Ge Dishwasher: not cleaning properly

Possible Causes

Clogged spray arms or spray arm holes

How to Identify: Inspect spray arms; if holes are blocked with food particles or mineral buildup and arms don’t spin freely

Part: Spray arms

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms and unclog holes

Moderate 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver (if required), Toothpick or small brush, Warm water and mild detergent

1. Remove lower and upper spray arms following manual guidance
2. Use a brush/toothpick to clear debris from all holes
3. Rinse arms under warm water and reattach securely

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off and water supply is off before working inside

Clean filters and sump area

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver (if needed), Warm soapy water, Brush or cloth

1. Remove bottom filter assembly
2. Rinse with warm soapy water and scrub debris
3. Check sump area for buildup and clean
4. Reinstall filter correctly

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal filter area

Use correct detergent and check dispenser

Easy 5 minutes

1. Verify you are using GE-recommended dishwasher detergent
2. Ensure dispenser latch opens properly
3. Avoid placing pods incorrectly; place in designated dispenser

Adjust dish loading practices

Easy 5-10 minutes

1. Avoid overloading racks
2. Ensure spray arm paths are unobstructed
3. Place heavily soiled items face spray jets

Professional Repairs

Replace damaged spray arms or filters

Estimated Cost: $30 - $150

Service water heating or sensor issues

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still fails to clean after cleaning spray arms and filters

Water temperature remains low despite settings and checks

Detergent dispenser fails to open or is mechanically broken

Unusual noises or error indicators during cycles

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean filters: Filter clogs that reduce wash performance
  Frequency: monthly
• Inspect and clean spray arms: Clogs that restrict water flow and spray distribution
  Frequency: every 2-3 months
• Use appropriate detergent: Detergent residue and cleaning issues
  Frequency: each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Dishwasher not cleaning properly?

The most common causes are clogged spray arms, dirty filters, or using the wrong detergent.

How do I fix GE Dishwasher not cleaning properly myself?

You can clean spray arms, filters, ensure proper detergent use, and adjust dish loading practices.

How much does it cost to fix not cleaning properly?

Professional repair costs range from $30 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not cleaning properly?

Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if there's potential damage.

References & Sources

• Dishwasher - Not Washing Properly (GE) Official

Can I Fix This Myself?

25%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Poor seal connection affecting cleaning (1 mentions)
• Clogged or dirty filters (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Replaced mating unit seal with #12 o-ring

   Success rate: 14.0%

Community Discussions

top rack not clean

The mating unit seal was not making a good connection; replaced with a #12 o-ring.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair