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Why Isn't My Dishwasher Cleaning My Dishes

Why Isn't My Dishwasher Cleaning My Dishes

9th Jan 2023

We've all been there: we muster up the energy to take the pan that's been "soaking" for hours and load it into the dishwasher only for it to come out gunky and filmy. NuvoH2O is here to help you troubleshoot your dishwasher and get it back to peak performance. Whether it's a clogged hose or scale buildup, we’ve got you covered. NuvoH2O’s premier saltless water softener will keep your dishwasher running smoothly regardless of the machine you’re using. Get in touch with us today for high-quality water softeners!

First Things To Check If Your Dishwasher Isn’t Working

One of the main causes of a broken dishwasher is a lack of water softening. Hard water is full of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can build up over time and cause problems with the dishwasher’s filter, pump, and heating elements. You can see these buildups when you look around the inside of your machine. If your dishwasher has been neglected for a long time, these minerals may have built up to a point where they are causing your dishwasher to malfunction. To prevent this from happening, it is important to regularly use a water softening agent to remove the minerals from your water, leaving your dishwasher running smoothly.

Sometimes a malfunctioning dishwasher comes down to human error. For example, if dishes aren't loaded properly and space isn’t allowed between dishes, this can lead to the dishwasher not cleaning and draining properly.

If you’re noticing that there is standing water at the end of a washing cycle your filter may be clogged and in need of replacement. If you are still seeing condensation on your dishes and the inside of your machine and you’ve checked that the “heated dry” cycle is on, then you may need to call and have the heating element replaced.


Diagnosing Your Dishwasher

If you’ve checked all the basics, but your machine still isn’t cleaning as well as you’d like then it’s time to do some troubleshooting. The most common problems are often related to plumbing solutions and dishwasher water softener systems. This system helps to reduce the amount of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in the water, which can lead to buildup and clogging in the dishwasher. If the water softener system is not functioning properly, it can cause the dishwasher to break down.


When To Consider Calling In A Plumbing Solution

A professional plumber will have the knowledge and experience to diagnose the issue and provide you with the best solution. They can also provide you with tips on how to maintain your dishwasher and prevent future breakdowns. With their help, you can get your dishwasher up and running in no time.


When To Consider Replacing Your Dishwasher

If you’ve tried everything and even a plumber hasn’t been able to fix your dishwasher, it might be time to consider replacing your machine. When considering a new dishwasher there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration. Look for something that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Some dishwashers use more water than others and consume way more electricity to heat the machine.

While you’re looking to save energy and money on a machine, consider the ramifications of using heavily salted water as a softening solution. Saltwater softeners are terrible for the environment and the runoff salty water seeps into the ground destroying plant life. Additionally, you will have to constantly supply a salt water softener with giant bags of salt that weigh up to 50 lbs!


Determining the cause of your dishwasher malfunction is no easy task. Follow this guide to troubleshoot and check out NuvoH2O’s dishwasher water softener solution to keep your machine running smoothly.