Let's face it – nobody thinks about cleaning their dishwasher until something goes wrong. Maybe your glasses have weird spots, your plates aren't quite clean, or there's that funky smell when you open the door. I ignored these signs for months until my dishwasher started making strange noises during cycles. Turns out, these workhorses need regular TLC too. After learning this lesson the hard way, I've put together this guide to save you from similar dishwasher drama.
Your dishwasher spends its life cleaning things, but it doesn't clean itself. Food bits, grease, and limescale build up in places you can't see. Over time, this gunk can block filters and spray arms, making your machine work harder while cleaning worse.
A properly maintained dishwasher doesn't just get your dishes cleaner – it actually saves you money. Clean machines use less energy, need fewer repairs, and last years longer. When you're investing in quality home appliances, proper maintenance makes all the difference to their lifespan, something our experts at fsgroup.co.uk emphasise when discussing appliance care.
Most households should give their dishwasher a basic once-over monthly – just a quick filter clean and wipe-down. Then do a deeper clean every three months.
That said, you might need more frequent cleaning if:
First job – find and clean that filter. It's usually at the bottom of your machine, under the lower spray arm.
Pull out the bottom rack to access it. Most filters twist counterclockwise to release – though check your manual if you're stuck. Once it's out, you'll probably be horrified at what you find! Rinse it under hot water to remove loose debris. For the really gunky parts, an old toothbrush and washing-up liquid work wonders. Give it a thorough rinse before clicking it back into place.
The rubber seal around your dishwasher door is a prime spot for mould and slime. Grab a damp cloth with warm soapy water and wipe around the entire door seal, pulling back the rubber folds to get into the hidden bits.
While you're at it, wipe down the inside of the door itself, especially around the edges where grime builds up. Don't forget the control panel and handle on the outside – they collect fingerprints and food splashes too.
Those spinning arms that spray water need open holes to work properly. Food particles and limescale can clog them up.
Most spray arms can be removed fairly easily – usually by unscrewing a cap or gently pulling them off their mount. Once removed, hold them under running water and check if water flows freely through each little hole. For blocked holes, use a toothpick or straightened paperclip to poke through the blockage. Stubborn limescale? Soak the arms in white vinegar for a bit before rinsing.
Vinegar is magic for dishwashers. Put a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack (don't just pour it in), and run a hot cycle with the machine otherwise empty.
The vinegar cuts through grease and limescale as it circulates throughout the machine. It's cheap as chips and works better than many expensive cleaners.
If your dishwasher still smells a bit off, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom and run a short hot cycle. Baking soda neutralises odours rather than just masking them, and the slight abrasiveness helps scrub away stains.
If DIY cleaning isn't your thing, dishwasher cleaning tablets do a decent job. Just pop one in an empty machine and run a hot cycle. They're particularly good for serious limescale problems in hard water areas.
Here's a surprise – modern dishwashers actually work better with a bit of food residue. The enzymes in detergent need something to react with. Just scrape off the chunky bits into the bin. Pre-rinsing wastes water and might actually result in cleaner dishes.
We've all tried to squeeze in "just one more plate," but overcrowding means water can't reach everything properly. Leave gaps between items so water can circulate freely.
Some detergents are rubbish, others are brilliant, and it partly depends on your water hardness. Tablets generally work better than powder or gel in most newer machines. If you've got a water softener built into your dishwasher, you might not need the pricey 3-in-1 tabs.
Every month or so, pull out the kickplate at the bottom (if your model has one) and shine a torch underneath to check for leaks. A bit of dampness now could mean a flooded kitchen later.
The area around the drain can accumulate debris that escaped the filter. If your machine isn't draining properly, check this area first before calling out a repair person.
This old plumber's trick makes a big difference. Run your kitchen hot tap until the water's properly hot, then start your dishwasher. This ensures the first fill is hot water rather than cold, boosting cleaning power from the start.
Between proper cleans, keep your machine fresh by leaving the door slightly ajar after cycles (once it's cooled down) so it can air out. Chuck half a lemon in the cutlery basket during a wash for a natural freshen-up. Those commercial fresheners shaped like little hockey pucks work reasonably well too if you're dealing with persistent smells.
Cleaning your dishwasher isn't exactly thrilling, but it's far less painful than forking out for a new one when yours packs up prematurely. Fifteen minutes of maintenance a month keeps everything running smoothly and your dishes actually clean.
I've got a calendar reminder set for the first Sunday of each month – filter cleaning and a vinegar wash while I'm doing other kitchen jobs. Quarterly, I'll do the full works with the spray arms. Minimal effort, maximum payoff – and no more mysterious food particles on my "clean" plates.
