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Guide to Easy Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Your dishwasher is one of the hardest working appliances in your household, so when it isn’t acting at optimum performance, you notice. Often, fixing issues like leaks, unclean dishes, poor draining or unpleasant odors can be easy to take care of with some DIY dishwasher repair know-how. Here are some dishwasher troubleshooting tips for diagnosing and fixing possible dishwasher problems.

Is your dishwasher leaking?
A leaky dishwasher is the last thing anyone wants to deal with, but the solution may be simple like switching detergent, loading differently or replacing the door seal. Before scheduling a service call, run through these tips on how to fix a leaky dishwasher:

USE THE CORRECT DETERGENT
Dishwashers should only be loaded with detergent that is specified for automatic dishwashers. Premium detergents, specifically, tend to be more effective than bargain brands at cleaning your dishes. Regular dish soap, the kind you keep by your sink to hand wash with, creates too many suds that will not only overflow the tub and may leak onto the floor, but will also erode the inside of your dishwasher. While tempting, do not use dish soap in your dishwasher.

Load your dishwasher properly
In order for your dishwasher to run properly, it’s important to load dishes correctly. An overloaded dishwasher or one loaded improperly can use too much water, and the added pressure can push up against the door and cause leaks.

Check for signs of aging
Like all appliances, your dishwasher will go through wear and tear. Depending on the age of your dishwasher, it may be time to replace the door seal; look to see if the seal is making full contact with the dishwasher. Also, check for signs of erosion on the bottom of your dishwasher. If you see any cracks or holes, it might be time to consider a new machine.

Is your dishwasher having drainage problems?
If your dishwasher has a filter, it’s quite normal to see about an inch of standing water when removing the dishwasher’s filter. However, If you see more than an inch of water accumulation in your dishwasher, chances are that you may have a clog. This is a simple fix.

Step 1: LOCATE THE FILTER
The filter should be somewhere on the bottom of the dishwasher. It will typically be covered by a cage or grille.

Step 2: REMOVE THE FILTER
Many dishwashers allow you to remove the filter by hand while others may require a screwdriver. You'll usually need to give the filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and a quick pull to remove it. Refer to your dishwasher’s use and care guide for model specific instructions.

Step 3: RINSE THE FILTER
Rinsing your filter under the faucet will remove most soils and debris. If food particles don’t rinse off easily, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes. Do not use a wire brush or scouring pad, as they may damage the filter. If you discover that you need a new filter altogether, browse Maytag brand's selection of dishwasher filters.

Step 4: REPLACE THE FILTER
Replace your filter by turning it clockwise until it clicks in or the arrows align. Run your dishwasher as you normally would, and if it drains, you’re all set. Need more help? Here is a more in-depth look into cleaning your filter.
WANT FILTRATION THAT NEEDS NO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?
Select Maytag® dishwasher models feature Dual Power Filtration, an industry-first combination of 100% microfiltration and a 4-blade stainless steel chopper. It filters out, chops up, then drains food from the dishwasher, helping prevent clogs and there's no need for routine maintenance.

Is your dishwasher not cleaning your dishes properly?
When dishes come out less than clean, the most basic dishwasher troubleshooting moves are often the most helpful: make sure you’re not using too much detergent, try adding Rinse Aid or switch up your loading pattern.

Dishes are streaky
This may not be your dishwasher at all. The problem could be the hardness of your water. Over time, minerals can accumulate on your glassware, causing streaks. Switching to a detergent that combats water hardness is recommended, and use Rinse Aid to help your dishes dry faster and clearer.

Black or gray marks on dishes
Take notice of how you place items into the dishwasher. Avoid placing aluminum utensils next to glassware and dishes, since they can rub against each other and cause markings and scratches.

Cloudy glassware
It’s important to use the correct amount of detergent, since overusing detergent will leave residue on your dishes and glassware. Rinse Aid can be effective at helping to prevent white or cloudy residue on glassware.

A Tablespoon of Detergent May Be All You Need
When it comes to your dishwasher, less is more. Start with one tablespoon of detergent or one detergent tablet or pack. If your dishes still come out dirty, try increasing the amount of detergent (if using liquid or powder) or switch up the brand. Maytag recommends using Rinse Aid in addition to your detergent.

Does your dishwasher have unpleasant odors?
The most likely culprit of odors coming from your dishwasher is food particles that have gotten stuck over time. An easy fix to this problem is to run a white vinegar rinse.

Step 1: PLACE VINEGAR IN the DISHWASHER
Fill two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container, and place it on the lower rack of your dishwasher.

Step 2: RUN A Normal CYCLE
Run a normal cycle on your dishwasher without using any detergent. Select an air dry option instead of heated dry featured on some models.

Step 3: Wipe down the dishwasher interior
Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a soft cloth to remove any debris. Run another cycle, this time with detergent, as you normally would, with or without dishes.

Clean your dishwasher once a month
Cleaning your dishwasher once a month helps maximize machine performance. Maytag recommends affresh® dishwasher cleaner to help remove limescale and mineral build-up that could affect your dishwasher’s performance.1

Is your dishwasher not starting?
While this issue might not be a common one, an unresponsive dishwasher is a problem you may encounter at some point. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you’re left with a stack of dirty dishes to wash by hand. Check that one of these possible dishwasher problems isn’t the culprit: it’s in sleep or standby mode, you have the control lock on or it’s in need of a reset. Make sure you’re familiar with the parts of your dishwasher.

Is it on Sleep Mode or Standby?
Make sure that your dishwasher isn’t on standby or sleep mode. Press the Start or Resume button, and wait for it to restart. You can also simply open and shut the door again, since it may have also been that the door was not properly closed.

Is the Control Lock set?
If your dishwasher control panel is not working, or if it seems to be completely off even when it’s connected to its power source, the Control Lock might be set. Consult your Owner’s Manual to see how you can deactivate it.

Try turning the power off and on
If the dishwasher is still unresponsive, it may be time to do a reset of your machine. To reset your dishwasher, simply disconnect from the power source for a full minute before plugging back in. For dishwashers without a plug, you’ll need to turn off the breaker.
If in the end you don’t succeed…

Schedule a service call
If after running through this list your dishwasher is still giving you trouble, it might be time to schedule a service call. If you’re not sure how to repair your dishwasher or don’t feel comfortable tinkering with it, this will always be the safest bet. Need a service call for your Maytag® dishwasher? Call customer service at 1-800-344-1274.

Consider an upgrade
If instead you realize that your dishwasher is past its prime, and that it may be time for a new model, Maytag has a selection of dishwashers that stand up to years of tough jobs. Learn more about different types of dishwashers, or explore our selection below.
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BROWSE DISHWASHERS THAT DELIVER CLEAN DISHES THE FIRST TIME
Maytag® dishwashers with Dual Power Filtration let you skip soaking, scrubbing and pre-rinsing and require no routine maintenance.
MORE WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DISHWASHER
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1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.