How to Maintain Your Dishwasher: A Complete Care Guide
A well-maintained dishwasher lasts longer, cleans better and is more energy-efficient. Many dishwasher problems — poor cleaning, bad odours, cloudy glasses — are caused by neglected maintenance. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your dishwasher in top condition.
Daily and After-Each-Use Maintenance
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Using too much detergent is a common mistake. Excess detergent leaves a residue on glasses and inside the dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation. For most modern dishwashers with a full load of moderately soiled dishes, one dishwasher tablet or the recommended dose of powder is sufficient.
Use Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is not optional — it's essential for spot-free glasses and effective drying. Without rinse aid, water droplets stick to glassware and cutlery, leaving spots and streaks. Check the rinse aid indicator monthly and top up as needed.
Use Dishwasher Salt in Hard Water Areas
If you live in a hard water area (Adelaide, Perth, some regional areas), use dishwasher salt in the salt reservoir. This regenerates the built-in water softener and prevents limescale build-up on heating elements, spray arms and the interior. Check the salt indicator monthly.
Weekly Maintenance
Clean the Filter
The filter at the bottom of the dishwasher traps food particles. If not cleaned regularly, it restricts water flow, reduces cleaning performance and causes odours. How to clean: Remove the lower basket. The filter assembly typically unscrews counter-clockwise. Rinse under running water and use a soft brush (old toothbrush) to remove food particles. Reinstall. Do this weekly if you run the dishwasher daily, or fortnightly for less frequent use.
Wipe the Door Seal
The rubber door seal can accumulate food particles and mould. Wipe it with a damp cloth weekly. For mould, use a diluted white vinegar solution.
Monthly Maintenance
Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle
Run the dishwasher empty on the hottest available program (typically 70°C or the "Machine Care"/"Hygiene" program). Add either:
- A dishwasher cleaner product (such as Finish Dishwasher Cleaner) in the detergent compartment, OR
- A cup of white vinegar in the bottom of the machine (do not combine with the detergent compartment)
This removes grease, limescale and bacteria from the interior, spray arms and pipes.
Check and Clean Spray Arms
The spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher. Food particles can block the spray holes. Remove the spray arms (usually unscrew or unclip) and rinse under running water. Use a toothpick to clear any blocked holes. Reinstall firmly.
Annual Maintenance
- Check the inlet hose connections for signs of corrosion or drips
- Inspect the door hinges and check they close firmly
- Check the drain hose for kinks
- Clean the exterior with a stainless steel cleaner (if applicable)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses coming out cloudy | No rinse aid, hard water | Top up rinse aid; use salt in hard water areas |
| Dishes not clean | Blocked filter, blocked spray arms | Clean filter; clean spray arms |
| Bad smell | Dirty filter, mould on seal | Clean filter; run hot cleaning cycle |
| Water left in bottom | Blocked filter or drain | Clean filter; check drain hose |
Need a New Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is old and beyond reasonable maintenance, it may be time to upgrade. Oceania Appliances stocks Bosch, AEG, Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse dishwashers. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or contact us at support@oceaniaappliances.com.au.