How to Maintain a Dishwasher: A Complete Guide
A well-maintained dishwasher cleans better, smells better, lasts longer and uses less energy. Most dishwasher problems — poor cleaning, bad odours, standing water, noisy operation — can be prevented entirely with simple, regular maintenance. This guide covers everything you need to do to keep your dishwasher performing at its best.
How Often Should You Maintain Your Dishwasher?
- After every wash: Leave door slightly ajar to allow interior to dry and prevent odour
- Weekly: Remove and rinse filter
- Monthly: Run a cleaning cycle; check spray arms; wipe door seal
- Every 6 months: Deep clean with dishwasher cleaner tablet; check drain pump for debris; clean door hinges
Step 1: Clean the Filter (Weekly)
The filter catches food particles and prevents them from recirculating onto your dishes. If it becomes clogged, your dishwasher cleans poorly, drains slowly and can develop odours.
How to clean the filter:
- Remove the bottom rack
- Twist and lift out the filter assembly (usually a cylindrical mesh filter and a flat filter plate)
- Rinse under warm running water, using a soft brush (a toothbrush works well) to remove any stuck-on food
- Reassemble and replace
Never put the filter in the dishwasher itself — hand washing is best.
Step 2: Clean Spray Arms (Monthly)
Spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher. The small holes in the arms can become blocked with mineral deposits and food particles, causing poor coverage and dirty dishes.
How to clean spray arms:
- Remove the lower and upper spray arms (usually unclip or unscrew)
- Use a toothpick or thin wire to clear any blocked holes
- Rinse under running water and shake to clear debris
- Replace and ensure they spin freely
Step 3: Clean the Door Seal (Monthly)
The rubber door gasket collects food debris and mould. If neglected, it causes odours and can eventually prevent the door from sealing properly.
How to clean the door seal: Wipe the rubber seal around the entire door perimeter with a cloth dampened with a solution of warm water and white vinegar. Pay attention to the bottom corners where grime accumulates most.
Step 4: Run a Cleaning Cycle (Monthly)
Run an empty dishwasher on the hottest cycle with either:
- A dishwasher cleaning tablet (Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is widely available), placed in the base of the machine (not the dispenser), or
- A cup of white vinegar placed upright in the top rack, followed by a cup of bicarbonate of soda sprinkled on the base, then run a hot cycle
This removes grease and odour from the interior, pipes and pump.
Step 5: Check Salt and Rinse Aid (Regularly)
Most dishwashers have reservoirs for dishwasher salt (which softens water and prevents limescale buildup on heating elements and interior) and rinse aid (which helps dishes dry without streaks). Check both monthly and top up as needed. Sydney has moderately hard water, so salt is worthwhile even if your area water is not extremely hard.
Step 6: Use the Right Detergent
Use only dishwasher-specific detergent. Never use liquid dishwashing detergent in a dishwasher — it creates excessive foam and can cause machine damage. High-quality combined tablet detergents (such as Finish Quantum or Fairy Platinum) include detergent, rinse aid and salt functions in one tablet and simplify the process.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Poor cleaning | Blocked filter or spray arms | Clean filter and spray arms |
| Bad smell | Dirty filter or blocked drain | Clean filter, run cleaning cycle |
| Dishes not drying | Low rinse aid | Refill rinse aid dispenser |
| White deposits on dishes | Low salt or hard water | Refill salt, check hardness setting |
| Standing water after cycle | Blocked drain or filter | Clean filter; check drain hose |
Shop Dishwashers at Oceania Appliances
If your dishwasher has seen better days, we stock a wide range from Bosch, Miele, AEG and Westinghouse at our Wetherill Park showroom. Contact us for expert advice or visit us in person.
- Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
- Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
- Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au