Dishwasher: Friend or Foe? Mistakes That Lead to Early Breakdowns

A dishwasher is a valuable kitchen assistant, but it requires proper care.

06:26 05 March 2025

As an experienced appliance repair technician, I often hear complaints from dishwasher owners about poor cleaning results, strange residue on dishes, or even unexpected malfunctions. Most of these issues are not caused by factory defects but by improper use. Many people don’t realize that small mistakes can significantly shorten the lifespan of their dishwasher. Let’s go over the most common habits that damage dishwashers and what you can do to keep yours running longer.

Why Does Your Dishware Stay Greasy Even with the Best Detergent?

One of the most frequent complaints I hear is that a dishwasher doesn’t remove grease properly, even when using high-quality detergent. Customers in San Antonio often assume their machine is faulty, but the issue is usually much simpler. In most cases, clogged spray arms are to blame. Over time, grease, food particles, and limescale accumulate in the spray holes, reducing water pressure. I’ve serviced dishwashers where the spray arms were so clogged that water couldn’t reach the upper rack. A quick cleaning of the spray nozzles often fixes the problem.

Another hidden factor is using too much detergent. Many people believe that adding more detergent means cleaner dishes, but excessive soap can create too much foam, which interferes with proper rinsing and leaves greasy residues. To avoid this, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.

Glasses Covered in White Film – What’s Causing It?

When customers bring me glassware covered in a milky white film, they’re convinced their dishwasher is broken. In most cases, this is simply a sign of hard water. High mineral content in water leaves deposits on glass, creating a cloudy residue. A customer in San Antonio once told me his dishwasher was ruining all his glassware. After inspection, I recommended adding a rinse aid and using a water softener. Within a few cycles, the problem was completely resolved.

Another important factor is water temperature. If the dishwasher runs at a lower temperature, the detergent may not dissolve properly, leaving behind residue. Adjusting the temperature settings and selecting a higher-heat wash cycle often helps eliminate the issue.

How One Forgotten Item Can Shut Down the Entire Drain System

Sometimes, customers complain that water won’t drain from their dishwasher, assuming the pump has failed. In reality, I often find that a small object has clogged the drain filter, blocking water flow. One time, a customer in San Antonio called me because their dishwasher had stopped draining. After inspecting the filter, I discovered a wooden toothpick had wedged itself in the drain pump impeller, preventing it from spinning.

Other common culprits include pieces of plastic, labels from dishes, and even broken glass. A single small object can cause the drain pump to fail, leading to costly repairs. To prevent this, always check dishes for debris before loading them and clean the filter regularly.

Hidden “Traps” That Cause Water Leaks

Water leaks are one of the most frustrating and potentially damaging issues a dishwasher can develop. Many customers assume that if they see a puddle under their dishwasher, the door gasket must be worn out. However, in my experience, the causes are often more surprising.

One case involved a clogged drain hose. Food residue and grease had built up inside, causing water to back up and leak through loose connections. Another common cause is excessive foaming—if the wrong detergent is used, too much foam can form and overflow through the ventilation openings.

I strongly advise against attempting to fix leaks on your own. Dishwashers contain electrical components, and water exposure can lead to short circuits or electric shock. If you notice a leak, it’s best to call a technician immediately to avoid further damage.

Can Changing Detergents Extend Your Dishwasher’s Life?

Surprisingly, yes. Using the wrong detergent can lead to grease and limescale buildup inside the dishwasher, reducing efficiency and causing malfunctions. I’ve seen dishwashers where poor-quality detergents left a thick layer of grease in the internal components, restricting water circulation. Switching to a high-quality detergent and running a dishwasher cleaner cycle restored normal performance.

It’s also important to never use regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent. A customer once poured liquid dish soap into their machine, which resulted in a flood of foam spilling onto the kitchen floor. Dishwashing detergents are specially formulated to clean effectively at high temperatures without excessive foaming.

The Benefits of Professional Repair

When a dishwasher breaks down, many people try to fix it themselves. However, modern dishwashers are complex appliances with electronic components, pumps, and sensors running on high voltage. Misdiagnosing a problem or performing a DIY repair can not only worsen the issue but also pose a risk of electric shock.

If you need dishwasher repair in San Antonio https://superiorappliancesrepair.com/san-antonio/, calling a professional is the best solution. At Superior Appliances Repair, technicians provide on-site diagnostics, use high-quality replacement parts, and offer service warranties. Instead of risking damage to your appliance, you can trust experienced specialists to restore it safely and efficiently.

A dishwasher is a valuable kitchen assistant, but it requires proper care. By avoiding common mistakes, keeping it clean, and using the right detergent, you can extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years.