Quick Answer
A dishwasher that's not cleaning properly is most often caused by blocked spray arm holes, a clogged filter, water not reaching wash temperature, or overloading — cleaning the spray arms and filter resolves the majority of these complaints.
Cloudy glasses specifically often have a different cause (hard water or rinse aid issues) to food residue on plates.
Dishes coming out with food residue, cloudy glasses, or generally disappointing results — these are the most common dishwasher cleaning complaints, and most have a simple, identifiable cause.
Why Dishes Come Out Dirty
- Blocked spray arm holes from mineral deposits or food debris
- Clogged filter preventing proper water circulation
- Water not reaching wash temperature — heating element fault
- Overloading the racks, blocking spray arm rotation
- Using the wrong cycle for heavily soiled loads
Why Glasses Come Out Cloudy
- Hard water mineral deposits
- Insufficient or expired rinse aid
- Water temperature too low to fully dissolve detergent
The Fix Most People Skip
Removing and cleaning the spray arms — not just the filter — resolves a significant share of cleaning complaints. Use a toothpick to clear each individual spray hole, then rinse under running water before refitting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my dishes still dirty after a full cycle?▼
The most common cause is blocked spray arm holes or a clogged filter restricting water flow and pressure.
Why are my glasses cloudy even though dishes are clean?▼
Cloudy glasses are usually caused by hard water mineral deposits or insufficient rinse aid, rather than a fault with the machine.
Does overloading the dishwasher really affect cleaning results?▼
Yes — overloaded racks can block the spray arms from rotating freely, preventing water from reaching all the dishes.
How often should spray arms be cleaned?▼
Monthly is a good baseline — clearing each hole with a toothpick takes only a few minutes and noticeably improves results.
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Same-day service · Licensed technicians · 12-month labour warranty & 3-month parts warranty
Dishank Patel
Lead Technician & Founder · DP Electric Melbourne
Dishank Patel has over 10 years of hands-on experience repairing household appliances across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. He holds all required Victorian electrical and gas licensing and has personally repaired thousands of appliances across brands including Bosch, Miele, LG, Samsung, and Fisher & Paykel.