Dishwasher not cleaning properly

[Figglesticks]

How can I clean my dishwasher properly so that it stops leaving dirt on the things I put in there?
I've tried using those dishwasher cleaner bottles you can buy and put in but two of them haven't done anything. Could it be blocked? I'm renting and this dishwasher is part of the kitchen. I have my own dishwasher in storage that I know works but no space to put it.
Obviously DP doesn't check anything and puts the just washed but still dirty crockery/cups/etc back and I'm fed up with going to get a cup of tea and having to pull out 10 cups before finding a clean one and putting those ten cups through the dishwasher over and over. I've been handwashing everything but the cleaning isn't always my job and DP refuses to hand wash when he has a dishwasher
Does anyone have any really good tips/tricks I can use to blast it and make it do it's job again?

Limescle box removed really sorted mine out

I would agree with the PP who said to check the height of the upper basket - see if it needs raising to give a bit more space to the lower basket, if plates or cutlery stop the arm from spinning the results are pants voice of experience here with a rental property dishwasher.

Hope you get it working soon, a poorly-performing dishwasher is one of life's great disappointments IMO.

Just got a new dishwasher. I'll avoid finish then!

This salt thing....
How would one empty it? Mine's just a sort of hole full of water.

I'm confused about emptying the salt thing too. Mine is full of damp salt too (but all works ok) It's an AEG.

I was just about to come on here to search for how to get my dishwasher to clean properly, I've just washed two loads of crocks by hand as it's continually leaving food on the plates etc.
Mines a smeg and the salt thingummy is fully of water too, as is the filter hole, although the filter was clean.
Might try taking the arms off next then!

I put vinegar in a bowl and run the hottest wash. I refill the vinegar about 3-4 times during the wash. I poke at limescale stuck in the arms
I often wonder if it would be quicker to just wash up!

Ha ha - no way peace out I do three loads a day! Easier to just run a load a month with vinegar!

Mike's a Whirlpool and I just thought it was a rubbish dishwasher.

Another vote for Fairy Premium.
I found my dishwasher used to smell when I used Finish.
Smell has gone now.
I live in a soft water area but still use salt in my D/W.

I've had this recently too, definitely check the sprayer arms. Also, clean round the edges/under the door seal. There was a lot of fat and black mould build-up left by the previous tenant when we moved in, cleans much better since I spotted this! Urgh.

I use an HG product for dishwashers and washing machines that seems to sort everything out, especially as I live in a very hard water area.