Brand new Frigidaire is not cleaning properly. Its like the soap is not dissolving. My dishes come out with a stuck on film.

I think you have hard water. I needed to clean down deep in my pump and use a good brand soap. It gets a food "paper" and needs cleaned out.

Hi,

I have an older dishwasher also and recently my wife also complained about it not cleaning right... so me being the man I am tried in vain to clean the things... Bought new spray arms online and installed them in minutes...now the thing works like new... However I have also found that if the heating element goes bad then that also can mess things up bad... So I would buy new spray arms, and also check out the heating element to make sure it is working... Here is a tip that will help you with the online buying...

Dishwasher Spray Arms not Spinning

How to Buy Appliance Parts Online

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers...

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working

Dishwasher Maintenance

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial "explanation very clear. will give it a go and see how simple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes

Hi,

I have an older dishwasher also and recently my wife also complained about it not cleaning right... so me being the man I am tried in vain to clean the things... Bought new spray arms online and installed them in minutes...now the thing works like new... However I have also found that if the heating element goes bad then that also can mess things up bad... So I would buy new spray arms, and also check out the heating element to make sure it is working... Here is a tip that will help you with the online buying...

Dishwasher Spray Arms not Spinning

How to Buy Appliance Parts Online

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers...

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working

Dishwasher Maintenance

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

Hi,

The scum, film and white residue problems have started since the reduction of phosphates in dishwasher detergents.

Here is a tip that will help you to solve the problem of films, residue, and scum in your dishwasher.

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

Hi,

The scum, film and white residue problems have started since the reduction of phosphates in dishwasher detergents.

Here is a tip that will help you to solve the problem of films, residue, and scum in your dishwasher.

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

-=-

try a few applications of jet dry DISHWASHER cleaner to remove excessive build up of calcium/hard water deposits...sounds like the water temperature is too low upon the initial fill cycle to assist in dissolving the soap.the water temp. must 125 degrees to insure soap activation/ and dissolve it.check for obstructed spray arm as well

Hi,

The scum, film and white residue problems have started since the reduction of phosphates in dishwasher detergents.

Here is a tip that will help you to solve the problem of films, residue, and scum in your dishwasher.

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

=-

When ever I hear of a dishwasher "suddenly" not cleaning properly, with spots on the glassware and soap not dissolving:

-If the spots are white patches, you can suspect the DW detergent powder. Go buy a name brand of detergent powder and I bet you will see a dramatic improvement. You may need to run a cycle or two with white vinegar added (up to two cups added after the DW starts, fills and begins to wash.)

-If the spots are a film / slime, you should suspect that the heating element. For the dW to be effective cleaning and rinsing clear,the DW needs to raise the water temp during the ~wash~ cycle (after the detergent dispenser has magically opened. After the heating element has been replaced, you will see an immediate improvement.

-If you had reported food debris sticking to dishes, (which you didn't), the first thing to do is clear the holes in the wash arms, then open the sump area , remove the filter assembly and inspect closely with a flashlight to locate blocking debris. (watch out for broken glass!) Inspect the impeller and make sure it is not damaged. If after assembly, the cleaning is still poor, it is time to replace the wash pump / motor assembly.

Good Luck! Ask more questions as needed!

You may have a water issue.  Be sure that the water line is connected to the hot water pipes, not cold water.  If your dishwasher is connected to the cold water, the soap residue will occur because it cannot dissolve in cold water properly.
Is your water very hard??  If so, you may need to get a water softener to remove the hard scales.

The machine is seldom the cause of "film". Make sure the unit is draining proper and that the fresh water supply is supplying good pressure.

Usually film is caused by using residential soap in a commercial unit. The commercial unit cycle is too short for residential soaps to dissolve and work properly. So soap ends up in your rinse water.