Dishwasher Troubleshooting: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

When your dishwasher, a household appliance designed to automatically clean dishes using water and detergent. Also known as a dishwashing machine, it’s one of the most relied-on devices in the kitchen—until it stops working. A dishwasher that won’t start, leaves dishes dirty, or leaks water isn’t just annoying—it’s a daily hassle. Most of the time, the problem isn’t a broken motor or a failed control board. It’s something simple you can fix yourself with basic tools and a little know-how.

One of the top reasons dishwashers fail to clean properly is a clogged filter, a removable component that traps food particles to prevent them from recirculating in the wash cycle. If you haven’t cleaned it in months, grease and debris build up and block water flow. Just remove it, rinse under warm water, and scrub with an old toothbrush. Another common issue is a faulty spray arm, the rotating arm that sprays water onto dishes during the cycle. If it’s cracked, clogged with food bits, or won’t spin, water won’t reach the back of the rack. Pop it off, check the holes, and clear any blockages with a toothpick. If your dishwasher won’t start at all, check the door latch. A worn or misaligned latch won’t trigger the safety switch, and the machine won’t run. Try closing it firmly or cleaning the latch area with a damp cloth.

Leaking water is another big one. Often, it’s not the dishwasher itself—it’s the door seal, the rubber gasket around the door that keeps water from escaping during the cycle. Over time, it cracks or gets stiff. Look for gaps, tears, or hard spots. A quick replacement costs less than $20 and takes 15 minutes. If water pools on the floor after a cycle, also check the drain hose, the pipe that carries wastewater from the dishwasher to your sink or garbage disposal. Kinks, clogs, or improper installation can cause backups. Straighten it out and make sure it’s not pinched behind the unit.

Don’t assume a noisy dishwasher means it’s broken. Some rattling or gurgling is normal. But if you hear grinding, screeching, or loud buzzing, the pump or motor, the component that circulates water and drains it after the cycle. might be failing. Before replacing it, check for foreign objects like a spoon or bottle cap stuck in the pump area. Many people overlook this and pay for a $300 repair when a $2 fix was all it needed.

And yes, your detergent matters. Using the wrong kind—like regular dish soap instead of dishwasher-specific tablets or powder—can cause suds overflow and leaks. Always use the right product. Also, hard water builds up mineral deposits over time. If you live in an area with hard water, run a monthly cycle with white vinegar to keep the interior clean and the parts working smoothly.

There’s a good chance your dishwasher just needs a little TLC—not a full replacement. The posts below walk you through real fixes for common problems: why your dishes come out grimy, how to stop leaks, what to do when the machine won’t turn on, and how to tell if it’s time to call a professional. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear steps you can follow right now.