dishwasher suddenly doing a half-assed job

[Mr Downtown]

I've never had any issues with my dishwasher (a 25-year-old Maytag) until this month. Suddenly it's leaving food on things, especially in the top rack. I've opened it at various points in the cycle and things look normal, though one thing I can't think how to check is the central "spray wand" that would extend upward (by water pressure, AFAIK) through the top rack and spray water all around. Nothing seems to be blocking that, but I can't think how to test its functioning, since it would drops back to the resting position as soon as I open the door.

Anything sound obvious that I could check?

[anonymouse1]

Is there a drain or filter that needs cleaning?

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Screen on the inlet of the pump that pumps the water to the wand, and everything in that system. Put an old phone in a ziploc to film the inside while it's in action.

[mrbigstuff]

Fire it!

[Acer]

anonymouse1 wrote:
Is there a drain or filter that needs cleaning?

Our unit drains into the disposal. (Not sure exactly why, but disposals come with a fitting precisely for that, so it must be SOP.) It is a trouble spot for us that collects gunk from the sink side. Whenever we begin to see an excessive accumulation of bits, and the inside basket is not fouled, it's time to check that outlet.

[BernDog]

Make sure all the ports are clear and there is no gunk in the sprayer arm. Might need to take it outside and use the garden hose to fully check. If any of the holes get plugged by debris, it may prevent the arm from spinning.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....so similar to a....spouse.....??

[mikebw]

Perhaps they feel they are worth more than minimum wage?

[NewtonMP2100]

.....gave my dishwasher, Miguel, a big raise......

[p8712]

A few cycles of this.

I will clean up debris and crap you don’t even know where they are. Actually cleans the machine as well as the dishes. Usually a noticeable improvement in any machine.