Films on glasses and food left on plates are usually a loading, filter or spray-arm problem — not a failed machine.
Likely causes, ranked
- Clogged filter or spray-arm jets Most likely — Food debris blocks the arm jets; a soiled filter recirculates it. Hotpoint F11 (wash pump) can follow.
- Overloading or wrong loading Likely — Blocked arms cannot reach every surface; nested bowls shield each other.
- Low temperature (heating fault) Less likely — Grease will not shift in cold water — Hotpoint F08/F10 or a thermostat fault F04.
- Weak circulation pump Less likely — Quiet spray arms and standing water point to the pump — Hotpoint F11.
First checks
- Remove and rinse the filter; scrub the mesh.
- Clear each spray-arm jet with a cocktail stick and check the arms spin freely.
- Re-load so no item blocks the arms.
- Use a fresh detergent and a hotter programme.
- Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner.
Safety
Unplug before removing panels. Do not reach into the machine mid-cycle.
Call a professional when…
Filter, arms and loading are all fine but dishes still come out dirty — the circulation pump or heater needs an engineer.