So, you're running your dishwasher and—surprise!—it’s just not cleaning the bottom rack.

Maybe the dishes are still dirty, or you notice bits of food stuck in places they shouldn’t be. Whatever it is, it’s frustrating. But don’t worry! There are a few simple things you can check to get that bottom rack sparkling clean again.

In this post, I’ll show you how to fix a dishwasher that’s not cleaning the bottom rack.

This might save you a trip to the repair shop or, even worse, washing all your dishes by hand.

What To Do If Dishwasher Not Washing Bottom Rack?

There could be a few reasons why your dishwasher isn't doing the best job with the bottom rack. Here's a quick breakdown of things you can easily check and fix yourself:

#1 Check And Clean Spray Arms

The spray arms are those little spinning pieces that shoot water all over your dishes.

They’re a crucial part of the cleaning process, and if they’re blocked or dirty, they just can’t do their job.

You can usually spot the spray arms on the bottom and top of the dishwasher. If food or debris gets stuck in the holes, the water can’t flow through as it should.

Take a quick look at them. Are the holes clogged with gunk? If so, grab a toothpick or a small brush to clean them out.

It’s also a good idea to remove the spray arms and rinse them under warm water. If the buildup is really stubborn, soak them for a while to loosen things up.

Also Read: Why Do My Dishes Smell Like Wet Dog?

#2 Clean The Filter

Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom that catches food particles.

Over time, this filter can get clogged, which stops water from circulating properly. If water can’t circulate, your dishes won’t get clean.

So try cleaning the filter and see if your dishwasher is still not cleaning bottom racks.

Cleaning your dishwasher filter is super easy. You’ll usually find it at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the bottom rack. Just pull it out and give it a good rinse with warm water.

You can even use a soft brush if it’s particularly dirty.

Be sure to get rid of any food scraps or grease.

A clean filter will ensure the dishwasher has the best chance to spray water and clean your dishes properly. Plus, it helps with that gross smell that sometimes builds up when food sits in there too long.

#3 Don't Overload The Bottom Rack

We’ve all done it—stuffing the bottom rack with as many dishes as possible to save time.

But, here’s the thing: overcrowding the rack actually hurts the cleaning process. When there’s too much in there, the spray arms can’t rotate properly, and water can’t get to all the dishes.

So, take a step back and reconsider how you’re loading the bottom rack. Try to space things out a bit more so the water can reach everything.

Make sure larger items, like pots and pans, don’t block the spray arms from moving freely.

Also Read: Why Do My Dishes Smell After Hand Washing?

#4 Check Water Flow And Pressure

Water flow and pressure are super important for getting dishes clean.

If there’s not enough pressure, the water won’t be able to reach your bottom rack. This can happen if there’s a problem with your home’s water supply or if your dishwasher's water pump isn’t working correctly.

First, check if your dishwasher is draining properly. If there’s water left standing in the bottom, the pump could be clogged or damaged.

If everything seems fine there, you can also check the hose for any kinks or blockages that could be restricting water flow.

If you think your water pressure might be an issue, you could have a professional come check things out.

#5 Test Water Temperature

The temperature of the water you use in the dishwasher is another important factor. If the water is too cool, it won’t clean your dishes as effectively.

Most dishwashers do best with water around 120°F to 150°F.

If the water’s too cold, you can run a hot water cycle to give things a boost.

Check your water heater setting to make sure it’s hot enough. You can run some hot water in the sink first to check the temperature.

Just a little tip: if your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, make sure the disposal is working and not clogged. Sometimes, a clogged disposal can affect the dishwasher’s performance.

Also Read: How To Remove A Soap Stain On Granite

#6 Examine Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is the part of your dishwasher that controls how much water enters the machine during a cycle. If it’s not opening properly, your dishwasher may not be getting enough water to clean your bottom rack.

Here’s what to do: listen for a clicking sound when the dishwasher starts. That’s the valve opening. If you don’t hear it, it's probably not working.

If the valve is clogged or malfunctioning, you may need to replace it.

Replacing a water inlet valve isn’t the easiest DIY project, so if you’re not sure how to do that yourself, a technician can help.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Top Rack

For some people, the issue flips and the top rack comes out dirty instead of the bottom.

If that’s the case, a few of these same steps will help.

Start by checking the spray arms and filter, as the problem is probably similar to what you’re seeing with the bottom rack.

Also, pay attention to how you're loading the top rack. If items are too tall or blocking the spray arms, they won’t get the water and detergent they need to get clean.

Another thing to check is the water temperature. If your top rack is still getting stuck with grime, it could be because the water temperature isn’t high enough to clean properly. In that case, it might be time for a hot cycle and a little cleaning boost.

Wrapping Up

If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning the bottom rack, start by checking the spray arms and filter.

Make sure you’re not overloading the racks, and pay attention to water flow and temperature. If none of that works, take a closer look at the water inlet valve.

Most of these fixes are simple and don’t require a professional.

Remember, dishwashers are pretty low-maintenance machines, but they do need a little TLC now and then. Regular cleaning and proper loading can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

So next time you’re sipping your coffee and staring at a pile of dirty dishes, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Bottom Rack (Solved)