Why are my dishes still gritty after washing them in the dishwasher?

Gritty residue on your dishes often indicates issues such as a blocked or dirty filter, hard water not being properly neutralized, empty rinse aid or salt compartments, or clogged spray arms. This guide provides steps to troubleshoot and fix these common causes.

How do I clean the filter in my dishwasher?

To clean your dishwasher filter, first turn off the appliance and remove the bottom rack. Take out the filter assembly, then rinse it thoroughly under hot running water. Use a soft brush to remove any stubborn food particles. Once clean, reassemble the filter and run a rinse cycle to test.

What role do dishwasher salt and rinse aid play in preventing residue?

Dishwasher salt softens hard water, which helps prevent mineral deposits that can appear as grit. Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes, preventing spots and ensuring a cleaner finish. It's recommended to check and refill these compartments monthly as outlined in this guide.

How can I tell if my dishwasher spray arms are blocked and how do I clean them?

If water isn't effectively reaching all dishes, your spray arms might be blocked. To clean them, remove the spray arms according to your dishwasher's manual. Rinse them under a tap and use a toothpick to clear any debris from the spray holes. Ensure they rotate freely before refitting them.

What regular maintenance can I do to keep my dishes from getting gritty?

To maintain grit-free dishes, always scrape large food scraps (but don't prewash), use a quality detergent, and run full loads. A monthly deep clean with a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar is recommended. Also, regularly check and clean the filter, as highlighted in this guide.

Fix Dishwasher Gritty Residue – Stop Sandy Dishes | Need a New Dishwasher

Why Your Dishwasher Leaves Gritty Residue

If every load ends with a fine, sandy film on your crockery, you’re not alone. That gritty sand-like residue usually comes from:

Blocked or dirty filter trapping food particles
Hard water minerals not being properly neutralised
Empty or low rinse aid and salt compartments
Clogged spray arms failing to wash and rinse effectively

Quick Fix: Run a hot empty cycle with a dishwasher-cleaning tablet once a fortnight.

1. Clean and Inspect the Filter

The filter catches leftover food and grease. If it’s clogged, water can’t circulate properly and debris ends up redepositing on your plates.

Switch off and slide out the bottom rack.
Remove the filter assembly and rinse under hot running water.
Use a soft brush to dislodge stubborn bits.
Reassemble and run a rinse cycle to test.

2. Top Up Salt and Rinse Aid

Hard water leaves mineral deposits that look like sand. Dishwasher salt softens water, and rinse aid helps water sheet off without leaving spots.

Fill the salt compartment until it’s level with the rim.
Refill the rinse aid dispenser to the max mark.
Check these levels every month.

3. Unblock and Rotate the Spray Arms

Food debris can lodge in the spray holes, reducing water pressure and coverage.

Remove the spray arms according to your manual.
Rinse them under a tap, poking holes clear with a toothpick.
Spin them manually to ensure they rotate freely.
Refit and secure them before running a test cycle.

Maintenance Tips for Grit-Free Dishes

Once you’ve banished the sand, keep it that way with a few simple routines:

Scrape, don’t prewash: Remove large scraps but let the dishwasher do the heavy lifting.
Use the right detergent: Avoid budget powders; choose quality tablets or liquids.
Run full loads: A full dishwasher is more water- and energy-efficient.
Monthly deep clean: Use a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar in an empty cycle.
Check water hardness: Adjust salt and rinse aid accordingly or install a water softener.

Reminder: Check and clean the filter every month to prevent residue build-up.

When to Call a Service Engineer

If grit persists after all these steps, there might be an issue with the pump or inlet valve. Professional servicing can diagnose internal blockages or wear-and-tear that DIY can’t fix.

Top Tip: Service engineers can often be booked online with fixed fees—ask for an estimate before they start.

Bottom Line: Most gritty residue issues are down to simple blockages, hard water or low salt/rinse aid. A bit of regular TLC means sparkle without the sand.

What to Do When Your Dishwasher Leaves Everything Covered in Gritty Sand-Like Residue