If your Kenmore dishwasher is leaving dishes dirty, greasy, or covered in spots even after a full wash cycle, the problem is most likely related to water flow, which is essential for cleaning. A Kenmore dishwasher relies on its filter system and spray arms to ensure that water reaches your dishes with the right pressure to clean them effectively. When these parts are clogged or malfunctioning, the dishwasher can’t clean properly.

In this guide, we will walk you through the most common issues that prevent a Kenmore dishwasher from cleaning dishes effectively and show you how to fix them step by step.

Why is My Kenmore Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly?

Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand why your Kenmore dishwasher may not be cleaning your dishes as well as it should. The issue is often related to water distribution, but there can be other factors at play. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Clogged Filters

The filter system in your Kenmore dishwasher prevents food debris from clogging the pump and spray arms. Over time, food particles, grease, and mineral buildup can clog the filter, restricting water flow and causing poor cleaning performance.

2. Obstructed or Clogged Spray Arms

The spray arms are responsible for distributing water evenly across your dishes. If the spray arms are clogged with food particles or mineral deposits, or if they are obstructed by large dishes, the dishwasher won’t be able to clean effectively.

3. Water Supply Issues

If the dishwasher is not getting enough water or the water isn’t flowing properly, it won’t be able to spray water at the necessary pressure. This can be caused by issues such as a clogged water inlet valve, low water pressure, or a blocked water line.

4. Malfunctioning Pump or Motor

The circulation pump is responsible for pushing water through the spray arms during the wash cycle. If the pump is malfunctioning, the dishwasher will struggle to spray water effectively, resulting in dirty dishes.

5. Poor Detergent Dispensing

Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as the detergent not being dispensed properly during the wash cycle. If the detergent dispenser is clogged or not opening, the dishes may not be cleaned thoroughly.

6. Overloading or Improper Loading

If you load your Kenmore dishwasher improperly, water may not be able to reach all of your dishes. For example, stacking large items on top of smaller ones or blocking the spray arms with tall dishes can prevent proper cleaning.

How to Fix a Kenmore Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes

Now that we’ve identified the most common causes, let’s go over the steps you can take to fix your Kenmore dishwasher and restore its cleaning performance.

1. Clean the Filter System

A clogged filter can severely restrict water flow and lead to poor cleaning. Regularly cleaning the filter is essential for optimal performance.

How to Clean the Filter:

1. Remove the Bottom Rack: Open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack to access the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub.
2. Detach the Filter: Most Kenmore dishwashers have a two-part filter system. To remove the filter, turn the upper cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lift it out. Next, lift the lower flat mesh filter.
3. Clean the Filters: Rinse both parts under warm running water. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub away food particles or mineral buildup. Avoid using wire brushes or scouring pads, as they can damage the mesh.
4. Reinstall the Filters: After cleaning, place the lower filter back first, ensuring it clicks into its tabs. Insert the cylindrical filter and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.

2. Clear the Spray Arms

If the spray arms are clogged or obstructed, the water won’t be able to reach your dishes with the right pressure. It’s crucial to clear any blockages from the spray arms to ensure proper cleaning.

How to Clean the Spray Arms:

1. Remove the Lower and Upper Spray Arms: You can easily remove the lower spray arm by lifting it straight off or unscrewing a central plastic locking nut. For the upper spray arm, you’ll likely need to unscrew a nut that holds it in place.
2. Unclog the Nozzles: Use a toothpick, paperclip, or thin wire to clear out any food particles or mineral deposits clogging the small holes in the spray arm.
3. Rinse the Spray Arms: Run water through the central opening of the spray arm to flush out any remaining debris from the inside.
4. Inspect for Damage: While cleaning the spray arms, check for any cracks or visible damage. If the arms are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
5. Test Rotation: After reattaching the spray arms, manually rotate them to ensure they move freely and aren’t hitting any dishes or racks.

3. Check the Water Supply and Inlet Valve

Issues with the water supply or the inlet valve can prevent the dishwasher from filling with enough water to spray properly, affecting cleaning performance.

How to Fix Water Supply Issues:

1. Ensure the Water Valves Are Open: Check the water supply valves under your sink to ensure they are fully open and water can flow freely.
2. Inspect the Water Inlet Valve: The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged, it may prevent water from reaching the spray arms. To check the valve, remove the lower panel of the dishwasher and inspect the valve for any visible clogs or debris.
3. Clean the Inlet Valve Screens: Most Kenmore dishwashers have small mesh filters located inside the water inlet valve. These can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris. Clean them by running water through the screens or using a soft brush to remove any buildup.

4. Inspect the Circulation Pump and Motor

If the pump or motor is malfunctioning, it can prevent the dishwasher from distributing water correctly, leading to poor cleaning.

How to Test the Circulation Pump:

1. Listen for Sounds: Turn on the dishwasher and listen for any abnormal sounds coming from the motor. If you hear a humming noise but no water movement, the pump may be jammed or faulty.
2. Check for Blockages: Check the circulation pump for any debris or blockages. If you find any, clear them out carefully.
3. Test the Motor: If the motor is still not working properly, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the motor fails the test, it may need to be replaced.

