FAQ – Dishwashers
ISSUE: My dishes are not clean.
Check the wash cycle selection.
Selecting the proper wash cycle is important for optimum cleaning performance. A short or light wash cycle will save water and energy but may not provide adequate cleaning results for heavily soiled dishes. The “Use & Care Manual” supplied with the dishwasher recommends cycle selection based on dish load and soil level.
Check the incoming water temperature.
Proper water temperature is necessary for good cleaning and drying performance. The hot water heater should be set to deliver at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to the dishwasher. To check the water temperature, turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher and let run until the cool water is cleared from pipes. Hold a candy or meat thermometer in stream of water to check temperature. If temperature is low, have a qualified person raise the hot water heater thermostat setting. To ensure the dishwasher is filling with hot water, run hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher until the water is hot before starting dishwasher. Also, avoid running dishwasher while hot water is being used for laundry or showers.
Check the amount of detergent and water hardness.
The amount of detergent depends on the water hardness and the amount of food soil left on the dishes. Use only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent. Moist or caked detergent will not dissolve properly. Detergent should be stored in a cool, dry place. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon. Your local water company, water softener company or county extension agent can tell you the water hardness in your area. Twelve (12) grains and higher is considered extremely hard water and detergent alone may not be enough. A water softener is recommended to improve water quality and dishwashing performance.
Check for proper loading.
Refer to your “Use & Care Manual” for loading tips for your specific model. Here are a few basics:
- Do not place items over the funnel in the top rack (some models) or over the tower in the bottom rack (some models). This will block the wash action.
- Make sure items are not extending above or below the racks blocking the rotation of the spray arms.
- Do not place glasses over the tines, but between the tines.
- Make sure items do not nest together. Water cannot reach all surfaces if items nest together.
Other suggestions
- While available come into TeeVax and pick up a free sample of Finish Dishwashing Detergent.
- We also have Glass Magic an additive that helps with general cleaning and cloudy Glass ware.
- You can also use white vinegar, put about 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar in a glass cup on the top rack and load the dishwasher as you normally would then start the cycle. The vinegar will splash out during the cycle and help with washing and rinsing. You will have a glass of water at the end of the cycle, just empty it out in the sink.
ISSUE: My dishes are not dry.
Heat dry option.
The heat dry option will provide faster drying since the heating element is on during the drying portion of the cycle. No heat dry option saves electricity and is more energy efficient since the heating element is off during the drying portion of the cycle. To speed the drying process, open the door slightly after the cycle is complete. Some water droplets may remain on door and tub and in areas where dishes touch silverware basket and rack.
Check to see if the rinse aid dispenser needs filling.
A rinse aid, such as Jet-Dry, improves drying and reduces water spots and filming. Water “sheets” off dishes rather than forming water droplets that cling and leave spots. If spotting and poor drying are problems, increase the amount of rinse aid dispensed. Refer to the “Use & Care Manual” for information on filling dispenser and adjusting the amount of rinse aid.
Check the incoming water temperature.
The hot water heater should be set to deliver at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to the dishwasher. Hotter water in the final rinse will improve drying performance.
Check for proper loading.
Load silverware with some handles up and some down to prevent nesting. Load items at an angle and do not overload. Cups and glasses with a concave bottom will collect water and may need to be towel dried. Plastic items tend to collect water droplets due to their porous surface and may need to be towel dried.
ISSUE: My dishwasher will not drain.
Food waste disposer.
If dishwasher is hooked up to a food waste disposer, run the disposer to clear the drain system.
Knockout plug.
Check to see if the knockout plug has been removed from inside the food waste disposer inlet.
Drain hose.
Check and make sure the drain hose is not kinked.
Selected cycle.
Make sure dishwasher has completed the selected cycle.
Check to see if door is closed and latched.
The drain pump will not operate if the door is not securely latched.
ISSUE: My dishwasher stops during the cycle or the timer is not moving.
Door latch.
Open and close the door to make sure the door latch is securely fastened.
Fuses or circuit breakers.
Check your house fuses or circuit breakers to make sure you have power to the dishwasher.
Hi-Temp Wash, Hi-Temp Rinse, or Sanitize options.
