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Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Fixes for Hard Water
Dirty or cloudy dishes usually come from a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, poor loading, or hard-water mineral buildup. If water is not hot or the dishwasher is not filling enough, a part may have failed.
Safety first: unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before touching anything inside, and shut off the water or gas supply where it applies. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Step by step guide
Likely causes, safe owner checks, when to call a pro, and repair or replace advice are in the full guide from Local Help Stations. The steps are the same in California; the local facts below are not.
What does it cost in California?
Call for a quote. Repair costs depend on the brand, the model, the part and the shop, so this site does not publish price ranges. Ask each shop for its diagnostic or trip fee and a written quote after diagnosis.
California repair shops
California facts that matter
- Getting rid of an old appliance in California: city pickup rules and fees, with sources
- Appliance rebates in California
- Freon removal rules in California
- Renters: who fixes a broken appliance?
- Complaints and warranty problems
- Who can repair appliances in California
- Repair cost and official disposal fees
- FAQ
Other dishwasher guides
FAQ
Why are my dishes still dirty?
Common causes are a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, poor loading, hard-water buildup, or water that is not hot enough.
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