How to fix basic dishwasher errors

Your dishwasher helps you clean your dishes after every meal, and it can be frustrating when your appliance isn't working at its best. Here's how to fix some basic dishwasher problems .

Some causes require replacement parts and professional help, while others can be solved if you know the information below. Read on if you want to learn more about basic dishwasher problems and how to fix them .

Problems such as leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, bad smells and general appliance operation, although not common, can be the most common problems with dishwashers. In some cases, you can solve them yourself using the product manual.

Be sure to always follow the usage and care recommendations in your product manual to ensure optimal performance. Also, be sure to refer to your warranty when investigating problems with your dishwasher.

If you're having problems with your dishwasher's performance, follow these steps to see if you can fix it yourself.

Dishwasher leaking

A leaking dishwasher can be caused by a number of factors, such as a damaged door seal, improper use of detergent, or improper loading of the appliance. Other causes of dishwasher leaks may require the help of a qualified technician. Here are some ideas for what you can do if your dishwasher leaks.

Switch detergent: If you're using a detergent that isn't recommended for dishwashers, like dish soap or homemade detergent, your dishwasher may create too much suds, causing excess soap and water to spill onto the floor. Switch to a detergent designed to clean the appliance automatically.

Avoid overloading: You need to put just enough dishes, not more than the specified size, to help the machine work effectively. Overloading a dishwasher can use too much water, leading to overflow.

Check the Door Seal: Over time, the dishwasher door seal can show signs of wear, causing the appliance to leak during use. Check the appliance's door seal for cracks, gaps, tears, or holes. If you find any cracks, gaps, tears, or holes, you may need professional help.

Poor drainage

After each use, you should normally see about 2cm of water at the bottom of your sink. If you see more water than usual, your dishwasher filter may be clogged.

To unclog the filter, you will need:

1. Locate the filter: Open the appliance and remove the bottom rack. The machine filter is usually located at the bottom of the sink.
2. Remove and clean the filter: Remove the filter by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the instructions listed in your product manual. Rinse or soak the filter in warm soapy water to remove any debris.
3. Replace the filter: Once the filter has been cleared of debris, reinsert it into the dishwasher.

If you still have poor drainage after cleaning the filter, the drain may be clogged. It is best to let the professionals handle this problem.

Not cleaning the dishes

There are a number of reasons why your dishes may appear patchy, cloudy, or discolored after washing. Here are some common causes:

Dishes are not stacked properly: Dishes should be stacked with the dirty side facing down and towards the water spray. Avoid overcrowding dishes and utensils as this can scratch your plates, glasses and bowls.

Too much detergent: Using too much detergent can cause a film buildup on dishes and glassware over time. Only use the amount of detergent recommended on the package instructions.

Choosing the wrong cycle: If you choose a quick wash or rinse cycle for a very dirty load, your dishes may end up dirtier than expected. Make sure to choose the normal wash cycle for items that are frequently soiled and the heavy-duty cycle for items with stubborn or stubborn residue.

Dishwasher smells

If your dishwasher smells bad, you may need to clean the inside of the machine to remove any food particles that have built up. To remove the smell and prevent future odors, simply:

Clean the filter: Remove or rinse any residue that has built up in the dishwasher filter.

Run a wash cycle with dishwasher detergent: Empty the dishwasher and place the dishwasher detergent at the bottom and run a normal wash cycle.

Follow dishwasher maintenance: To prevent dishwasher odors, regularly clean the filters and interior following the maintenance instructions in your product manual.

Samuel Daniel

Update 26 May 2025