A dishwasher does most of its work in a few places: the filter, the spray arms, the door seal, and the drain path. Most ongoing problems start in one of them. The questions below cover the checks that matter most.
How often should I clean the filter?
Check the filter on a regular schedule that matches how much you run the machine. Many filters are a removable basket or cylinder. Lift it out, rinse away food debris under running water, and reseat it firmly. A clogged filter leaves residue on dishes and can slow the drain.
Why did the spray arms stop turning?
Take the lower and upper arms off as the manual describes. Clear the spray holes with a thin tool, rinse the arms, and check that the center bearing turns freely. Hard water can leave mineral buildup in the holes. Clean them if the spray pattern looks weak or uneven.
What should I do about the door gasket?
Wipe the gasket and the channel where it sits. Food caught in the seal can smell and can let water escape. Look for cracks or a flattened section, and note them, since a damaged seal is a repair question for the service visit, not a cleaning job.
Why is water left in the bottom of the tub?
Start with the filter, since a clog there is the most common cause. Next check the drain hose for kinks and the air gap or high loop, if your home uses one. Also confirm that the knockout plug was removed if the dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal. The garbage disposal page covers the disposal side of that connection.
Does water temperature matter?
Yes. Dishwashers are designed around a supply of hot water at a stated temperature. Run a hot tap near the machine to see how long the water takes to arrive. Long waits can mean the cycle is starting with cool water, which affects cleaning and drying.
How do I plan for the end of its service life?
Keep a note of the install year and the model number. Use the dishwasher page to turn the install year into a planning date. Upkeep stretches the time before a replacement, but a planning date tells you when to start comparing options so the choice is not made in a hurry.