Kenmore 14249, Very poor cleaning

SOURCE: dishes not getting clean

brittgee, there has been a number of service flashes on this model. One that has to do with the upper spray arm assy. Complaint is poor washability; gritty glasses, food redeposited on glasses, especially in the corners. They redesigned the upper spray arm to improve water spray to all corners of the upper rack. The new part number is 8269022. They also redesigned the third level spinner for more consistant rotation and better washability. This was also under a service flash. Part number.8193768. Other reasons for poor wash would be; low water temperature, rinse aid disp. not working, loading etc. Catriver...post back.

SOURCE: I have a Sears Kenmore

call sears service and tell them you need service there is a service flash and will be no charge

SOURCE: Kenmore dishwasher does not wash completely

I had the same problem. I switched to a gel dishwashing liquid and added about 1/2 cup of white vinegar to each wash cycle. (Just pour the vinegar in a cup, put it in the dishwasher and let the water fill the cup and disperse the vinegar.) Gradually you can reduce the amount of vinegar that you use. Worked for me, hope it does the same for you.

SOURCE: Kenmore Elite dishwasher not cleaning well and

Check the following to address this issue


1. No water
Make sure you get water to the dishwasher. Check to see if the water shut-off valve (located under the sink) is open. If you get water to the dishwasher, but there is still no water inside during the fill cycle, the problem might be with a faulty water valve (located at the bottom of the dishwasher, behind the kick panel, on either side), in which case replace the water valve.

2. Not enough water
If there is not enough water, the dishes would not get cleaned. This could be caused by a partially closed water shut-off valve (located under the sink), or a faulty dishwasher water valve (located at the bottom of the dishwasher, behind the kick panel, on either side).

3. Clogged spay arms
There is usually two, sometimes three spray arms in a dishwasher. Make sure there is no debris blocking the holes inside each spray arm.

4. Water temperature is too low
To get the best results, the water has to be at 120 degrees Fahrenheit when entering the dishwasher.

5. Not enough soap
If you only fill one part of the soap cup, try adding soap to both parts.

6. Smoky film on dishes and glasses
This problem occurs due to excessive calcium build up inside the dishwasher. Try cleaning you dishwasher using a dishwasher cleaner.

SOURCE: leaking Kenmore Elite at the right front of dishwasher

Sorry to hear of your plight. My advice is to ask for a new machine under the lemon law since they cannot get it fixed. You can also try calling Whirlpool who is the manufacturer but they are likely to tell you to work with Sears. They were out under warranty and it has not remained fixed so the warranty should carry through since you called for service while still in warranty. I feel for the tech because it is frustrating to have a problem that you cannot find a cure for be the tech should also have escalated it to the tech support line for resolution. (I was a Sears tech for 21 years)