You load up your LG dishwasher, press start, and expect to come back to spotless, gleaming dishes. But instead? You’re greeted by streaks, food residue, and an overall letdown. What gives?
If your LG dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, don’t panic. There’s always a reason—whether it’s a clogged spray arm, a dirty filter, or even just the way you’re loading it. The good news? Most of these issues have quick fixes. Let’s dive in and get that dishwasher back to peak performance!
1. Clogged Spray Arms – Is Water Reaching Your Dishes?
Think of your dishwasher’s spray arms as tiny, high-powered sprinklers. If they’re clogged with food debris, grease, or mineral buildup, they won’t be able to spray water properly. And if water isn’t reaching your dishes, they’re not getting clean—simple as that.
How to Fix It:
- Remove the spray arms (your LG manual can guide you).
- Rinse them under warm water and use a toothpick or small brush to unclog the holes.
- If mineral buildup is a problem, soak them in white vinegar for about 30 minutes.
Still got dirty dishes? Let’s check the next suspect.
2. A Dirty or Clogged Filter – The Hidden Dirt Collector
Your dishwasher’s filter catches food particles to prevent them from being recirculated. But if it’s clogged, your dishwasher might be rinsing your dishes with dirty water—gross, right?
How to Clean It:
- Locate the filter (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher).
- Remove it and rinse it under warm water.
- Use a soft brush to scrub away any stuck-on debris.
- Reinstall it securely—an improperly seated filter can cause drainage and cleaning issues.
A clean filter means cleaner water. But what if your dishes are still coming out grimy?
3. Low Water Pressure – Is Your Dishwasher Getting Enough Water?
If your LG dishwasher isn’t getting enough water, it can’t clean effectively. Weak water pressure can result from a clogged inlet valve, a kinked water supply hose, or even low home water pressure.
What to Check:
- Run your kitchen sink—if the water pressure seems low, your home’s plumbing might be the issue.
- Inspect the water supply hose for kinks or blockages.
- Check the dishwasher’s inlet valve for clogs or malfunction.
If water flow isn’t the issue, maybe it’s how you’re loading your dishes…
4. Overloading – Are You Giving Your Dishes Room to Breathe?
We all love maximizing dishwasher space, but stuffing too many dishes in can block water from reaching everything.
How to Load Smartly:
- Avoid stacking dishes too tightly—water needs to circulate.
- Face dirty surfaces toward the center where the spray is strongest.
- Keep large items away from the spray arms to prevent blockage.
Still struggling with streaky dishes? It might be your detergent.
5. Wrong Detergent or No Rinse Aid – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Not all detergents are equal. Some don’t dissolve properly, especially in hard water, leading to soap residue and unclean dishes.
Try This:
- Switch to a high-quality detergent (powder or pods work best for LG models).
- Use rinse aid—it helps water slide off dishes, preventing spots and streaks.
- If you have hard water, consider adding a water softener to prevent mineral buildup.
Final Thoughts – A Few Simple Fixes Can Make a Huge Difference
A dishwasher that isn’t cleaning properly doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. Often, a little maintenance—cleaning the spray arms, checking the filter, and using the right detergent—can make all the difference.