Your dishwasher is one of the hardest working appliances in your household, so when it isn't acting at optimum performance, you observe. Often, fixing issues like leaks, unclean dishes, poor draining or unpleasant odors tin be easy to take care of with some DIY dishwasher repair know-how. Here are some dishwasher troubleshooting tips for diagnosing and fixing possible dishwasher issues.

Water spraying inside a dishwasher

Is your dishwasher leaking?

A leaky dishwasher is the last affair anyone wants to deal with, but the solution may exist simple like switching detergent, loading differently or replacing the door seal. Before scheduling a service call, run through these tips on how to prepare a leaky dishwasher:

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USE THE CORRECT DETERGENT

Dishwashers should simply be loaded with detergent that is specified for automatic dishwashers. Premium detergents, specifically, tend to be more effective than deal brands at cleaning your dishes. Regular dish soap, the kind you continue by your sink to hand wash with, creates as well many suds that will not only overflow the tub and may leak onto the floor, but will besides erode the inside of your dishwasher. While tempting, do not employ dish lather in your dishwasher.

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Load your dishwasher properly

In society for your dishwasher to run properly, it'southward important to load dishes correctly. An overloaded dishwasher or one loaded improperly can utilise too much water, and the added force per unit area can push button up against the door and crusade leaks.

Dishwasher with a clock icon

Cheque for signs of aging

Like all appliances, your dishwasher will go through wear and tear. Depending on the historic period of your dishwasher, it may be time to replace the door seal; look to see if the seal is making full contact with the dishwasher. Also, check for signs of erosion on the bottom of your dishwasher. If you meet any cracks or holes, it might be fourth dimension to consider a new machine.

Bottom of a stainless steel dishwasher

Is your dishwasher having drainage problems?

If your dishwasher has a filter, information technology's quite normal to see about an inch of standing water when removing the dishwasher'south filter. Withal, If you see more than an inch of water aggregating in your dishwasher, chances are that you may have a clog. This is a simple fix.

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Step ane: LOCATE THE FILTER

The filter should be somewhere on the bottom of the dishwasher. It will typically be covered by a cage or grille.

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Step two: REMOVE THE FILTER

Many dishwashers allow yous to remove the filter by paw while others may crave a screwdriver. You'll usually need to give the filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and a quick pull to remove it. Refer to your dishwasher'south use and care guide for model specific instructions.

Filter with water drop icon

Stride 3: RINSE THE FILTER

Rinsing your filter under the faucet volition remove most soils and debris. If nutrient particles don't rinse off easily, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes. Do non use a wire brush or scouring pad, as they may damage the filter. If yous notice that y'all demand a new filter birthday, browse Maytag brand'south selection of dishwasher filters.

Filter with down arrow icon

Step 4: Supervene upon THE FILTER

Supercede your filter by turning information technology clockwise until it clicks in or the arrows align. Run your dishwasher as you normally would, and if information technology drains, yous're all ready. Need more than help? Hither is a more than in-depth look into cleaning your filter.

Want FILTRATION THAT NEEDS NO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?

Select Maytag® dishwasher models feature Dual Power Filtration, an industry-first combination of 100% microfiltration and a iv-blade stainless steel chopper. It filters out, chops up, then drains food from the dishwasher, helping prevent clogs and in that location's no need for routine maintenance.

Hand placing dirty white plate into a dishwasher

Is your dishwasher not cleaning your dishes properly?

When dishes come out less than clean, the most bones dishwasher troubleshooting moves are frequently the almost helpful: make sure you're non using as well much detergent, try adding Rinse Aid or switch up your loading design.

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Dishes are streaky

This may non be your dishwasher at all. The problem could be the hardness of your water. Over time, minerals can accumulate on your glassware, causing streaks. Switching to a detergent that combats water hardness is recommended, and use Rinse Assist to assist your dishes dry faster and clearer.

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Black or greyness marks on dishes

Take observe of how you lot place items into the dishwasher. Avoid placing aluminum utensils next to glassware and dishes, since they can rub confronting each other and crusade markings and scratches.

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Cloudy glassware

Information technology'south of import to use the correct amount of detergent, since overusing detergent volition leave balance on your dishes and glassware. Rinse Aid tin can be constructive at helping to prevent white or cloudy residue on glassware.

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A Tablespoon of Detergent May Be All You Need

When it comes to your dishwasher, less is more than. Outset with 1 tablespoon of detergent or one detergent tablet or pack. If your dishes still come out dirty, try increasing the amount of detergent (if using liquid or powder) or switch up the brand. Maytag recommends using Rinse Aid in addition to your detergent.

Open dishwasher in a white kitchen

Does your dishwasher have unpleasant odors?

The well-nigh probable culprit of odors coming from your dishwasher is nutrient particles that have gotten stuck over time. An piece of cake ready to this problem is to run a white vinegar rinse.

Icon of vinegar being poured into a measuring cup

Step i: PLACE VINEGAR IN the DISHWASHER

Fill two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safety container, and place information technology on the lower rack of your dishwasher.

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Step 2: RUN A Normal Bicycle

Run a normal cycle on your dishwasher without using any detergent. Select an air dry choice instead of heated dry featured on some models.

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Step 3: Wipe down the dishwasher interior

Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a soft cloth to remove any droppings. Run another bike, this time with detergent, as you normally would, with or without dishes.

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Clean your dishwasher one time a month

Cleaning your dishwasher once a month helps maximize motorcar functioning. Maytag recommends affresh ® dishwasher cleaner to help remove limescale and mineral build-upwardly that could bear upon your dishwasher'southward performance.1

Hand selecting options on a dishwasher console

Is your dishwasher non starting?

While this consequence might non be a common ane, an unresponsive dishwasher is a trouble you may encounter at some point. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that y'all're left with a stack of dingy dishes to wash by hand. Check that ane of these possible dishwasher problems isn't the culprit: information technology's in sleep or standby mode, you take the control lock on or it'south in need of a reset.

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Is it on Sleep Mode or Standby?

Brand sure that your dishwasher isn't on standby or sleep mode. Press the Start or Resume button, and wait for information technology to restart. You lot can also merely open and shut the door again, since it may accept also been that the door was not properly closed.

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Is the Control Lock ready?

If your dishwasher control panel is non working, or if it seems to be completely off even when it's connected to its power source, the Control Lock might exist fix. Consult your Owner's Manual to see how yous can deactivate information technology.

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Endeavour turning the power off and on

If the dishwasher is however unresponsive, it may exist time to do a reset of your auto. To reset your dishwasher, simply disconnect from the power source for a full minute earlier plugging back in. For dishwashers without a plug, you'll need to turn off the billow.

If in the end yous don't succeed…

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Schedule a service phone call

If after running through this list your dishwasher is nevertheless giving you trouble, it might be time to schedule a service call. If you're non certain how to repair your dishwasher or don't feel comfortable tinkering with information technology, this will always be the safest bet. Need a service call for your Maytag® dishwasher? Telephone call customer service at 1-800-344-1274.

Dishwasher with sparkle icon

Consider an upgrade

If instead you realize that your dishwasher is by its prime, and that it may be fourth dimension for a new model, Maytag has a selection of dishwashers that stand up to years of tough jobs. Learn more near dissimilar types of dishwashers, or explore our pick below.

Explore Maytag Dishwashers

Scan DISHWASHERS THAT Evangelize CLEAN DISHES THE FIRST Time

Maytag® dishwashers with Dual Power Filtration permit you skip soaking, scrubbing and pre-rinsing and require no routine maintenance.

More than WAYS TO GET THE Near OUT OF YOUR DISHWASHER

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1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.