Top Five Mistakes Homeowners Make with Their Dishwasher — And How to Fix Them
Your dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, quietly handling messes day after day. But despite how often it’s used, many homeowners unknowingly make small mistakes that can reduce cleaning performance, shorten the appliance’s lifespan, and lead to costly repairs.
The good news? Most dishwasher problems are preventable. Below are the top five mistakes homeowners make with their dishwasher — and how to fix them before they turn into bigger issues.
1. Overloading the Dishwasher
It’s tempting to cram in “just one more plate,” especially after a big meal. Unfortunately, overloading is one of the most common dishwasher mistakes.
When dishes are packed too tightly:
- Water and detergent can’t circulate properly
- Spray arms may be blocked
- Dishes come out dirty or partially cleaned
- Extra strain is placed on racks, motors, and pumps
How to fix it:
Load dishes according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Make sure spray arms can rotate freely and water can reach every surface. Running two properly loaded cycles is far better than one overloaded cycle that stresses your machine.
2. Not Scraping (But Over-Rinsing Instead)
Many homeowners swing too far in either direction — leaving large food debris on dishes or completely pre-washing them like they’re doing the dishwasher’s job for it.
Large food particles can clog filters and pumps, while excessive pre-rinsing can actually confuse modern dishwashers. Many newer models rely on sensors that detect food soil levels to adjust cycle length and water temperature.
How to fix it:
Scrape off large food scraps, but don’t fully pre-wash dishes. Let the dishwasher do what it was designed to do. Regularly check and clean the filter to prevent buildup.
3. Using Too Much (or the Wrong) Detergent
More detergent does not mean cleaner dishes. In fact, using too much detergent can cause:
- Cloudy glassware
- Soap residue on dishes
- Excess suds that interfere with washing and draining
Using the wrong detergent — especially hand soap or non-dishwasher products — can cause serious issues, including leaks and pump damage.
How to fix it:
Use a high-quality dishwasher detergent designed for your machine and local water hardness. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended amount, and adjust if you notice residue or poor cleaning performance.
4. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Dishwashers are often “out of sight, out of mind,” which leads many homeowners to skip routine maintenance. Over time, this can cause:
- Foul odors
- Poor drainage
- Weak spray pressure
- Increased wear on internal components
Neglected maintenance is one of the leading causes of dishwasher breakdowns we see during service calls.
How to fix it:
Every few months:
- Clean the dishwasher filter
- Wipe down door seals and edges
- Check spray arms for clogs
- Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar
These simple steps help your dishwasher run efficiently and extend its lifespan.
5. Ignoring Warning Signs and Strange Noises
A dishwasher that suddenly starts grinding, whining, or leaking is trying to tell you something. Many homeowners ignore these warning signs until the appliance stops working altogether — or causes water damage.
Common warning signs include:
- Grinding during wash cycles
- High-pitched whining
- Standing water after cycles
- Dishes coming out consistently dirty
- Leaks under or around the unit
How to fix it:
If you notice unusual sounds, poor performance, or water where it shouldn’t be, stop using the dishwasher and call a professional. Addressing problems early often means a simpler, less expensive repair.
Bonus Tip: Improper Rack Loading
Placing dishes incorrectly can block spray arms or cause items to melt or warp. Plastic items placed too low may deform, while large items positioned poorly can prevent water from reaching other dishes.
How to fix it:
- Place plastics on the top rack
- Face dirty surfaces toward the spray arms
- Avoid nesting bowls and utensils
- Use utensil baskets properly
Proper loading improves cleaning results and protects your dishwasher from unnecessary stress.
When to Call a Professional Dishwasher Repair Technician
If you’ve corrected these common mistakes and still experience issues, it may be time for professional service. Problems with pumps, motors, control boards, or drainage systems require expert diagnosis and repair.
Trying to “push through” performance issues often leads to bigger failures — and higher repair costs.
Need Dishwasher Repair in Salem or the Willamette Valley?
Xigent Repair provides fast, reliable dishwasher repair throughout Salem, Keizer, and the surrounding Willamette Valley. Whether your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, making strange noises, or leaking, our technicians can identify the issue and get it fixed quickly.
Call Xigent Repair today: 971-342-9001
Schedule service online: https://xigentrepair.com