Last updated: 2026-05-01

🛠️ Can you fix this?

DIY confidence 0%

Easy — Most homeowners

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Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes

Dishes come out with food residue or film

65%

65% chance this is caused by:

Clogged spray arms or failed wash pump

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Fix it this weekend. Most parts ship same-day on Amazon.

A service call costs $150-300. This repair takes about 15-20 minutes and the part runs $25. Order the part tonight, fix it Saturday morning.

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Spray Arm (lower)

$25

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Total parts cost: $25. Same-day shipping available on most items.

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Find the Right Part for Your Dishwasher

Parts vary by model. Search with your model number for the best match.

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Tip: Add your model number (e.g. "GE GSS25GSH") for more precise results.

🔥 Parts for Dishwashers move fast on Amazon — especially common failure parts like these.

🔨 Tools You'll Need

Toothpick or Wire

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Easy · 15-20 minutes

Parts: $25 vs $$400-1,200 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Remove both spray arms (they usually unclip or unscrew)

Check each nozzle hole for food or mineral buildup

Clear blockages with a toothpick or wire

Rinse arms under hot water

Check that the arms spin freely when reinstalled

Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner

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Don't put this off.

A Dishwasher that's failing can cause water damage, electrical issues, or food spoilage — each costing 10x what the replacement part costs. The fix is straightforward. The part is cheap. The risk of waiting isn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that's not cleaning dishes?

The part costs about $25. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $175.

How long does this dishwasher repair take?

This repair is rated "easy" and typically takes 15-20 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.

What if this isn't the problem?

Our diagnosis is 65% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "dishes come out with food residue or film" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.

Should I just replace my dishwasher instead?

A new dishwasher costs $400-1,200. If yours is well under 9-12 years old, a $25 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.

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