Having a Whirlpool dishwasher that is not functioning properly could cause you many headaches. If it keeps breaking down, investing in repairing your kitchen appliance may not be worth it.
Common Whirlpool dishwasher problems are draining issues, leakage, noisy running, improper water use, clogged filters, and corrosion.
Most of the time, these problems are easy to repair with a simple troubleshooting guide.
So, today, in this article, I have listed some Whirlpool dishwasher troubleshooting tips to help you get it working.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your dishwasher, keep reading till the end to find out what’s wrong.
This is why we always recommend checking the list of dishwasher brands to avoid before buying.
Table of Contents
- Whirlpool Dishwasher Troubleshooting
- 1. Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes:
- 2. My Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes:
- 3. Dishwasher Leaks Water:
- 4. Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Loading:
- 5. Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining:
- 6. My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Top Rack:
- 7. Dishwasher Not Responding/Has No Lights:
- 8. My Dishwasher Is Hot To The Touch:
- 9. Dishwasher Door Not Closing:
- Conclusion:
- Steven Settles
Whirlpool Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Before going into the depth of each problem, take a look at the following table, which summarizes the repetitive Whirlpool dishwasher issues and their easy fix.
| Common Whirlpool Dishwasher Problems | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Not Cleaning Dishes | Check water levels & detergent; pre-clean with vinegar. |
| Not Drying Dishes | Check drain hose & seal; remove residue; add baking soda. |
| Leaks Water | Monitor water level; open lid before starting. |
| Not Loading | Inspect detergent & door; remove obstructions from lock. |
| Not Draining | Check drain hose; clean trap door. |
| Not Cleaning the Top Rack | Avoid overloading; check disposal/filter. |
| No Response/No Lights | Check control panel labels; consult a technician. |
| Hot To Touch | Inspect for leaks & temperature sensors. |
| Door Not Closing | Tighten screws; clear obstructions; inspect door frame. |
1. Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes:
There could be one or more reasons for not cleaning dishes properly. First, you need to check if your detergent is compatible with your dishwasher.
Detergents incompatible with your dishwasher are likely to cause stains on your plates and glasses.
Whirlpool dishwashers don’t just clean dishes. They are designed to do more than that. They are built to wash, rinse, and dry all your dirty dishes in a single cycle.
However, the dishes won’t get cleaned if they get stuck in one of those functions. That is why you need to check them for possible reasons.
Dishwasher not cleaning dishes usually occurs because of low water levels.
If you are having problems with the washing cycle, your dishwasher is not likely to be able to get the water level high enough to clean your dishes properly.
The next and most obvious thing you must do is clean your dishes before placing them inside your dishwasher.
You can use the following cleaning tips:
- Use hot water and white vinegar instead of soap.
- Add baking soda to the water for faster cleaning
- You can also add a cup of bleach for better cleaning
- A small scrubbing brush and sponge will help you get the dishes clean.
2. My Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes:
Many times, when you put a cup or a glass into your dishwasher, it will not be completely dry after going through the cycle.
What causes this? Simply put, there are two reasons for not drying dishes:
- Your drain hose is clogged and unable to drain water from the bottom of the dishwasher. In this case, check your manual to find out how to remove any obstructions and make the necessary repairs.
- The seal on the lid of the dishwasher has broken down, allowing moisture to seep inside. If this is the case, the dishes in your load will not be dried properly.
Also, if you are using an old, inefficient drying system, it may not be able to dry the dishes fast enough. In this case, you may have to increase the drying time.
However, if you are using a newer, more efficient system, ensure no detergent or soap residue is on the racks where the dishes come out.
You can use a cotton ball or a paper towel to remove any residue.
If you still have problems with your dishwasher not drying your dishes, try adding baking soda to the rinse cycle. It will help your dishes get rid of any leftover soap residues.
If you have any other brand and facing the same problem, check out the blog on fixing the Bosch dishwasher not drying dishes.
3. Dishwasher Leaks Water:
The most common cause of leaking is when the water level inside the dishwasher is too high. This usually occurs when you run your dishwasher for a longer time.
To avoid this problem, ensure your water level is not too high. You should always check your water tank and ensure that the water is full.
Also, if you are running your dishwasher for a longer time, you should always open the lid before washing.
4. Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Loading:
This is one of the most common problems in Whirlpool dishwashers. What could be the possible reasons for this?
First, you must check your detergent for signs of moisture. Detergents that contain water will cause this problem.
You may have a damaged dishwasher door if your detergent has not caused this problem.
If your door is not closed properly, water and food will keep getting stuck inside your dishwasher and not be cleaned properly. That is why you must remove the door and clean it well.
Another possible reason for this problem is foreign objects have gotten into the door lock mechanism. In this case, also, you should remove the door and take it to a repair shop to get it fixed.
5. Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining:
The first thing to check for when your Whirlpool dishwasher is not draining well is the drain hose.
Make sure it is not kinked or pinched and that it is securely attached to the drain pipe. If it is not, it could be causing a partial clog, which is stopping water from draining.
If this is the case, remove the detergent trap door (it has a latch) and clean out the trap’s inside with an old toothbrush or stiff wire.
But, if you are still unable to fix the problem, check out our detailed guide on dishwasher not draining.
6. My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Top Rack:
The top rack of a dishwasher usually collects food particles, such as food, crumbs, and grease, that you do not want to be left in your dishwasher.
When you place dirty dishes into the top rack, they will sit there until you load the dishwasher.
This can cause mold and mildew to grow inside your dishwasher, especially if you have a leaky or leaking sink.
To prevent this problem, always ensure your dishwasher is not full, and wash the dishes on the lower rack.
Also, if you are using a garbage disposal or a water filter, make sure that it is not clogged with any kind of debris.
7. Dishwasher Not Responding/Has No Lights:
Make sure the control panel has all its labels attached. If it does not, you may not be able to use some of the functions of your dishwasher.
For example, if the control panel does not have the lights or indicators for “drying” or “rinsing,” you may not be able to use these cycles.
This electrical problem needs to be repaired by a qualified technician.
If you attempt to repair this problem, you could easily create a more serious one. That is why it is best left to a professional.
8. My Dishwasher Is Hot To The Touch:
If your dishwasher gets hot to the touch, it could indicate a leak or the temperature sensor is not working properly.
You should also remember that if your dishwasher has been on for a long time, it could cause the heating element to get too hot and be damaged.
To avoid this problem, always make sure that your dishwasher is not leaking, and if it is, make sure that you turn it off immediately.
9. Dishwasher Door Not Closing:
Check your door for any loose screws or fasteners. Tighten them if necessary. Ensure the door is closing properly and there are no obstructions inside the door.
If the door is not closed properly, it creates an air gap where moisture can get in and cause rust.
Rust can affect the electrical components of your dishwasher. Over time, it can even lead to a short circuit, which could start a fire.
Another possible reason for this problem is a warped or broken door frame.
This causes the door to hit the frame improperly, which prevents the door from closing properly.
Conclusion:
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you will better understand some of the common reasons for your Whirlpool dishwasher not working properly.
If you have a dishwasher problem, you should not attempt to repair it yourself. Instead, call a professional.
Many plumbers specialize in fixing dishwashers, and they will be happy to come out and diagnose the problem and provide you with a free estimate to repair the dishwasher.
Also, do not forget that if your dishwasher has been on for a long time, it could cause the heating element to get too hot and could be damaged. This could lead to a fire.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.