Some models have options that may require a water heating delay, such as Hi-Temp Wash, Hi-Temp Rinse, or Sanitize. Additional time may be required to heat the water to the proper temperature. The dishwasher will continue to circulate water during this heating delay but the timer will not advance until the proper temperature is reached.
ISSUE: My dishwasher makes “funny” noises.
Normal sounds.
Normal sounds you will hear are water filling, water circulating, and motor sounds.
Alternating arm wash system.
Some models have an alternating arm wash system. This means that during the cycle the wash action will switch back and forth between the lower spray arm and the middle spray arm. There is a noticeable change in sound when the wash action switches between the arms. This is normal since each spray arm has its own sound.
Pause or no sound.
It is normal for the dishwasher to pause (no sound) when the wash action is switching between the lower and middle spray arms.
ISSUE: The spray arms are not turning.
Some models have an alternating spray arm wash system.
This means that during the cycle the wash action will switch back and forth between the lower spray arm and the middle spray arm. Each cycle starts with the lower spray arm operating. The middle spray arm does not operate until later in the cycle so it could appear that an arm is not turning. This is normal operation for this efficient wash system.
Spray arm rotation.
Check to make sure handles on pots and pans are not hanging below the rack and stopping the rotation of the spray arm.
Middle spray arm.
Check to make sure tall items in the lower rack are not blocking the rotation of the middle spray arm.
Check to see if there is water in the bottom of the tub.
Normal water fill covers the filter area.
ISSUE: My dishwasher has little or no water in the bottom of the tub.
Door latch.
Check to make sure the door is properly latched and the water supply is turned on.
Overfill protector.
Check to make sure the overfill protector moves up and down freely. The overfill protector is located in the left front corner of the tub. Refer to Care and Cleaning section of the “Use & Care Manual” for more information.
Water amount.
The correct amount of water per fill covers the filter.
ISSUE: There is still detergent in the dispenser after end of cycle.
Detergent may be old.
Discard and use fresh detergent. Store detergent is a cool, dry place.
Detergent dispenser.
Make sure items are not blocking the detergent dispenser and preventing it from opening. Be sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Cycle.
Check to see if cycle is finished.
ISSUE: The motor will not start.
Door latch.
Make sure the door is closed and securely latched.
Fuses and circuit breakers.
Check your house fuses or circuit breakers to make sure you have power to the dishwasher.
Delay start.
Check to make sure dishwasher is not set for delay start.
ISSUE: My dishwasher will not start.
Door latch.
Make sure door is closed and properly latched.
Delay start option.
If delay start option is available, has it been set and is unit still in time delay before starting.
Cycle setting.
Check to see if cycle is set correctly (refer to Operating Instructions in the “Use & Care Manual”).
ISSUE: My dishwasher is leaking water.
Excess suds can cause dishwasher to overflow.
Make sure the detergent is fresh and designed for use in automatic dishwashers. Measure detergent carefully.
Detergent dispenser.
Make sure items are not blocking the detergent dispenser and preventing it from opening. Be sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Spilled rinse aid can cause foam and lead to overflowing.
Make sure to wipe up any spills with a damp cloth.
Make sure dishwasher is level.
Check the installation instructions that came with the dishwasher for complete leveling information.
ISSUE: My dishwasher is discolored on the interior.
Washing large amounts of dishware with tomato based soil can cause a pink/orange appearance.
This will not affect performance and will gradually fade over time. Pre-rinsing or using the Rinse Hold cycle will reduce the chance of staining. Using the no heat dry option will lessen staining. Also use a Dishwasher Cleaner to clean up the stains
ISSUE: My dishwasher takes a long time to complete cycle.
Hi-Temp Wash, Hi-Temp Rinse, or Sanitize options.
Some models have options that may require a water heating delay, such as Hi-Temp Wash, Hi-Temp Rinse, or Sanitize. These options will add to the cycle length as additional time is needed to heat the water to the proper temperature for cleaning and/or sanitizing your dishes.
ISSUE: There is water vapor coming from the vent.
Active vent.
Some models have an active vent that remains closed during the wash and rinse portion of the cycle to hold moisture and sound inside. The vent opens for drying and allows water vapor to escape. This moisture could condense and allow a few drops of water to fall on the floor. To prevent this, wait until the moisture has evaporated before opening the door.