I have a whirlpool dishwasher that is not working properly. It is less han 3 years old. It is not cleaning the dishes properly and leaving a heavy film on the dishes which only came off by handwashing with vinegar. We have followed all manufacture recommendations for cleaning the dishwasher itself and tried using less soap and it is doing the sdame thing

Hello Kristy;

My name is Peter. I am a retired field service appliance technician.

It sounds like you are plugged up.

You did not provide a model number so I have to advise you in general terms.

If you have a dishwasher which requires the high efficiency detergent and you are using regular less expensive detergent, then you are going to plug up

You need to clean your drain and float or filter. Soap film will build up and prevent you from properly draining.

Get a good dishwasher cleaning solution and cycle that.
.

Are you overloading your dishwasher? Are you loading the dishes in such a way to cover the water shooting up from the blades? Have you run your dishwasher a few times with no dishes in it, adding straight white vinegar to clean it out? How old is your dishwasher?

Hi,

This is a good washing machine if it is working properly. There could be a couple things that have happened to make this not work well. You should not have to pre-wash or rinse anything, just scrape and load.

First thing is look below the bottom rack, there is a ring that looks kinda like a horseshoe. This is the heat element. If it is dark in color you are okay, if it is white then it may be coated in hard water deposits, if this is the case that means the inside of the pump and wash arms are plugged up too. If so all you need to do is clean it out using a dishwasher cleaner. Here are some good ones that you can find at the store near the detergents, follow the directions on the label. Lemi Shine, Rinse aid dishwasher cleaner, finish dishwasher cleaner, Glisten. Here is a link to a few more details on that.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4666624-hard_water_calcium_white_powder_build_up

The second thing and most common is a plugged sump, debris can restrict the water flow to the pump. I have put together some instructions on cleaning this out. Follow the link below and let me know if this helps.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4628450-poor_cleaning_or_noisy_pump_whirlpool_or

Hi,
Check your heating element..
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4589033-dishwasher_problems_heating_element_not

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4319937-dishwasher_maintenance

heatman101

Try more or less detergent. Is rinse aid solution and detergent dispensers working properly? Otherwise, you may have an issue with quality of water.

If the dishes are spotty or cloudy the problem is hard water. Go to www.dishwasherfilter.com. They have a new product out that solves this problem once and for all. It filters the water entering your dishwasher and removes the hard minerals that cause these spots. Very affordable and guaranteed to leave your dishes looking amazing every time.

in the bottom of the machine, under the bottom rack, is a screen looking piece. twist or just pull up, should be able to clean that then replace.

The problem is hard water. There is a new product out called the dishwasher filtration system. It filters the water before it enters your dishwasher. It works amazing and has a money back guarantee. You will love the way your dishes look after the first load. It is also very affordable (like 70 bucks). Go to www.dishwasherfilter.com to find out more info.

Contact Whirlpool service immediately to get a service call scheduled before the warranty expires.
Most dishwashers that begin taking longer to complete the cycle have a failed heating element but that also normally means that the dishes do not get fully clean and the glassware has a film on it after the cycle ends.
Good Luck!

first if the pump is running and you can hear it washing it should clean now hot water cleans dishes not the washer the hotter the better at least 130-135 degrees modern dish washers use less water than older models so if you don't get the water as hot as you can stand it at the sink before you turn the washer on you can fill it with cold water second its important that you use jet dry and if your dishes aren't dry at the end of the cycle then on most washers you can turn the disp up for more hope that helps let me know