Dishes coming out dirty? We fix spray arms, wash motors, and water temperature issues. Same-day service, 90-day warranty. Average repair cost: $100–$250. Some causes are DIY-fixable — see below.
Dishes coming out dirty in Palo Alto most commonly stems from Palo Alto Utilities water at 230 ppm TDS clogging spray arm nozzles with mineral deposits. As calcium accumulates inside the tiny spray holes, water jets lose pressure and coverage, leaving dishes in shadow zones where no water reaches. The 81°F summer climate affects incoming water temperature — hot supply lines deliver warm water that activates detergent quickly, but winter months may still require pre-warming. Eichler/ranch homes from 1960 in Crescent Park generally have adequate water heater capacity. Monthly citric acid cleaning cycles dissolve mineral deposits from spray arms and restore jet pressure. With 10 providers serving Palo Alto, finding a technician for cleaning performance diagnosis is straightforward.
Palo Alto's Palo Alto Utilities water at 230 ppm TDS deposits mineral scale inside spray arm nozzles, progressively reducing jet pressure and coverage. Warm incoming water in summer activates detergent quickly, but winter supply may be cooler. Eichler/ranch homes from 1960 generally have adequate hot water delivery.
Clogged spray arms
Failed wash motor
Low water temperature
Broken soap dispenser
Worn circulation pump
Normal wear on internal parts is the leading cause of dishwasher not cleaning dishes issues. Regular use over 5-10 years gradually degrades moving parts and seals.
Cost: $130–$240 | Time: 60-90 minutes
Control board malfunctions, faulty sensors, or wiring issues can cause not cleaning dishes symptoms. Power surges and age-related degradation are typical triggers.
Cost: $156–$280 | Time: 45-75 minutes
Debris, mineral deposits, or foreign objects can restrict normal operation. This is often preventable with regular maintenance.
Cost: $130–$195 | Time: 30-60 minutes
| Detail | Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | Free |
| Typical repair cost | $100–$250 |
| Repair time | 1-1.5 hours |
| Warranty | 90 days parts + labor |
Cost varies by root cause. Exact quote after free diagnostic visit.
Dishwasher cleaning-performance repairs cost $100-$250 in the Bay Area. Spray arm cleaning or replacement runs $80-$150. Wash motor replacement averages $175-$275 installed. Monthly citric acid cycles dissolve spray arm mineral deposits and maintain performance.
Free diagnostic visit for not cleaning dishes issues. Same-day appointments available in Palo Alto.
Book Free DiagnosticReviewed by Diana Kowalski, Laundry Systems Specialist