Dishwasher not cleaning dishes

Try these checks in order

Exact controls and access points differ by model. Stop when a step does not match your appliance or manual.

1. 1

   Reload for water flow

   Keep tall pans away from the detergent door and spray arms. Face dirty surfaces toward the center and avoid nesting utensils.

   What you want: Spray paths and the detergent door are clear.
2. 2

   Turn the spray arms by hand

   With the machine off, rotate each visible spray arm. Remove only loose debris from accessible holes.

   What you want: The arms turn freely without hitting dishes.
3. 3

   Clean the removable filter

   Follow the manual to remove and rinse the filter. Do not reach into hidden pump areas.

   What you want: The filter is clean and locked back in place.
4. 4

   Run hot water first

   Run the kitchen hot tap until warm before starting the dishwasher, unless the manual says otherwise.

   What you want: Warm water reaches the machine sooner.
5. 5

   Use fresh detergent and the right cycle

   Store detergent dry, use the amount listed for local water hardness, and choose a heavier cycle for dried food.

   What you want: Detergent dispenses and the cycle matches the soil level.

If the problem remains

Find the full model number. Open the official manual, check for a recall, and describe which checks you completed before contacting service.