At some point, most homeowners will run into a problem with their dishwasher leaving food residue behind. It’s a common problem, but how do you fix it? Here are some things that can be causing your food residue woes, and some tips for fixing it yourself:

• The water is too cool. If your dishwasher relies on the hot water heater in your home for hot water (rather than internal heating), the water heater’s setting might be too cool for effective washing. Turn up the dial on your hot water heater.
• The water pressure is too low. A water pressure that registers as too low might affect how well your dishwasher works. You can call city utilities to try and fix this, or avoid using water in other parts of the house while you’re washing dishes. (In other words, don’t run the shower or washing machine at the same time as the dishwasher.)
• The drain system is clogged. You may have to check the drain pump and hoses because they can become clogged over time. They will need to be drained. If it’s not the drain hose, there is a filter on the bottom of the dishwasher that might need to be cleaned out. 
• You’re using the wrong detergent. Certain water types and dishwashers work better with different detergents, so switch it up if your dishwasher isn’t functioning right. 
• Your dishes could be loaded wrong. Take the time to figure out if you’re loading the dishwasher improperly, as this can lead to issues as well. For instance, you may be inadvertently blocking the spray arms with a large dish.

If you need dishwasher repair or advice in Rockaway or surrounding areas, give Morris County Appliance Repair a call!