Maytag Dishwasher: not washing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dishwasher running cycles but leaving dishes dirty or with food residue? This issue suggests that the wash action is ineffective, even though the cycle completes normally. Common causes include clogged filters, improper loading, and low water temperature. Let’s explore the solutions to restore your dishwasher's cleaning performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Ensure detergent pods are placed in the automatic dispenser for optimal activation timing; incorrect placement can lead to poor cleaning.

Possible Causes

Clogged or dirty filters

How to Identify: Food debris visible on or around the bottom filter; slow or reduced water flow during cycle.

Part: Dishwasher filter assembly

Improper loading or detergent issues

How to Identify: Items overlapped, blocking spray arms; detergent not placed in dispenser correctly; residue remains on dishes.

Part: User loading/detergent practice

Low hot water temperature

How to Identify: Water entering dishwasher is below ~120°F, evidenced by not fully dissolving detergent or greasy residue.

Part: Household hot water supply

Water inlet valve malfunction

How to Identify: Dishwasher does not fill sufficiently with water; very low water level inside tub.

Part: Water inlet valve

Circulation pump or impeller failure

How to Identify: No water spray observed during cycle or pump hums without water movement.

Part: Circulation pump/pump and motor assembly

DIY Solutions

Clean filters

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush
  1. Remove dishwasher bottom rack.
  2. Locate and remove coarse and fine filters.
  3. Rinse filters under warm water and scrub debris with soft brush.
  4. Reinsert filters securely and run a short cycle without dishes to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off before removing filters.

Clean and inspect spray arms

Moderate 20-30 minutes
Tools Needed: toothpick or small brush, warm water
  1. Remove upper and lower spray arms per manual instructions.
  2. Rinse spray arms under warm water.
  3. Clear each hole with toothpick or small brush to remove debris.
  4. Reinstall spray arms and ensure they spin freely before running cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power if accessing components internally.

Correct loading and detergent placement

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Load dishes without blocking spray arms and with space between items.
  2. Place detergent pods or powder in automatic dispenser, not loose in tub.
  3. Use appropriate cycle for soil level and ensure rinse aid is present.

Ensure hot water supply

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: thermometer (optional)
  1. Run hot water faucet nearest dishwasher until hot.
  2. Ensure water entering dishwasher reaches approximately 120°F.
  3. Adjust water heater setting if needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious with hot water to avoid burns.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 for part

Circulation pump/impeller assembly replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after DIY cleaning of filters and spray arms
Water does not enter dishwasher at all
Pump makes unusual noises or fails to run
Error codes indicating electrical/part failures

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and spray arms: Buildup that restricts water flow and cleaning performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run dishwasher cleaner or vinegar cycle: Mineral scale and residue buildup inside tub and on components
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not washing?
Common causes include clogged filters, improper loading, low hot water temperature, and a malfunctioning water inlet valve.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not washing myself?
Start by cleaning the filters and spray arms, ensuring proper loading, and checking the water temperature.
How much does it cost to fix not washing?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $300+, depending on whether you need a water inlet valve or circulation pump replacement.
When should I call a technician for not washing?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you suspect a circulation pump failure, it’s best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty wash motor (3 mentions)
  • Clogged sump assembly (2 mentions)
  • Faulty control board (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the sump assembly which includes the wash motor.

    Success rate: 20.0%

  2. Replaced the control board.

    Success rate: 20.0%

  3. Check for wash motor failure or clogged sump assembly.

    Success rate: 20.0%

  4. Opted to purchase a new dishwasher instead of replacing the control board.

    Success rate: 20.0%
Analysis based on 5 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag Dishwasher Troubleshooting
  2. Newer Maytag dishwasher fills and drains properly but wash c...
  3. Kid turned off the dishwasher mid-cycle, now it won't wash.
  4. Maytag dishwasher MDB8989SHZ0 filling but not washing.
  5. Maytag MDB49490SKZ Not Washing

Community Discussions

filling but not washing

Replaced the sump assembly which includes the wash motor.

DIY View on Reddit →

wash cycle will not start

The control board was faulty and replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Not washing, F9E1 error code, F7E1 error code, no wash water

Possible wash motor failure; check for low water fills and replace fill valve if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dishwasher loads with water, but does not wash (arms don’t move or clean)

Opted to purchase a new dishwasher instead of replacing the control board.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Kid turned off the dishwasher mid-cycle, now it won't wash.

Possible wash motor failure or clogged sump assembly; check for diagnostics.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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