For dishes that are not clean in the Whirlpool WDT970SAKZ, Whirlpool's article works down a checklist: water valve fully open, no flood-prevention device restricting flow, rinse aid in use, the high-temperature wash option for baked-on soil, correct loading, the right detergent, no dish soap, and a clean dishwasher. Loading is the most common fault: do not overload, angle soiled surfaces down and in toward the spray arms, and put plastics in the top rack. Water pressure must be 20 to 120 psi and the hot supply 120 F for the sensor cycle to work as designed.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dishwasher does not clean dishes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Overloading or poor loading
What separates it Dishes come out with food where they faced away from the spray arms
How to confirm Load with soiled surfaces down and inward, with space between items
- 2
Low water pressure or a partly closed valve
What separates it The dishwasher fills slowly and the cycle seems weak
How to confirm Check the supply valve is fully open and pressure is 20 to 120 psi
- 3
A flood prevention device installed wrongly
What separates it Very little water enters the dishwasher because a flood prevention device is installed wrongly
How to confirm Check the device's own instructions; a wrongly installed one restricts the water
- 4
Old detergent, dish soap or no rinse aid
What separates it Film or residue and suds when the door opens
How to confirm Use fresh premeasured tablets or packs and rinse aid
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where on the racks the dirty dishes were
- The water pressure and whether the hot water reaches 120 F
- The detergent type and whether Hi Temp was selected
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedOpen the water valve fully
ReversibleWhirlpool says the supply valve must be completely open to wash and rinse dishes properly. Check any flood prevention device is installed as its maker says.
Use the high-temperature wash
ReversibleThe Hi Temp option raises the main wash temperature for loads with baked-on food. If soil is heavy, a heavier cycle may be needed.
Check pressure and hot water
ReversibleWater pressure should be 20 to 120 psi (138 to 828 kPa) and the hot water supply 120 F (49 C) for best results.
Load correctly
ReversibleAvoid overloading, face soiled surfaces down and inward toward the spray arms and angle items so water drains. For the best drying place plastic cups, bowls and mugs in the third-level rack if present, never on the lower rack.
Clean the dishwasher
ReversibleUse affresh Dishwasher Cleaner or a white vinegar rinse monthly, and clean the filter under running water. Whirlpool says dishwashers should be cleaned about every 30 days.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cycle facts
- The default main sensor cycle with heated drying senses the soil amount and toughness to adjust the cycle. The manual's typical cycle is about 2 1/2 hours. The Pre-Wash marker holds about 8 cubic centimeters for powder or gel detergent added straight to the pre-wash.
- Parts for this problem on the WDT970SAKZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- micro filter assembly, part number W11460958, at $46.34; add to cart isolator, rear motor genuine oem par, part number W11497568, at $21.15; water inlet valve assembly, part number W11434044, at $55.29.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WDT750SAKZ, WDT730HAMZ, WDT540HAMZ, WDTA50SAHZ, WDF520PADM.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If dishes are dirty with correct loading, good detergent, a clear filter and full pressure, contact Whirlpool service
- !If a leak light flashes and the tub drains, stop and follow the leaking page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own article on a dishwasher that will not fill, including the Start/Resume indicator and the 3 second door rule.
Whirlpool's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 29: maintenance, loading, care, setting menu, error codes, installation and the check-operation cycle.
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance and cleaning articles for its dishwashers.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why are my dishes not clean?+
Overloading, low pressure, old detergent or a dirty filter are Whirlpool's most common causes.
Should I rinse dishes first?+
The main sensor cycle senses soil, so scrape food off but you do not need to pre-rinse fully.
What does Hi Temp do?+
It raises the main wash temperature to improve cleaning of baked-on food.
Can a flood device stop the water?+
Yes, if installed incorrectly it prevents water flowing into the dishwasher.
What is the leak detection light?+
On some Whirlpool models a flashing light warns of a leak and the dishwasher drains the tub.