Whirlpool Dishwashers Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes: How to Fix It Yourself
When your Whirlpool dishwasher runs a full cycle but dishes come out dirty, the most common cause is clogged spray arm holes, a dirty filter, or using the wrong detergent. These are all easy things to check and fix — no special skills needed.
⚠️ Safety First
- Turn off the dishwasher and wait for it to cool before working inside.
- Be careful of broken glass or sharp food debris in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Clean the filter
Pull out the bottom rack. In the bottom of the dishwasher, find the cylindrical filter — twist it counter-clockwise and lift it out. Rinse it under hot running water and scrub it with an old toothbrush. A clogged filter reduces water pressure and cleaning power.
- 2
Unclog the spray arm holes
Remove the lower spray arm (it usually pulls straight up or twists off). Look at the small holes — they often get clogged with food particles or mineral buildup. Use a toothpick or thin wire to poke through each hole and clear it. Rinse the spray arm under running water. Do the same for the upper spray arm if your model has one.
- 3
Check the spray arms spin freely
Put the spray arms back in and spin them by hand. They should spin freely without catching on anything. If a spray arm is cracked or warped, replace it — they are cheap and easy to swap.
- 4
Run a vinegar cleaning cycle
Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle with nothing else in the dishwasher. This removes grease and mineral buildup from the inside of the machine.
- 5
Check your loading and detergent
Make sure you are not blocking the spray arms with large pots or cutting boards. Dishes should face the center and not nest together. Use fresh dishwasher detergent (pods or powder) — liquid dish soap is not the same thing and will cause problems. Also make sure your hot water is at least 120 degrees F at the tap.
If That Didn't Work
- Water inlet valve not supplying enough water
- Hot water heater set too low (should be 120°F)
- Faulty wash motor
- Worn detergent dispenser not opening
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the filter and spray arms and running a vinegar cycle does not fix it, the wash motor or water inlet valve may be failing. These require removing the dishwasher to access. A tech will charge $150–$250 for diagnosis and repair.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
See our full Terms of Service for complete legal details.