Maytag Dishwasher: not cleaning or drying dishes properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag Dishwasher struggling to clean or dry your dishes effectively? You may notice food residue, spots, or wet dishes after a normal wash cycle. This common issue can stem from clogged filters, improper loading, or even wrong detergent usage. Understanding the causes can help you restore your dishwasher's performance quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag emphasizes correct loading and regular maintenance to prevent poor cleaning; filters and spray arm blocks are common issues.

Possible Causes

Clogged or dirty filters and spray arms

How to Identify: Food particles visibly blocked in bottom filter or spray arm holes; reduced water spray during cycle

Part: Filter assembly, spray arms

Improper loading blocking water flow

How to Identify: Items leaning over or blocking spray arms; dishes not arranged according to manual guidance

Part: Dish racks, spray arm clearance

Wrong detergent or lack of rinse aid

How to Identify: Use of non-dishwasher-specific detergent; low rinse aid indicator; cloudy spots on dishes

Part: Detergent dispenser, rinse aid dispenser

Low water temperature or pressure

How to Identify: Dishwasher doesn’t fill fully or cycles longer to heat water; cold or ineffective wash

Part: Water inlet, home supply

Faulty circulation pump or motor

How to Identify: No or weak water spray, humming noise, or pump not running; dishes remain dirty

Part: Circulation pump/motor

Drying system limitations or environmental factors

How to Identify: Dishes remain wet but appear clean; especially plastics and low‑heat cycles

Part: Drying system (heating element or condensation vent), rinse aid system

DIY Solutions

Clean filters and spray arms

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, soft brush
  1. Remove bottom rack and access filter assembly
  2. Take out coarse and fine filters and rinse under warm water
  3. Remove spray arms if possible and clear debris from holes with a soft brush
  4. Reassemble filters and spray arms, ensure they rotate freely
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before removing components

Load dishes correctly

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Place larger, taller items on bottom rack without blocking spray arms
  2. Angle cups and bowls downward on upper rack to allow water penetration
  3. Ensure utensils do not nest together

Use correct detergent and refill rinse aid

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Check detergent type and amount, replace with dishwasher‑specific detergent
  2. Fill rinse aid dispenser to recommended level
  3. Run a normal or heavy cycle

Check water temperature at supply

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: meat thermometer
  1. Run hot water at sink nearest dishwasher until hot
  2. Measure temperature; it should be at least ~120°F
  3. Adjust home water heater if too low or delay dishwasher start until hot water arrives

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Heating element or thermostat replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still doesn’t clean after filter cleaning and correct loading
Unusual noises from pump or motor during cycle
Error codes on display indicating mechanical faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and spray arms: Clogging that reduces cleaning effectiveness
    Frequency: monthly
  • Refill rinse aid regularly: Spots and poor drying
    Frequency: as needed
  • Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner: Mineral buildup and odors
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not cleaning or drying dishes properly?
Common causes include clogged filters, improper loading, wrong detergent, or low water temperature.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not cleaning or drying dishes properly myself?
Clean filters and spray arms, load dishes correctly, use the right detergent, and check water temperature.
How much does it cost to fix not cleaning or drying dishes properly?
Professional repairs range from $150 to $350 for pump or motor replacement, and $100 to $300 for heating element issues.
When should I call a technician for not cleaning or drying dishes properly?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you suspect a faulty pump or heating element, it’s time to call a pro.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged spray arms preventing water from reaching dishes
  • Insufficient water temperature (below 120°F)
  • Improper loading of dishes blocking water flow
  • Old or ineffective detergent not suited for dishwasher use
  • Faulty heating element affecting drying performance

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the spray arms. Remove them and rinse under warm water to clear any debris. Ensure the holes are not blocked.

  2. Verify the water temperature. Use a thermometer to check that the water entering the dishwasher is at least 120°F. Adjust your water heater if necessary.

  3. Rearrange the dishes according to the manufacturer's loading guidelines to ensure proper water flow and coverage.

  4. Switch to a high-quality detergent that is recommended for your dishwasher model. Ensure you are using the correct amount as per the instructions.

  5. Test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter. Replace if defective to restore proper drying functionality.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Do Maytag Dishwashers really live Up to Hype, Don't have to...

Community Discussions

New dishwashers don't clean or dry dishes well

Proper water temperature, correct loading, and using recommended soaps are essential for effective cleaning.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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