Before Calling a Repairman - Dishwashers

Dishwashers are a wonderful appliance to have but it is very annoying when they break.  Here are a few things you can do yourself before getting an appliance technician involved.


Power - You'll notice this comes up every time if you read all of my articles.  Check your fuse box, lots of embarrassing service calls could have been avoided if someone had just checked their fuses.

Dishes not getting cleaned - Haul out your user manual and check if you are following all the directions on how to use the dishwasher best. Some dishwashers will actually have a reservoir for a certain kind of salt; the salt will help soften your water and improve the shine on your dishes and cups. Make sure you are using a good type of dishwasher soap and unfortunately you really do need a "finisher" like Jetdry to really get rid of soap scum. If your finding left over soap in the machine after the full cycle is run you should call a tech.

Cycles not completing or Stopping during cycles - Make sure you are closing the door 100% if the door isn't completely shut it might start alright but end up stopping before finishing since it thinks you've opened it. You may need to call someone to adjust the door for you or perhaps change out the latch if it's a constant issue.

Bad Smells or an explosion of bubbles - For smells clean it with a special detergent or stick with the always effective vinegar and baking soda trick.  Bubbles comes from somebody using hand dishwashing soap for the dishwasher.  They are very different things.  The soap for dishwashers are specially designed to not "sud" or make bubbles and if you use regular soap it's going to be.. interesting...

For things like leaks, floppy doors, power problems not caused fuses, and other issues you'll likely need a repairman.