If your dishwasher not cleaning top rack dishes has become an issue, it can be a messy and frustrating problem. There are several possible reasons why the dishwasher top rack dishes are not getting clean.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Top Rack?

This May Be Why.

Dishwasher not cleaning top rack dishes? The most common reasons are a blocked spray arm, clogged spray arm, overloaded dishwasher, dishwasher not loaded correctly, or the water pressure to the dishwasher could be too low. In this blog post, we will walk you through how to troubleshoot each of these issues so that your dishwasher can start cleaning those top rack dishes again!

 Are the Spray Arms Blocked?

The first thing to check if your dishwasher is not cleaning the top rack dishes is whether or not the spray arms are blocked. The spray arms are what shoot water and detergent at the dishes during a cycle, so if they are blocked, the dishes will not get clean. You can check for blockages by removing the spray arm and looking for any obstructions.

If you find an obstruction in the spray arm, remove it and try running the dishwasher again. If the dishwasher still does not clean the top rack dishes, then there may be another issue that needs to be considered.

 Is There a Clog in the Spray Arm?

In addition to blockages, there could also be a clog in the spray arm. A clog is different than a blockage because it is usually caused by built-up detergent or hard water deposits. To check for a clog, remove the spray arm and look for any build-up on the inside. A clog in the spray arm will cause problems, including the dishwasher not cleaning top rack.

If you find a clog, you’ll need to try to unclog dishwasher spray arms. First, soak the spray arm in vinegar or CLR to dissolve the build-up. Once the build-up has been dissolved, try running the dishwasher again to see if that solves the issue. If the dishwasher still does not clean the top rack dishes, there may be another issue that needs to be considered.

Is the Dishwasher Overloaded?

Another common reason why a dishwasher is not cleaning the top rack dishes is that it is overloaded. When a dishwasher is overloaded, it can’t properly clean all of the dishes in the cycle. To check if the dishwasher is overloaded, remove some of the dishes and try running the dishwasher again.

If the dishwasher still does not clean the top rack dishes, then there may be another issue that needs to be considered.

Is the Dishwasher Not Loaded Correctly?

If you’ve found your dishwasher not cleaning top rack of dishes, another possibility is that the dishwasher is not loaded correctly. The detergent and water need to reach all of the dishes in order for them to get clean, so if they are not properly distributed, they will not get clean. Do you know the best way to load a dishwasher top rack? Check to make sure that all of the dishes are facing down and that there is enough space between each dish for water and detergent to reach them.

dishwasher doesn't clean dishes on top rack

If you find that the dishwasher is not loaded correctly, adjust it and try running the dishwasher again. If the dishwasher still does not clean the top rack dishes, then there may be another issue that needs to be considered.

Could the Water Pressure Be Too Low?

If all of the other troubleshooting steps have been tried and the dishwasher top rack dishes not getting clean remains a problem, it is possible that the water pressure to the dishwasher is too low. This can be checked by opening up the water supply valve and making sure that it is turned on all of the way.

If you find that the water pressure is too low, turn up the water supply valve and try running the dishwasher again. If this does not solve the problem, then it is time to call a professional for help.

If your dishwasher is not starting at all, it’s possible the dishwasher door won’t latch.

These are the most common reasons why a dishwasher is not cleaning the top rack dishes. By troubleshooting each of these issues, you can hopefully find and fix the problem so that your dishwasher can start getting those dishes clean again! If all else fails, it may be time to call in a professional for help. Remember to give Appliance & AC Parts Today a call for all your parts for dishwasher repair!