How to care for and clean your dishwasher

Maintenance tips

All that grease that’s left in your sink and food caught in the plug trap after handwashing dishes is also what goes through your dishwasher during a wash. It’s no surprise that a build-up of gunk is enemy number one to a dishwasher. This can clog filters and spray arms, strain pumps and reduce the effectiveness of sensors.

To keep your dishwasher running efficiently for as long as possible, make cleaning a priority.

• Keep your rinse aid dispenser topped up to keep your glasses streak-free, especially if you use a powder that doesn’t contain rinse aid.
• Every month, check the door seal, particularly at the bottom, and clear out any grunge. Then run your dishwasher empty on its hottest cycle with dishwasher cleaner. After the cycle, remove and clean the drain filter with a brush and hot soapy water.
• Every few months, check the spray arms as their holes can get clogged. Check your manual to see if you can remove and clean them (we suggest using a toothpick).
• If you get an error code on the control panel, check your manual or turn to Google. In many cases, such errors aren’t terminal — they just indicate the filter is clogged (so water can’t drain) or a sensor is dirty. Before calling for a repair, thoroughly clean the machine and see if that resolves things.
• Read the manual to find any other advice that the manufacturer suggests to keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape.

How to maintain your dishwasher

A dishwasher should last more than a decade with reasonable use. Watch the video for simple steps you can take to maximise its life and performance.

Cleaning the spray arms on a dishwasher

Spray arms are what spread the water around the dishwasher effectively, so it’s important to make sure they stay in top condition.

Many dishwashers will recycle water across wash stages – great for the environment, but it does mean small parts of food debris can be fed into the spray arms and become stuck in the holes. Most spray arms are easily removable (check your manual) so you can clean out any stuck debris; a toothpick or skewer are a great help with this.

It’s also important to check the spray arms can move easily during every wash, so before closing the door, give them a quick spin and make sure they’re not knocking into anything. If they are, see if you can adjust the height of the top basket to make some more room, otherwise, it’s time to repack the dishwasher.

Cleaning a clogged dishwasher filter

Water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher is a sign the filter could be blocked. Cleaning the filter should be a regular task for any dishwasher owner, but sometimes debris builds up quickly.

The filters in most modern dishwashers are easy to remove and clean.

• Empty the dishwasher and take out all baskets.
• The filter should be in the lowest part of the dishwasher and should easily twist out without needing any tools.
• Wash the mesh part of the filter under hot water and lightly scrub with a plastic brush to remove the grease and grime.
• Reverse the removal process to reinsert the filter.

Cleaning a mouldy or smelly dishwasher

Mould in your dishwasher isn’t just gross, it can be a serious health risk. If you see mould in your dishwasher, or if it has a musty smell, it’s time for a clean.

• Give it a good clean (see Maintenance tips above)
• Leave the door ajar to let the dishwasher dry out when not in use.
• If your dishwasher sometimes smells a bit wiffy, then consider adding a dishwasher deodoriser or run an empty wash with a mug of lemon juice.

Common dishwasher faults

Top up rinse aid: This isn’t actually a fault, but it is a common warning that comes up on dishwasher displays, and it means the rinse aid dispenser needs topping up. Rinse aid (contrary to what the name suggests) actually helps with washing and drying your dishes, rather than rinsing. Most tablet or capsule detergents already contain rinse aid, and if you use them, you can ignore this alert, but if you use powder, make sure your rinse aid dispenser is topped up regularly.

Dishes are still dirty: This is a common complaint with dishwashers, but it’s often not the machine at fault. If you have a clean dishwasher not showing any other faults, then the culprit is probably the detergent you’re using. Detergent manufacturers regularly change formula, so even if you buy the same product, you can’t always expect the same performance. If you are sure your detergent isn’t the problem, then try a different dishwasher cycle.

Not draining: This fault is sometimes preceded by water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher after a wash. Clean the filter and make sure the filter trap (where the filter sits) is clear of anything that might block the pump. The blockage might be further down the pipe, so if your sink is also showing signs of backing up, it might be time to call the plumber!

Leaks: This might be a sign of a worn door seal (also called a gasket), so check there are no cracks or other damage to the seal. It’s possible to replace a gasket yourself, but if you aren’t experienced at it and want to be sure there is no further leaking, it’s best to call a technician. Leaks can also occur from the drain and pump. These will come from underneath or behind the dishwasher. In this case, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Noisy: If your dishwasher has started making a new or louder noise, it’s important to check for other signs of a fault, such as a blockage or leak. A change in noise can be an early indication of a serious fault, but it may also be a simple case of your dishes touching. To check if that’s all it is, run an empty wash.

Repair or replace?

Broken racks, seals and inlet valves can be swapped out – manufacturers keep spare parts for years. Electronic controls on older models are harder to fix, especially if there’s water damage, but it’s still worth getting a quote.

While you might be able to repair a machine that is older than 10 years, keep in mind that newer models are quieter and more efficient.