my dishwasher no longer cleans properly. over the last month or so i have noticed standing water at the bottom of the tub after the cycle. please advise on what i should be looking for .
Here are your parts
Model DW961UQW
here is a service manual. Although not the exact Model Number, it should be close to yours. Also not the best quality but is the best I could find.
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16007822.pdf
Drain problems are often a partial plug of the drain hose. Especially where it goes over the fitting into the plumbing.
The poor wash/drain you also indicated could be just a dirty filter.
Also perhaps a problem with the flapper valve
Open it up and take a look.