Amana Dishwasher: not cleaning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dishwasher leaving dishes dirty with food residue and film? This common issue can stem from clogged spray arms, dirty filters, or insufficient detergent. If your dishwasher isn't providing a thorough clean, it's essential to identify the root cause to restore its performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Hard water/mineral buildup inside the dishwasher can specifically impact Amana spray arms and performance; Affresh or similar cleaners recommended by Amana.
  • Upper rack position can block detergent dispenser from opening fully, leading to poor cleaning if rack not adjusted.

Possible Causes

Clogged or restricted spray arms

How to Identify: Dishes aren’t evenly cleaned, spray arms don’t spin freely, holes blocked by debris or mineral buildup

Part: Upper and lower spray arms

Clogged or dirty filters

How to Identify: Visible food debris on filter, standing water, dirty water recirculation, debris on dishes

Part: Dishwasher filter assembly

Insufficient detergent or incorrect detergent type

How to Identify: Film or residue on dishes, detergent not dissolving, detergent remains in dispenser

Part: Detergent dispenser and detergent choice

Incorrect wash cycle selection

How to Identify: Poor results on heavily soiled loads when using light/normal cycles

Part: Control panel / cycle settings

Low incoming water temperature or pressure

How to Identify: Lukewarm water starts, weak spray arm force, poor detergent dissolution

Part: Household water supply / inlet valve

Mineral buildup / hard water deposits

How to Identify: White film, buildup in spray arm holes, reduced spray efficiency

Part: Internal dishwasher surfaces and components

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: Dishwasher doesn’t fill sufficiently, weak water flow during cycle

Part: Water inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms

Moderate 20-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, toothpick or soft brush, warm water
  1. Remove upper and lower spray arms.
  2. Rinse under warm water and use toothpick or soft brush to clear clogged holes.
  3. Reinstall arms ensuring they spin freely.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before servicing internal parts.

Clean filters regularly

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, soft brush
  1. Locate and remove dishwasher filter at bottom of tub.
  2. Rinse and scrub to remove food debris and buildup.
  3. Reinstall filter securely.

Check and adjust detergent use

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Ensure detergent is fresh and appropriate type (pods/tablets often recommended).
  2. Follow manufacturer amounts for soil level and water hardness.
  3. Avoid caked/clumped detergent in dispenser.

Select appropriate wash cycle

Easy 1 minute
  1. Choose a heavier or sensor wash for heavily soiled dishes.
  2. Avoid quick/light cycles for dishes with stuck-on food.
  3. Consult manual for cycle guidance.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $15 - $50

Service circulation pump or motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher fails to fill with water despite checking supply and inlet valve
Spray arms do not rotate even after cleaning and troubleshooting
Persistent weak water circulation after cleaning filters and components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters: Clogs that cause poor cleaning performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run dishwasher cleaning product cycle: Mineral and detergent residue buildup
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect spray arms: Clogs and restricted water flow
    Frequency: every 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not cleaning properly?
Common causes include clogged spray arms, dirty filters, and insufficient detergent.
How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not cleaning properly myself?
Clean spray arms, check filters, and ensure proper detergent use for best results.
How much does it cost to fix not cleaning properly?
Professional repair costs range from $15 to $300 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cleaning properly?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the water inlet valve needs replacement.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged filters (2 mentions)
  • Malfunctioning spinning arms (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Help troubleshooting neglected dishwasher (amana)
  2. Our dishwasher seems to omit cleaning some dishes/plates

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