In this post, we'll cover
- In short: how to clean a dishwasher
- Why maintaining your dishwasher matters
- How often should you clean your dishwasher?
- What you'll need
- How to clean a dishwasher: step by step
- How to make your dishwasher last longer
- Common dishwasher problems and what they mean
- When a dishwasher problem needs a professional
In short: how to clean a dishwasher
To clean a dishwasher, empty it, then remove and rinse the filter under a hot tap. Wipe the spray arms, door and rubber seals, then run an empty hot cycle (65°C or higher) with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar. Check the filter weekly and do a full deep clean once a month to prevent smells, limescale and breakdowns.
Key takeaways
• The filter is the single most important part to clean, a blocked filter causes most smells and poor washing.
• Run a hot maintenance wash monthly to clear grease and limescale.
• Wipe the door seals and check the spray arm holes regularly.
• Even a well-maintained appliance can fail eventually,appliance coverprotects you from repair and replacement costs.
Why maintaining your dishwasher matters
Your dishwasher deals with grease, leftover food, hard-water limescale and detergent residue on every single cycle. Left unchecked, that gunk clogs the filter, coats the spray arms and settles in the seals, which is why a neglected machine starts to smell, leaves plates gritty or cloudy, and eventually stops draining properly.
Regular dishwasher maintenance isn't just about hygiene. A clean, well-cared-for machine uses less energy, washes better on shorter cycles, and is much less likely to suffer the kind of breakdown that means an expensive engineer call-out or a full replacement. In much of the UK, especially hard-water areas across the South and East of England, limescale is the number one enemy of kitchen appliances, so a little routine care goes a long way.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
You don't need to deep clean every week. A light-touch routine keeps everything running smoothly:
• After every wash: scrape plates before loading and leave the door ajar to air-dry and stop damp smells.
• Weekly: remove and rinse the filter; wipe the door edge and rubber seal.
• Monthly: run a hot maintenance cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar; clean the spray arms.
• Every 3-6 months: descale to tackle limescale, check the salt and rinse aid, and inspect the door seal for damage.
What you'll need
• Warm soapy water, a cloth and an old toothbrush or soft brush
• A dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar
• Bicarbonate of soda (optional, for stubborn smells)
• Dishwasher salt and rinse aid (especially in hard-water areas)
• A cocktail stick or toothpick to clear spray-arm holes
How to clean a dishwasher: step by step
Set aside about 15 minutes of hands-on time. Here's the full method, from filter to final maintenance wash.
1) Empty the dishwasher
Take out all racks, cutlery baskets and dishes so you have clear access to the base, filter and spray arms.
2) Remove and clean the filter
Twist out the filter at the bottom of the machine (usually a quarter-turn). Rinse it under a hot tap and scrub away trapped food with a soft brush. This one step fixes most smells and poor-washing complaints.
3) Clean the spray arms
Lift or unclip the spray arms and check the small holes. If any are blocked with limescale or debris, clear them with a cocktail stick so water can spray freely again.
4) Wipe the seals and door
Grime and mould love the rubber door seal. Wipe around it and along the door edge with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush, then dry it off.
5) Run a hot maintenance cycle
Place a dishwasher cleaner, or a heatproof cup of white vinegar, on the top rack and run the hottest empty cycle (65°C or above). This dissolves grease and limescale throughout the machine.
6) Tackle any lingering smells
Still whiffy? Sprinkle a handful of bicarbonate of soda across the base and run a short hot rinse to freshen and neutralise odours.
7) Top up salt and rinse aid
Refill the dishwasher salt and rinse aid. Salt softens hard water to fight limescale; rinse aid stops streaks and cloudy glasses.
Pro tip: Once a month, run the dishwasher empty on its hottest setting with a cleaner in place. This “service wash” is the single easiest habit for keeping a dishwasher healthy and smell-free.
How to make your dishwasher last longer
Cleaning is half the job and good daily habits do the rest:
• Scrape, don't pre-rinse to death. Remove large food scraps, but a little residue actually helps modern detergents work.
• Don't overload. Cramming plates blocks the spray arms and leaves dishes dirty, so you end up re-washing and wearing the machine out faster.
• Use the right detergent and dose. Too much causes residue build-up; too little means poor cleaning.
• Leave the door ajar after a cycle to let moisture escape and prevent mould.
• Check the seals and hoses now and then for cracks or leaks, catching a small drip early prevents water damage later.
Common dishwasher problems and what they mean
Most everyday issues trace back to maintenance. Here's how to read the signs:
• Dishwasher smells: usually a clogged filter or trapped food. Clean the filter and run a hot cleaning cycle.
•Cloudy or gritty glasses: hard-water limescale or low rinse aid/salt. Top up both and descale the machine.
•Not drying: empty rinse aid or a faulty heating element. Refill rinse aid before assuming a fault.
• Dishes still dirty: blocked spray-arm holes, an overloaded rack, or limescale. Clear the arms and descale.
• Not draining: a blocked filter or drain hose. Clear the filter first; if it persists it may be the pump.
• Water left in the base: a little is normal. A lot points to a drainage blockage or pump problem worth checking.
When a dishwasher problem needs a professional
Cleaning and descaling solve most issues. But some faults are jobs for a qualified engineer, not a DIY fix. Call in a professional if you notice:
• Water leaking onto the floor or from the door
• The machine won't start, fill or drain despite a clean filter
• Error codes, tripping electrics, or a burning smell
• A spray arm, motor or heating element that has clearly failed
Safety first: Dishwashers combine water and electricity. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself, switch the appliance off at the socket and arrange a qualified engineer.
Disclaimer
• Appliance insurance cover is valuable, but it has limitations. Understand the hidden risks in your home by reading the policy wording carefully.
• This blog is for information only and should not be taken as advice. Appliance insurance cover suitability depends on individual needs and circumstances.
• Coverage is subject to eligibility, exclusions, and claim limits. Please read the full policy terms and conditions before purchasing. Smart-Cover is a trading name of Smart-Cover Direct Limited, which is an Appointed Representative of City and Commercial Limited (FRN 314346), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Smart Cover's own firm reference number is 600428.
