Over time, even the most reliable dishwashers may experience performance issues. Some may fail to drain water, while others may cease to clean dishes effectively.
One common problem is the inability to clean dishes.
However, the main culprits for this issue are a clogged filter or a malfunctioning water spring unit.
In this article, I will explain some of the main reasons why your Amana dishwasher may have stopped washing the dishes and the things you have to do to troubleshoot this issue.
Reasons your Amana dishwasher not washing dishes
Typically, the main reasons why an Amana dishwasher stops washing dishes are malfunctioning water spring units, such as spray arms, or difficulty draining water from the dishwasher. Aside from these, damaged detergent dispensers and clogged filters are also responsible.
Here are the reasons:
- There could be food or grease build-up on the spray arm nozzles.
- Filter could be clogged with food particles, grease, or other debris.
- Dishwasher’s water supply could be insufficient.
- Washing cycle could be set for a shorter duration.
How to fix an Amana dishwasher that isn’t cleaning?
In short: To resolve the problem with dish cleaning on your Amana dishwasher, first ensure that the spray arm is free of obstructions and functioning properly. Then, inspect the filter and remove any food particles that may be clogging it
Before diving into step-by-step instructions, look at the bellow table. This will make it easier for you to understand this article quickly.
| Reasons | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Dirty filter | Clean it |
| Faulty inlet valve | Replace it |
| Insufficient water supply | Fill water tank |
| Clogged spray arm nozzles | Unclog the nozzles |
| Wrong washing setting | Choose the right cycle duration |
Step 1: Clean the interior first.
Generally, gunk and goo buildup caused by tiny bits of food, grease, and soap scum can clog your dishwasher’s interior, which can cause a different problem, like a water draining issue.
As mentioned, if your dishwasher can’t drain water properly, your dishes will remain unclean and dirty. So, cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is the first step.
Pour 3 cups of white vinegar in the bottom and run an entire wash cycle. The vinegar will remove debris from the spray arm’s holes and dissolve minor mineral buildup.
Step 2: Check if you are using a poor-quality detergent
Next, check whether you use a good quality detergent to wash your dishes. Because poor quality detergent—or too much detergent is another potential reason your dishwasher is not washing dishes correctly.
You can try using Finish Quantum Max Powerball (available at Amazon). Which has an excellent track record, and Amazon buyers give it a hearty 4.4 stars for cleaning power.
Don’t forget to use a rinse agent. It helps your dishes dry faster, preventing spots from forming.
Step 3: Increase the water temperature
Hot water is crucial for dissolving food particles. Some dishwashers automatically heat water to the ideal temperature. But if yours doesn’t have this feature, increase the water temperature on your water heater.
Dishwasher’s water must be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to properly clean the dishes. If the water isn’t hot enough, it can result in poor cleaning performance and leave residue and bacteria on the dishes
Before running the dishwasher, turn on the kitchen sink for a minute. This will help ensure hot water flows into the device from the very start of the wash cycle.
Step 4: Properly load your dishes
Are you putting too many dishes in your dishwasher? Have you tilted dishes correctly? Perhaps they are touching one another or falling over and filling up with water!
Incorrect loading of your dishwasher can result in light plastic cups or glassware shifting and flipping over, causing them to fill with wash water.
If you’re unsure how to load it correctly, consult the user manual (you may find it online if you lost it), and always spin the spray arm lightly before starting a cycle to ensure it isn’t bumping into anything.
Step 5: Check and unclog the spray arm
Dishwasher has a rotating arm that sprays water through tiny holes called jets to clean the dishes. Water is forced through the holes in the arm by the pressure of the water pump. It rotates during the wash cycle to ensure that all dishes are evenly washed.
If holes in the spray arm are heavily clogged, the water pressure suffers, resulting in lousy cleaning. Here’s how to clean the dishwasher’s spray arm:
- First, detach the spray arm (check the manual to find out if it snaps off or requires you to remove a screw), then scrub it with a soft brush and dish soap.
- Use a toothpick to unclog the holes.
- Run hot water over the spray arm.
Spin the spray arms and ensure that they are rotating smoothly. If you see something in the way, remove it and try again.
Step 6: Check and clean the filter
Filter can become clogged with food particles, grease, and soap scum. Which then creates issues draining the dirty water properly.
Here’s how to clean the filter:
Locate the filter and remove it. (you may have to twist off the cap first). Rinse it under hot running water. If you see gunk and grime stuck to the filter, let it sit in soapy hot water for a few minutes or overnight in vinegar. Finally, scrub it with an old toothbrush, rinse it, and reinstall it.
Step 7: Check and replace the Inlet valve.
Suppose none of the troubleshooting steps mentioned above work, and your Amana dishwasher is not cleaning your dishes correctly.
In that case, the inlet valve, which brings water into the dishwasher, could fail. You will hear a hammering noise during the wash cycle if that’s the fact.
Many homeowners choose to call a technician at this point, but if you prefer to do it yourself, consult your owner’s manual.
It may also provide instructions on replacing the old valve and list the replacement valve you need to order.
Bonus Video: Amana dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes (fix)
F.A.Q.s
Q: How often should you clean your Amana dishwasher filter?
The answer may surprise you – most experts recommend cleaning your dishwasher filter at least once every two months (It will depend on your wash cycle and how frequently you wash).
Some filters can be cleaned simply by rinsing them with water, while others may need to be replaced entirely. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to see what type of filter you have and how to clean it properly.
Q: Can I use regular dish soap in my Amana dishwasher?
No, it is not recommended to use regular dish soap in an Amana dishwasher.
Regular dish soap is not formulated to work in dishwashers and can cause suds and foam buildup, leading to poor cleaning performance and possible damage to the dishwasher.
Instead, it is recommended to use a high-quality, detergent specifically designed for use in dishwashers.
Q: What is the proper loading technique for an Amana dishwasher to ensure maximum cleaning performance?
Load large items such as pots and pans facing downwards on the bottom rack.
Place dishes, glasses, and silverware in the top rack with space in between for water and detergent to reach all surfaces.
Load utensils with handles facing downwards in separate compartments, avoid nesting or stacking items and overloading the dishwasher.
Ensure the detergent dispenser is not clogged and has enough detergent for the cycle.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.