5. Check the Detergent Dispenser

If the detergent is not being dispensed properly, the dishes may not get cleaned properly, even if everything else is working fine.

How to Check the Detergent Dispenser:

1. Inspect the Dispenser: Open the detergent dispenser and check if it’s clogged with detergent residue or food particles. Clean the dispenser with warm water and a soft cloth.
2. Test the Dispenser Lid: If the lid doesn’t open properly, it may prevent the detergent from being released. Check the lid to see if it’s stuck or damaged.
3. Run a Test Cycle: After cleaning the dispenser, run a test cycle to see if the detergent is dispensed properly.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve gone through these steps and your Kenmore dishwasher is still not cleaning properly, there may be an issue with more complex components like the control board, motor, or chopper assembly. If you suspect any of these parts are malfunctioning, it’s best to call a professional technician to avoid causing further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenmore Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes

1. Why is my Kenmore dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly?

When your Kenmore dishwasher fails to clean dishes properly, there are several potential reasons. The most common causes include:

• Clogged Filters: If the filters inside the dishwasher are clogged with food debris or mineral buildup, the water flow will be restricted, reducing cleaning performance. A clean filter allows water to circulate freely, cleaning the dishes thoroughly.
• Blocked Spray Arms: The spray arms need to rotate and spray water onto the dishes. If they are clogged with food particles or blocked by improperly placed dishes, they will not spin, leading to ineffective cleaning.
• Water Supply Issues: If the dishwasher is not getting enough water, it cannot spray effectively. This could be due to issues with the water inlet valve, low water pressure, or a clogged water line.
• Faulty Circulation Pump: The pump is responsible for circulating the water throughout the dishwasher. If the pump is faulty, water won’t be distributed properly to the spray arms, resulting in dirty dishes.
• Detergent Issues: A malfunctioning detergent dispenser can also lead to poor cleaning results if it doesn’t release detergent properly.

2. How can I clean the filter in my Kenmore dishwasher?

Cleaning the filter is essential for maintaining your dishwasher’s cleaning efficiency. When food particles get trapped in the filter, it can obstruct water flow and reduce cleaning performance.

How to Clean the Filter:

• Remove the Bottom Rack: Open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack to access the filter assembly.
• Detach the Filter Assembly: Turn the cylindrical upper filter counterclockwise to lift it out. After that, remove the flat mesh lower filter.
• Clean the Filters: Hold the filter parts under warm running water. Use a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush) to scrub away food particles, grease, or mineral buildup. Avoid using wire brushes or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the mesh.
• Reinstall the Filter: Place the flat lower filter back first, ensuring it clicks into place. Then, insert the cylindrical filter and turn it clockwise to lock it.

3. Why is my Kenmore dishwasher spray arm not spinning?

The spray arm in your Kenmore dishwasher is responsible for distributing water across your dishes. If the spray arm is blocked or obstructed, it won’t spin properly, leading to poor cleaning.

What to Do:

• Check for Blockages: Tall dishes, large items, or improperly placed items in the dishwasher can obstruct the spray arm. Rearrange your dishes to allow the spray arm to spin freely.
• Clean the Nozzles: The spray arm nozzles can become clogged with food debris or mineral buildup. Use a toothpick, paperclip, or thin wire to clear any obstructions in the nozzles.
• Inspect for Damage: If the spray arm is cracked, broken, or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Check for any visible signs of wear and tear.
• Test Rotation: After cleaning, manually rotate the spray arm to ensure it moves freely. Reattach it and run a cycle to check if it’s spinning correctly.

4. How do I fix low water pressure in my Kenmore dishwasher?

Low water pressure can prevent your dishwasher from cleaning properly because it reduces the pressure with which water is sprayed onto the dishes. Common causes of low water pressure include issues with the water inlet valve, clogged hoses, or low home water pressure.

What to Do:

• Check the Water Inlet Valve: The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged, the dishwasher may not fill properly, affecting the cleaning process. Inspect the valve and clean it if necessary.
• Inspect the Water Line: Check the water line behind the dishwasher for kinks, leaks, or blockages. Straighten any kinks and replace any damaged sections of the line.
• Check Home Water Pressure: Ensure your home’s water pressure is within the normal range (typically 40-60 psi). Low water pressure can significantly affect the dishwasher’s performance. If the pressure is too low, you may need to contact a plumber.

5. How do I check and clean the chopper assembly in my Kenmore dishwasher?

The chopper assembly is a small part that helps grind up food particles to prevent clogs in the dishwasher pump. If the chopper is clogged or broken, it can obstruct the water flow, causing poor cleaning performance.

What to Do:

• Locate the Chopper Assembly: The chopper assembly is located near the circulation pump, usually at the bottom of the dishwasher. You may need to remove the bottom spray arm and filter to access it.
• Inspect the Chopper: Look for any visible cracks, debris, or food particles in the chopper assembly. If you find any, clean them with warm water and a soft brush.
• Replace the Chopper: If the chopper is broken or worn