Dishes come out with food residue still stuck on, even after a full cycle.
• A musty or sour smell drifts out when you open the door.
• You notice water pooling at the bottom after the cycle finishes.
• Glassware looks cloudy or dull instead of sparkling clean.
• Wash cycles seem to take longer than usual or stop halfway through.

These symptoms might seem unrelated, but they often trace back to one core issue: your dishwasher needs a thorough clean.

How to clean your dishwasher properly

Dishwasher cleaning doesn’t require any special tools, just a bit of time and a few common cleaning supplies. These steps will help get your machine back in working order: 

Step 1: Clean the filter

Start by removing the bottom rack to reach the filter at the base of the dishwasher. The filter traps food particles to prevent clogging the drain, but if left uncleaned, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and buildup, leading to reduced performance.

How to clean the filter of a dishwasher:

• Twist and lift out the filter (check your manual if unsure).
• Rinse it under hot water to loosen debris.
• For stuck-on grime, soak it in warm, soapy water and use a brush to scrub.
• Rinse thoroughly before placing it back.

Step 2: Unblock the spray arms

Spray arms are responsible for distributing water during the wash cycle. Over time, mineral deposits and food particles can clog the tiny spray holes, affecting pressure and coverage.

How to unblock the spray arms:

• Remove the spray arms carefully (usually by snapping or unscrewing them).
• Rinse under warm water.
• Use a toothpick or a piece of wire to clear any blocked spray holes.
• Reinstall them once they’re clean and free of obstructions.

Even partially blocked spray arms can reduce how effectively your dishwasher cleans.

Step 3: Wipe down the seals and door 

Don’t forget the rubber seals and the inside of the door. These areas collect grime, soap scum and food splashes that can weaken the seal over time and allow moisture or odours to linger. 

How to clean the doors and seals:

• Use a lightly soaked cloth with warm, soapy water to clean around the door edges and rubber seals.
• A toothbrush or soft-bristle brush can help remove buildup in tight spots.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the seals.

Step 4:  Clear the drain area

Check the area around the drain for trapped food bits or gunk. A clogged drain can lead to murky standing water or incomplete rinse cycles.

How to clear the drain:

• Put on gloves and remove any visible food scraps or debris around the drain.
• Wipe the area with a damp cloth to catch any remaining residue.
• Pour a cup of hot (not boiling) water down the drain to help loosen grease or buildup.

Step 5: Run a cleaning cycle

Now that the individual components are clean, it’s time to freshen up the entire interior. You can do this using either natural ingredients or a store-bought cleaning product.

How to clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda:

• Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
• Run a hot water cycle with the machine empty.
• For extra deodorising, sprinkle baking soda on the base and run a short cycle afterward.

How to clean using a store-bought dishwasher cleaning product:

• Use a dishwasher cleaning tablet or solution as directed.
• Run a full cycle with the cleaner inside to target hidden grime.
• After the cycle, wipe down the interior walls to remove any loosened residue.
• Clean the detergent dispenser and rinse aid compartment if there’s visible buildup.

Both options help clear out hidden buildup and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh.

Tips for long-term dishwasher health

Keeping your dishwasher in good condition doesn’t stop at a single clean. Building a few simple habits can make a big difference in the machine’s long-term performance and reliability:

• Scrape before you stack —Dishwashers can handle light food residue, but larger bits of food are more likely to cause internal blockages over time. Giving plates a quick scrape helps keep things flowing smoothly.
• Give the filter a monthly check —Even if your dishwasher seems fine, a quick look at the filter once a month can stop grease and grime from building up unnoticed.
• Air it out after each load —Leaving the door slightly open after a wash allows the interior to dry naturally. This discourages mould and helps prevent musty smells from forming.

What if it still doesn’t work?

If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes properly even after a deep clean, it may have developed beyond a simple cleaning problem. In some cases, repeated poor performance is a sign that there’s a mechanical issue at play. 

Here are a few common faults to be aware of:

• Heating element not working — If your dishes come out cold or still dirty, it could mean the water isn’t being heated properly during the cycle.
• Faulty pump or motor — Weak spray pressure or leftover water at the bottom may point to an issue with the pump or motor, both of which help circulate and drain water.
• Water inlet valve issue — If cycles delay, pause mid-way or don’t start at all, the valve controlling water flow might not be working as it should.

At this stage, it’s a good idea to call in a professional. Whether it’s a repair or a more advanced internal clean, a technician can help determine what’s causing the disruption and get your dishwasher up and running. 

Support your dishwasher with a sparkling kitchen from Jim’s

A clean, well-maintained kitchen plays a big role in how smoothly everything operates — dishwasher included. When benches are wiped down, floors are grime-free and appliances are cared for, you create a better-looking space and make it easier for every part of your kitchen to function the way it should.

While we don’t clean dishwashers directly, Jim’s Cleaning can help you stay on top of the rest. From cooktops and ovens to splashbacks, tiles and floors — from Sydney to Brisbane, and all across Australia — our team delivers the kind of results that speak for themselves from the moment you walk in.

Ready to refresh your space? Request a free quote today, or explore our full range of home and commercial cleaning services for everything else your property needs to stay at its best.