--- title: "Dishes coming out dirty" description: "Electrolux dishes coming out dirty: three free checks come before any part: something tall in the bottom rack fouling the arm above it, a filter that has…" url: "https://electroluxmiami.support/symptoms/dishwasher-not-cleaning/" date_modified: "2026-09-11" Appliance type: "Dishwashers" --- # Electrolux dishes coming out dirty ### What to do in the next ten minutes Spin both spray arms by hand — they should turn freely. Check none of their holes are blocked. Pull the filter and rinse it. Run the kitchen tap hot before starting the next cycle, and use a longer program once to see whether the results change. ### The feature nobody knows has failed SmartBoost mixes detergent into the water before it is sprayed, which is what allows short programs to work at all. It has no error code and no warning. When it stops, the machine still runs, still sounds right, and cleans noticeably worse on exactly the cycles most households use every day. People change detergent, then change brand, then call somebody — usually months later. Knowing it exists is most of the diagnosis. A spray arm is blocked or obstructed A tray stood on edge, or a tall glass, will stop the arm above from turning — and half the load then receives no water whatsoever. SmartBoost is not premixing The short cycles depend on it. Results fall off first on the quick programs, which is why this is diagnosed late. Scale on the heater and the arms This county's water leaves deposits that narrow the spray holes and insulate the heater. Spin both arms by hand Free and quiet, with clear holes. It takes ten seconds and it is the commonest answer. Measure the water at the sink A long cold run means a cooler wash than the program intended. Try one long cycle If a heavy program cleans and a quick one does not, that points directly at SmartBoost. Grit, film, or food still on the plates What it usually means A tall item blocking the upper arm is the commonest cause and it is free SmartBoost failing shows as poor short cycles, not as an error Hard water leaves film, and that is descaling rather than repair What to do in the next ten minutes Spin both spray arms by hand — they should turn freely. Check none of their holes are blocked. Pull the filter and rinse it. Run the kitchen tap hot before starting the next cycle, and use a longer program once to see whether the results change. The feature nobody knows has failed SmartBoost mixes detergent into the water before it is sprayed, which is what allows short programs to work at all. It has no error code and no warning. When it stops, the machine still runs, still sounds right, and cleans noticeably worse on exactly the cycles most households use every day. People change detergent, then change brand, then call somebody — usually months later. Knowing it exists is most of the diagnosis. ### Would a different detergent help? If you are using pods on a short cycle, possibly — pods need time and temperature to dissolve. But if a long cycle cleans and a short one does not, the detergent is not the variable. ### Should I pre-rinse everything? No. These machines are designed around soil being present, and the sensors use it. Scrape rather than rinse, and clean the filter instead. --- **[Read full article: Dishes coming out dirty](https://electroluxmiami.support/symptoms/dishwasher-not-cleaning/)**