Amana Dishwasher: not washing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dishwasher is running cycles but leaving dishes visibly dirty, it may be due to clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, or improper loading. Water might be filling, but ineffective spray action can lead to unsatisfactory cleaning results. Addressing these common issues can help restore your dishwasher's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Some Amana models may have multiple spray arm levels (upper/middle/lower) requiring careful inspection and cleaning

Possible Causes

Clogged or blocked spray arms

How to Identify: Dishes not getting hit by jets, spray arms don’t spin freely, visible debris in spray arm holes

Part: Spray arm (upper, lower, center)

Clogged or dirty filter

How to Identify: Food particles visible in filter, slow drainage, water pooling, dishes still dirty after cycle

Part: Dishwasher filter

Insufficient water circulation due to pump or circulation assembly issues

How to Identify: No strong water spray, pump humming but no water movement, dishes remain dirty

Part: Circulation pump/motor assembly

Improper loading and water coverage

How to Identify: Items blocking spray arms, overloading racks, dishes shielding each other from spray

Part: User loading practice (not a part)

Detergent dispenser or detergent usage issue

How to Identify: Detergent not dispensing/opening, clumped detergent, poor cleaning even with correct loading

Part: Detergent dispenser or detergent type

Low water temperature or supply issues

How to Identify: Cold water entering dishwasher, cycle completes too quickly without heating, films remain on dishes

Part: Water heater/supply connection

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if required), toothpick/small brush
  1. Remove lower and upper spray arms according to model instructions
  2. Clear debris from all holes using a toothpick or brush
  3. Rinse arms under warm water and reinstall ensuring they spin freely
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before disassembly

Clean or replace filter

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, soft brush
  1. Open dishwasher and locate filter at bottom
  2. Remove filter and rinse under warm water
  3. Use brush to remove trapped food and reinsert securely
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit is off before filter removal

Rearrange dishes for proper water coverage

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Remove excess dishes to avoid overcrowding
  2. Ensure nothing blocks spray arm rotation
  3. Place items facing spray arms for better coverage

Check and clean detergent dispenser

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: damp cloth
  1. Open detergent dispenser door
  2. Clean around dispenser with damp cloth
  3. Test if dispenser opens properly during a cycle

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Replace faulty water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Control board repair/replace

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Water not circulating at all after cleaning spray arms and filters
Unusual noises from pump or motor during cycles
Electronic error codes or failure to start

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean dishwasher filter: Clogs that reduce water flow and cleaning performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect and clean spray arms: Spray arm blockage and poor water distribution
    Frequency: every 1-2 months
  • Use proper loading techniques: Blocking spray arms and uneven cleaning
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not washing?
Common causes include clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, and improper loading.
How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not washing myself?
Clean spray arms, filter, and rearrange dishes for better water coverage.
How much does it cost to fix not washing?
Professional repairs range from $50 for a water inlet valve to $400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not washing?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if issues persist, indicating more complex problems.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty circulation pump (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the circulation pump

    Success rate: 100.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Amana Dishwasher Error Code and Replacement Part
  2. Amana Dishwasher Error Code and Replacement Part

Community Discussions

doesn’t spray and wash the dishes

Replaced the circulation pump, which resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn’t spray and wash the dishes

Replaced the circulation pump and resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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