Dirty dishes in the dishwasher aren't usually caused by failure to pre-clean dishes.
If your dishwasher is not getting your dishes clean, it might be a sign of one of several things going wrong. The important thing to recognize is that if your dishwashers isn't cleaning your dishes, that it may represent a serious problem with the unit. It is best to troubleshoot the unit immediately to find the cause of the problem rather than putting it off.
Water Inlet Valve
This part fails often in dishwashers. This isn't a part that you can repair, so if it is the problem it needs to be replaced. Unplug the dishwasher from its power and take the front access panel off the dishwasher. The water inlet valve is the valve with two hoses connected to it. If you see any signs of leaking, the hoses or the valve are the problem. If not, the valve could have an electrical failure. If you have a multimeter, you can test the wires for resistance, or you can call your repairman to test them and see if the electrical system in the valve has failed.
Spray Arm
The spray arm in a dishwasher can potentially get clogged. This prevents the water from being distributed properly in the spray pattern needed to get your dishes clean. The remedy to this is simple. If you suspect the spray arm, just remove it from the dishwasher and give it a thorough scrubbing with a brush. This should get rid of any clogs and get the water flowing freely again.
Clogged Filters
Dishwashers need a filter system to keep washed away food particles from entering into the parts of the dishwasher where they would cause problems. However, sometimes those filters become clogged. In your owners manual, it will tell you exactly what the recommended procedures are for cleaning the filters in the dishwasher. This is a good step to take occasionally, anyway. Some filters are self-cleaning, but if the filter is getting buildup on it, it is only a matter of time until it impacts the performance.
Heating Element
Dishwashers have a heating element in the bottom of the machine that heats the water to temperatures hot enough to adequately clean even very stuck-on food. If that element malfunctions, the cold water will often not clean off stuck on food. Open up the dishwasher's wiring panel after unplugging the machine and look for the point where the heating element enters the compartment. Make sure the wire connectors are connected solidly to the element and are not rusted. If you have a multimeter, check the resistance of the wires. Otherwise if you suspect the element, have the repairman check it.
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