The Most Common Dishwasher Problems, and How to Fix Them

A dishwasher is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen, and you’ll need to detect any problem early on before it malfunctions.  A typical dishwasher should last at least eight to twelve years. But there are times when it develops an issue that could impede its normal function.

Hiring a dishwasher technician can sometimes be expensive, so some people choose to do some minor repair themselves. So, if your dishwasher is giving you problems, you may want to fix it yourself. We’ve compiled a list of the common dishwasher issues and some possible solutions to fix them.

Here some of the problems you may encounter with your dishwasher:
 

• Your dishes come out dirty and sometimes covered in residue

For this issue, you’ll need to review the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to properly maintain your dishwasher. You could be overloading your machine or there are utensils that might be restricting the spinning motion of the spray arms.
After you’ve checked that you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can now check the machine itself. First, check for any debris, grease, or blockages that may cause blockages in the door gasket and strain screen. This is the most common reason why some dishes come out dirty.

• Your dishwasher leaks onto the floor

You will need to first check your dishwasher door and door gasket because they may have some cracks, damage, or large debris that could be preventing the door from sealing completely. To fix this problem, you can try cleaning the door gasket with a disinfectant, but if you see some large cracks then you will likely need to replace the gasket.
 

• The dishwasher smells bad

This is commonly cause by wet, old food inside your dishwasher. To fix this issue, look through your machine carefully for any excess food and clean your dishwasher’s screen that is usually located at the bottom of your machine.
Also, if your dishwasher has a chemical smell, you will need to check for plastic utensils like plastic plate or container that may have fallen down and melted onto the heating element. That is why it is a good idea to check when loading your dishes to your machine because there might be some stuff that fell into the heating element.
 

• The dishwasher doesn’t start

If your dishwasher doesn’t start, you will need to first check the power source and ensure that there is no blown fuse. The outlet must also be checked and ensure that it’s not malfunctioning. You can even try power cycling the dishwasher since this often do the trick.

Another culprit is a faulty dishwasher door especially if you can no longer close it well, because it may not allow your machine to start. For this type of issue, we recommend that you find a reliable dishwasher technician since this requires someone who knows how to fix electrical connections.
​
Overall, these are just some of our recommended DYI tips, but if you think that your dishwasher issue is beyond your technical skills. We urge you get in touch with an experienced and reliable dishwashing repair company in your area. They will surely have a team of highly skilled and qualified technicians that can help you fix or maintain your dishwasher.