Electrolux Dishwasher: not cleaning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Electrolux dishwasher not cleaning effectively? If your dishes are coming out with food residue, spots, or a film despite running a complete wash cycle, it could be due to common issues like clogged spray arms or a failing water inlet valve. Understanding the causes can help you restore your dishwasher's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux recommends cleaning spray arms, filters, and using Machine Care interior cleaning program to restore cleaning performance.
  • Poor cleaning can be due to improper water temperature or blocked dispenser.

Possible Causes

Clogged spray arms obstruct water flow

How to Identify: Food particles visible in spray arm holes, reduced rotation or water pressure during cycle

Part: Spray arms (upper, lower, center)

Water inlet valve failure restricting water fill

How to Identify: Dishwasher fills slowly or insufficiently, poor cleaning performance

Part: Water inlet valve

Faulty circulation pump or motor

How to Identify: No water spray, humming noise, dishes remain very dirty

Part: Circulation pump/motor

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms and remove obstructions

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if required), toothpick or small brush, warm water
  1. Turn off dishwasher and remove racks to access spray arms
  2. Detach spray arms if removable and rinse under warm water
  3. Use a toothpick or brush to clear debris from holes and reattach arms
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before removing parts

Clean filter and sump area

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: rubber gloves, warm water, soft brush
  1. Open dishwasher and locate bottom filter assembly
  2. Remove and rinse filter under warm water
  3. Clear any debris from sump area and reassemble
⚠️ Safety First: Be careful when handling sharp utensils in bottom of dishwasher

Re-load dishes properly

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Ensure dishes do not block spray arms
  2. Place larger items facing inward with sufficient spacing
  3. Avoid nesting bowls and overcrowding

Use correct detergent and cycle settings

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Use dishwasher-specific detergent tablets or powder
  2. Follow recommended detergent amounts
  3. Select appropriate cycle for soil level

Increase hot water temperature

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Adjust water heater to ~120°F at faucet
  2. Run hot water at sink before starting dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Beware of scalding risk when increasing water heater temperature

Run cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner

Easy 60 minutes
Tools Needed: Dishwasher cleaner tablet
  1. Place cleaner according to product instructions
  2. Run an empty hot cycle

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace circulation pump or motor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace control board (if contributing to multiple failures)

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher does not fill with water
Loud unexplained noises during cycle
Water not circulating at all
Repeated error codes on display

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter and spray arms: Debris build-up that reduces cleaning performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run dishwasher cleaning cycle: Mineral and grease deposits
    Frequency: every 1-2 months
  • Check loading and detergent use: Spray obstruction and detergent-related issues
    Frequency: each cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Dishwasher not cleaning?
Common causes include clogged spray arms, a failing water inlet valve, or a faulty circulation pump.
How do I fix Electrolux Dishwasher not cleaning myself?
Clean spray arms, check the filter, and ensure proper loading and detergent use.
How much does it cost to fix not cleaning?
Professional repairs range from $50 for a water inlet valve to $400 for a control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not cleaning?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem involves the circulation pump or control board, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged spray arms preventing water from reaching dishes
  • Dirty or malfunctioning filter that traps food particles
  • Improper loading of dishes blocking water flow

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Remove the spray arms and clean them thoroughly to ensure water can flow freely. Check for clogs and replace if damaged.

  2. Clean or replace the dishwasher filter to eliminate trapped food particles that can redeposit on dishes.

  3. Rearrange the dishes to avoid blocking the spray arms. Ensure that larger items are placed on the bottom rack and do not obstruct water flow.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Will my new dishwasher fit? EI24ID30QS5B --to--> SHEM63W55N

Community Discussions

doesn't clean dishes, instead it adds dirt to them and dries the dirt

User decided to replace the dishwasher instead of repairing it due to concerns about future reliability.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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