Dirty dishwasher.

[MyDaydream]

My dishwasher has started spitting out bits and I can't seem to fix it. It's only the top shelf that I'm having problems with, everything on the bottom is fine, but my cups and glasses ended up coated in a brown gritty I guess food waste. We've cleaned out the filter and keep the dishwasher clean. I've put it on the highest setting to try and rinse it out but nothing totally gets rid of it, just makes it a bit better for a few washes. Is there anything I can do/buy to fix this?

My ancient dishwasher is performing a lot better since I changed to Fairy all in one dishwasher tablets. (Dont work for them honest!) They're a lot dearer than other brands but sometimes you can get two for one offers. Apart from that maybe it needs a maintenance check. Or there could be a drainage problem in your kitchen.

Mine does this when it needs salt.

I use half a cup of soda crystals on a hot wash to clean it out.

long hot cycle with soda crystals.
also have a look at the wings, if all holes are open and not clogged with stuff.

It needs descaling with a proper dishwasher cleaner and the holes in the spray arm (that rotates underneath the top layer and sprays water upwards) needs poking with a cocktail stick to make sure the holes aren't clogged up with limescale.

Infact, spray some viakal or limelite directly onto that arm and leave for 30 mins or so then clean out with a cocktail stick, then run through with a dishwasher cleaner.

sandy residue is food particles.

Take the arms off and clean them out.

Prior to this, how often do you clean your filters (there may be two - check the instructions) and verify that you have been clicking them into place.

Provided you keep the salt reservoir filled, it should never get limescale. If you can see the heating element in the bottom of the cabinet, is it bright, or is it scaly like a kettle?