Dishes in top rack not getting clean

Don't know if this will help, but my dishwasher has a "propeller" device above the top and bottom racks that spins while dispensing the water. If the dishes on either rack are stacked too high (i.e. if even one plate comes in contact with that propeller, keeping it from spinning properly) the dishwasher will go through its full cycle but will not use the soap (soap door will still be closed and soap packet still intact) and will not get the dishes clean.
However, it sounds like you either have a bit of a drain issue as well--or perhaps your dishwasher acts the same way as mine (if that's the case) but ceases to drain as well if blocked.

1. Check the water temperature. Should be 125 to 140 F.
   
2. Check pump re-circulation., Listen, see if it sounds like it is spraying the water around with enough pressure.
   
3. Check water level when the fill cycle has completed. Should be just under the heating element. If not, possibly need to replace the water inlet valve.
   
4. Check the spray arm and pump cover for splits or leaks.
   
5. Check to make sure dishwasher is draining after each cycle. There should only be a little water in the bottom of the tub.
   
6. Make sure the dishes are loaded properly, or dishwasher is not overloaded.
   
7. Possibly try a different detergent. Some liquid-gels will bubble and a pump cannot pump bubbles.
   

Scrape away large pieces of food, bones, pits, toothpicks, etc. Burned on food should be loosened before loading. Empty liquids from glasses and cups. Foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice and tomato products may cause discoloration of stainless steel and plastics if allowed to sit for a long period of time. Unless the dishwasher is to be operated at once, it is best to rinse off these food soils. Load racks so that large items do not prevent the detergent dispenser from opening. If the dishwasher drains into a food disposer, be sure disposer is completely empty before starting the dishwasher.
just click on the above questions for more help the answer will come to the screen

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2. Another common leaking trouble maker - especially for leaking out of the door area
   
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7. Dishwasher soap notice
   
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13. Important disclaimer
    
14. I would like to try to install my own dishwasher
    
15. Loading your dishwasher help
    
16. Motor and pump assembly screw and impellor help
    
17. My dishes are not as clean as they used to be, what might be wrong?
    
18. My dishwasher racks have rusted.
    
19. My dishwasher will not fill with water
    
20. My dishwasher will not start
    
21. My soap dispenser will not open
    
22. Sand like deposits inside the glasses and d/w
    
23. Some common soap door dispensers breakdowns
    
24. Some common soap door dispenser door springs
    
25. Stainless Steel Cleaning
    
26. Strange grinding noises and not washing properly
    
27. The dishwasher doors falls down
    
28. White filming on the glasses
    

the problem is hard water leaving the residue. go to www.dishwasherfilter.com and get the dishwasher filtration system. it will reduce the hard minerals that leave the residue and your dishes will be clean as can be. it is very affordable and fits right under your sink.

I would suggest you buy some CLR and run it through a full heavy cycle with the washer empty. Be sure to put it in all dispenser areas and sprinkle about 1/4 cup into the washer before starting.

The problem most people encounter with dishwashers is a simple inability to get the dishes clean. There might be stuck-on food or residue from the detergent. A water pressure problem may be the culprit. You may need to replace the water intake valve. Another common problem is mineral build-up. If your house has hard water, the mineral build-up can clog the water jets. Clear each jet with a wire or pin, and run an empty load with some vinegar in the detergent dispenser about once a month.

Sometimes, the dishwasher has problems draining properly. There could be a clog in the drain hose, or a problem with the pump. It's also possible that the dishwater is getting too sudsy, and sensors in the washer aren't detecting the soap foam as water. This causes it to shut down the drain cycle too early. Just use less detergent.

check the inlet strainer at the bottom of the unit - and also the nozzles on the top are for clogs/sediment.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.

This happened to me as well. I think I solved the problem. It started when I first lowered the top rack. In doing so, the door doesn't open all the way. It also won't open all the way if your cutlery rack is in the front and you've put large utensils like a spatula. Consequently, detergent dried under the latch and it wouldn't firmly catch. For months I put up with it never emptying completely. The other day I took a tooth brush and very hot water and cleaned under the latch. After, I could feel a difference in the way the latch operated (with greater pop on opening). So far its been doing fine. Hope this helps.
Denise

Growand:

There is a rubber tube which supplies water to the top spray arms. That is, If yours has top spray arms. This rubber tube has to make a connection when one slides the top rack back in. That tube will rot after a while, check it out.

If the soap is not being used up, reduce the amount of soap you are using and run the dishwasher empty with a pie plate sitting on the bottom rack with a cup of distilled (cheap) vinegar in it. Run it hot and long, recheck and redo if neccessary.

If you are you using a liquid soap or packets that will be the main problem.If your unit fills with water circulates the water and drains the water,and also heaters are working then you probally need to change to cascade powder soap.The film on the dishes is soap.The unit has so much build up in it that when it gets to the rinse cycle it is rinsing dishes with soapy water.You need to get 2 medium bowls fill both 2/3 up with white vinager,place one in upper rack and one in lower rack and run unit on longest cycle letting the vinager splash out during wash.do this with no soap and no dishes.Having soft water will allow you to use less soap.

generally dishwashers rely on the pressure supplied by the water supply line. check to see if it is enough or if inlet pipe is of sufficient diameter for needed flow.in some instances i know of seperate lines needing to be run directly instead of coming off of supply to sink area.