GE Dishwasher dishes not clean

Common reasons your GE Dishwasher dishes not clean

The most common reasons your GE dishwasher dishes are not clean include a defective PCB (printed circuit board), bad motor and a broken spray arm.

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    PCB

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Motor

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 50%

    50% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE dishwasher

PCB Replacement

The PCB is the main electronic control board that controls dishwasher operations such as filling, washing, rinsing, draining and drying. When your GE dishwasher has dishes not getting clean, the PCB may be defective. Sometimes, you can reset the electronic control board by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the house circuit breaker for 5 minutes to completely disconnect power. Restore power to the dishwasher and the PCB will reboot and reset. If the dishwasher still won’t clean dishes, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

Motor Replacement

When your dishwasher is not cleaning the dishes, it's possible that a faulty pump and motor assembly isn't generating sufficient water pressure and flow through the water delivery system to rotate the spray arms and disperse the spray. You might notice loud noises like buzzing or grinding emanating from a faulty pump and motor assembly. If your dishwasher becomes noisy and fails to clean the dishes effectively, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect your dishwasher and address the issue.

Spray Arm Replacement

The spray arm distributes water across the dishes inside the dishwasher. A cracked or damaged spray arm won’t spray water throughout the dishwasher tub properly so dishes won’t get clean. Inspect the spray arm and have a service technician replace that part if it’s cracked or damaged.

What to expect when you experience a GE dishwasher with dishes not clean

How is the GE dishwasher not cleaning dishes problem fixed?

Correcting most GE dishwasher cleaning problems usually involves replacing a defective PCB, bad motor or a damaged spray arm. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a GE dishwasher with dishes not clean

When the dishwasher won’t clean dishes, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

When you need professional GE dishwasher repair near me to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.

What to look out for with a GE dishwasher not cleaning dishes

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. GE appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Spotty or crusted dishes from a GE dishwasher suggest sprayer clogs or weak water pressure within the machine. If large food particles remain, the cycle isn’t functioning as it should. Rather than double-washing, consult dishwasher maintenance near me. A thorough check ensures every dish leaves the tub sparkling.

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


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Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my dishes still dirty after a GE dishwasher cycle?
A clogged spray arm, low water temperature, or a malfunctioning filter can cause dishes to remain dirty. Clean the spray arms and ensure the water temperature is above 120°F.
How do I clean the spray arms in my GE dishwasher?
Remove the lower rack and spray arms, then rinse them under warm water to remove food debris. Use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes.
Could low water temperature affect dish cleaning in the dishwasher?
Yes. If the water doesn’t reach the optimal temperature (around 120°F), dishes won’t come out clean. Check your water heater or use a dishwasher-safe thermometer.
When should I call a professional for a GE dishwasher that doesn’t clean dishes properly?
If cleaning the spray arms and adjusting the water temperature doesn’t work, the wash motor or pump may need attention from a technician.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

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If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.

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Many common issues stem from simple misuse.

Glossary Terms

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

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