Annoying, a dishwasher that no longer works (properly). We list the most common problems and the solution. If that doesn’t help, you’ll still be in time to call a technician.

Your dishwasher can break down for a variety of reasons, most of the time, if your unit is not too old, the failure is not very serious, chances are you can fix it yourself and save a substantial sum in repairs.

Follow the guide, we list the failures most often encountered and give you the solutions to get by on your own. In any case, if it doesn’t work, you will have the merit of having tried and can call the repairman…

Water remains in the dishwasher

If the water remains in the bottom of the Dishwasher without draining, there are several possible reasons:

• Filters: The machine will not be able to drain if the filters are blocked or loose. Therefore, check the filters at the bottom of your dishwasher. Unscrew the filters, remove them, clean them and screw them back in place. Check that no dirt entered the filter housing when removing the filters.
• Drain the pump: The drain pump may be blocked, for example, a piece of glass. With some dishwashers, you can check this yourself by removing the filters and draining the water from the filter housing. Try blowing hard into the drain pipe to dislodge anything that has gotten into the filter holder. Read the steps in the manual.
• Drain hose: A kink or bulge in the drain hose is blocking water drainage. Check the drain hose on the back of the unit and make sure the hose is not crushed for everything to work properly.
• Sink: Is the dishwasher connected to the sink drain? Then check if it is clogged and clean it.

Does the above not help to solve the problem? The pump is probably defective. It needs to be changed, call a dishwasher technician.

Read also : How to (Easily) Clean a Stinky Shower Drain

Dishwasher door leaks

• Spray arms: If the spray arms cannot rotate or are clogged, too much water may be spraying towards the door. This causes leaks. First check that the spray arms can rotate. Remove the spray arms from the machine, rinse them out and poke the openings with a needle or cocktail stick. Replace the spray arms if they remain clogged.
• Rubber: If a rubber does not fit properly, the machine may leak. Check the rubber and make sure it is clean and undamaged.

If the rubber on the side or top is broken, you can easily replace it yourself. Is the rubber at the bottom of the door broken? The door must be dismantled. Have it repaired by a dishwasher technician.

The display does not work

• Voltage: Check if the dishwasher is on. Connect another device. If this device works, it’s the dishwasher.
• Closing : Check if the door closes properly.
• Reset: Check the manual for how to reset the dishwasher. The machine may not have closed the previous program properly.
• Tap : Check if the water tap is open enough.
• Inlet pipe: Check that the inlet hose strainer at the water hose connection is not clogged.
• Solenoid valve: Check that the solenoid valve that lets the incoming water through is still moving. Due to limescale, it cannot respond or responds less well to the signal that it should open.

Doesn’t that help solve the dishwasher problem? Then call a technician.

The dishwashing program is infinite

The main program lasts on average more than 2 hours, but can last up to 3 hours. The eco program lasts on average about 3 hours, but can last up to 4 hours. If the washing continues indefinitely, it is often the automatic program.

• Sensors: The sensors may be dirty, which means the dishwasher is still detecting “dirty water”. Clean them or run an intensive program.
• Automatic program memory: The machine may also have memorized a very dirty previous wash cycle. It may help to reset.

Dishwasher tablet not dissolving properly

• Short wash program: When using a tablet for a short wash program, the tablet may not dissolve completely.
• Distributer : The container could not be opened (correctly). Maybe something blocked the cover. Always make sure the container is completely dry, so that it doesn’t suck a vacuum when it needs to open. When a tablet has a soluble coating, it may also adhere on contact with moisture.
• Vaporizer: cock the spray arm may be blocked or clogged so that the jet does not properly pick up detergent from the dispenser. Remove them from the machine and pierce the nozzles with a needle or cocktail stick.

Isn’t that possible? Then replace the Spray Arms.

Read also : Make homemade dishwasher tablets

The dishwasher constantly asks for rinse aid / salt

• Multi-tab option: you use all-in-one tablets with rinse aid and salt, it is not necessary to add it separately. You can often adjust the machine accordingly by choosing the option to use multiple tablets. It is not possible to select this option for tablets combined with all programs (especially shorter ones).
• Adjusting the rinse aid: Sometimes it is necessary to deactivate the rinse aid setting.
• Setting the water hardness: If you have set “very hard water”, the salt in the dishwasher tablets may not be sufficient for your dishwasher. He then asks for salt.

The dishwasher does not wash properly

• Load correctly: Check that the dishwasher has been loaded correctly. If you stack the dishes too much, the water cannot reach the dishes properly. Read our tips on loading the dishwasher or watch the video below.
• Spray arm: Check that the spray arms can rotate fully and are not blocked. A consequence of this can also be that the detergent has not been completely used up. Regularly check that the spray arms are not clogged. Remove them from the machine and pierce the nozzles with a needle or cocktail stick. Isn’t that possible? Then replace the spray arms.
• Filter: If the filter is not clean, the dishes can be dirty and smelly. Check the machine’s filter every time you wash it and clean it regularly. Learn more about cleaning your dishwasher.
• Water pressure: Water pressure may be too low to rinse dishes. The spray arm pressure can often be increased. Consult your dishwasher manual for this.
  Read dishwasher maintenance tips to avoid problems.

Dishes do not dry properly

• Open the dishwasher: Open the dishwasher about 15 minutes after the end of the program. This prevents evaporated water from condensing on the dishes. But don’t open the dishwasher right away, because the heat that allows the dishes to dry will dissipate.
• Rinse aid: Make sure there is enough rinse aid in the machine.
• Rinse aid settings: Make sure the rinse aid settings are correct. Consult the machine’s manual for this.

Dishes are affected

Always check if something is safe to go through the dishwasher. This is often stated in the product manual. All-in-one dishwasher tablets sometimes have protective packaging that does not dissolve in water, consider removing it.

• Limescale deposits: Add salt if it is not in the combi-tablet and adjust the dishwasher to the water hardness. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can increase the water hardness.
• Dull glasses: If the dull complexion can be cleaned again, the detergent may not work properly or the water hardness may be set too low.
• Corrosion of glass: Glass corrosion shows colored spots, streaks or milky film on the glass. It is an irreversible process. Dishwasher detergents with glass protection can neutralize the effect.
• Discoloration of silver: Silver may discolor in the dishwasher as it reacts with bleach, egg and/or salt. The extent to which this happens depends on the detergent, some products provide extra protection for the silver. You can remove this discoloration with silver polish.

to discover : These things you would never have put in the dishwasher if you hadn’t read this article.

The dishwasher stinks

Cleaning : If your dishwasher stinks, it might be tempting to toss you around with all sorts of refreshing remedies. But first find out where the stench is coming from. Ultimately, bad odors may be a more harmless expression of a bigger problem. Thoroughly cleaning the dishwasher is the best first step.

Air fresheners: If cleaning doesn’t help, try using a dishwasher cleaner. Does the dishwasher still not smell fresh? Refreshers or neutralizers are an option.

Problem not solved?

Is your problem not solved with the tips above? Keep in mind that you can always get it repaired for free under the warranty. But alas, an appointment with a repairer will be essential.

Share your experience

Do you have another problem with your dishwasher? Or have you solved a problem with your dishwasher? Help others by sharing your experience in the community.