Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
Read the guide
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes?
A dishwasher stops cleaning well when water cannot reach the dishes with enough force, heat or soap. The most common causes are a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, overloaded racks, cool water at the start of the cycle, old or wrong detergent, hard water film, and a weak wash pump. Most of these you can fix yourself in under 30 minutes.
If the problem keeps coming back, our appliance repair Mountain View CA team repairs Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, GE and Samsung dishwashers, often the same day.
What are the 7 most common causes?
1. Clogged filter
Most dishwashers made in the last 15 years have a manual filter at the bottom of the tub. When it fills with food, dirty water gets pushed back onto the dishes. Clean it once a month.
2. Blocked spray arms
Seeds, glass chips and scale plug the small holes in the spray arms. Pull the arms off, rinse them, and clear each hole with a toothpick. Spin each arm by hand to make sure nothing blocks it.
3. Overloading or poor loading
Large pans and cutting boards can block the spray or the detergent door. Face dirty surfaces toward the center and keep tall items out of the spray arm's path.
4. Water not hot enough
Run the kitchen tap until the water is hot before you start the dishwasher. The water heater should be set near 120°F. If the dishwasher's own heater has failed, the water stays lukewarm all cycle.
5. Old or wrong detergent
Powder and pods lose strength if they get damp under the sink. Use fresh detergent and do not use regular dish soap, which makes foam.
6. Hard water film
Mountain View's tap water is a blend of Hetch Hetchy supply and some local groundwater, so hardness varies by neighborhood. Minerals leave a white film on glasses and inside the tub. A rinse aid and a monthly vinegar or citric acid cycle help. Our dishwasher hard water guide explains more.
7. Weak wash pump or failed chopper
If the filter and arms are clean but dishes still come out dirty, the wash pump may be weak. You may hear a quiet hum instead of a strong spray sound. This needs a technician.
Dishes still dirty after cleaning the filter and spray arms? Call now for same-day dishwasher help in Mountain View.
What quick routine keeps a dishwasher cleaning well?
- Scrape food into the trash, but do not pre-rinse. Detergent needs some food to work on.
- Clean the filter once a month, or every two weeks for a busy family.
- Fill the rinse aid dispenser when the light comes on.
- Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar every month.
- Use the heated dry or sanitize option for heavy loads.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the filter and spray arms are clean but dishes are still dirty, if the water never gets hot, if the wash sound is weak, or if the detergent door does not open. These point to the wash pump, heater, thermostat or dispenser. Most dishwasher repairs in Mountain View cost about $150 to $400 with parts and labor.
If the tub also holds water after the cycle, read dishwasher not draining. If dishes come out wet, see dishwasher not drying dishes.
Other common repairs we see in Mountain View
If another appliance is acting up too, these guides can help: fridge water and ice dispenser not working, oven not preheating all the way, electric glass top stove burner not working, and washing machine repair for washers that leak, stall or will not spin.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dishwasher leaving food on the dishes?
The most common causes are a clogged filter, blocked spray arm holes, overloading, and water that is not hot enough. A weak wash pump is less common but possible on older machines.
How do I clean a dishwasher filter?
Twist out the round filter at the bottom of the tub, lift out the flat mesh under it, and rinse both under warm water with a soft brush. Put them back and lock the top filter in place.
Why are my glasses cloudy after the dishwasher?
Cloudiness that wipes off with vinegar is hard water film. Cloudiness that does not come off is etching from too much detergent with soft water, and it is permanent.
How much does dishwasher repair cost in Mountain View?
Most dishwasher repairs run about $150 to $400 with parts and labor. A wash pump or spray arm is usually within that range. You get the price first.
