Why Your KitchenAid Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Properly?
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not cleaning properly, the issue is often simpler than you think.
This was a recent service call here in Ottawa with The Appliance Whisperer, and the cause wasn’t a broken part, it was maintenance.
What Was Happening
The customer noticed:
Dishes coming out dirty
Water not draining properly
A general drop in performance
The Main Issue
The dishwasher filter was heavily clogged with food and grease buildup. On top of that, all the spray arm holes were blocked, so water couldn’t circulate properly. This combination makes it almost impossible for the dishwasher to clean dishes the way it should.
Clogged dishwasher filter
Why It Happened
The filter was being cleaned once a year, which isn’t enough for daily use. Also, dishes were going in without being rinsed, which allows food to build up inside the machine over time.
What We Did
Deep cleaned the dishwasher filter
Performed a full drainage system cleaning
Cleaned all spray arm holes to restore proper water flow
Tested the dishwasher
After the service, the dishwasher was working like new again.
Cleaned dishwasher filter
How to Avoid This
A few simple habits make a big difference:
Clean your filter 1–2 times a month if you use your dishwasher on a daily basis
Rinse off heavy food before loading
Load dishes properly
Check your manual for maintenance tips
Need Dishwasher Repair in Ottawa?
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning or draining properly, it’s best to take care of it early.
At The Appliance Whisperer, we’ve been helping homeowners across Ottawa for over 8 years with reliable, professional appliance repair.

