Maintaining and cleaning a dishwasher properly is straightforward and takes very little time, but it makes a big difference. Clean the filter every month, descale the machine every three months and wipe the seals down regularly, and a dishwasher will easily last 10 to 15 years. Skip the maintenance and what follows is a poorer wash result, unpleasant smells and premature wear.
In this article you will read step by step how to go about maintaining and cleaning a dishwasher: from the filter to the spray arms, from descaling to the most common mistakes. There is no need for a professional, only a bit of routine.
Why regular dishwasher maintenance pays off
Grease, limescale and food residue build up in every dishwasher, even when the plates come out clean. Over time that build-up attacks the filter, the spray arms and the heating element. The result: a machine that has to work harder, uses more energy and eventually fails sooner.
A well-maintained dishwasher lasts 10 to 15 years on average. Without maintenance you will run into problems after only five to seven years. Repairs quickly cost €80 to €150 per engineer's visit. Regular maintenance takes you half an hour a month at most, plus a few euros for cleaning products. The sums are easy enough to do.
Cleaning your dishwasher filter
The filter is the most critical part when it comes to dishwasher maintenance. It catches food residue and stops it reaching the drain pump. A blocked filter is by far the most common cause of a poor wash result and of a dishwasher that smells.
Where is the filter?
The filter sits in the bottom of the drum, underneath the lower spray arm. It usually consists of two parts: a coarse mesh filter and a fine micro filter. You remove it by turning it a quarter turn or by clicking it out, depending on the model.
Cleaning the filter step by step
- Pull out the lower basket and remove the spray arm if you need to.
- Turn or click the filter loose and lift it out.
- Rinse both parts of the filter under warm running water.
- Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works beautifully) for stubborn food residue.
- Check that all the holes in the fine micro filter are clear again.
- Put the filter back and lock it firmly in place.
Clean the filter at least once a month. If you use the dishwasher daily, or run it more than once a day, do it every two weeks.
Cleaning the spray arms for the best spray pressure
The spray arms distribute the water over the dishes. They turn during the programme and spray water through small holes. Limescale, food residue and bits of plastic can block those holes, so that some parts of the machine barely get any water at all.
How do you clean the spray arms?
- Remove the lower and upper spray arm by clicking them upwards or unscrewing them (check the manual if you are unsure).
- Hold the arms under running water and see which holes are blocked.
- Clear the holes with a cocktail stick or a needle.
- Rinse the arms through thoroughly under the tap.
- Put them back and check that they turn freely without catching on anything.
Do this every two to three months, or more often if you notice the wash results falling short.
Descaling a dishwasher: when and how
Limescale is invisible but destructive. It settles on the heating element, which then needs more energy to bring the water up to temperature. Limescale also blocks the spray holes and leaves a white film on glasses and cutlery.
How often should you descale?
In hard water areas (large parts of the west and the centre of the Netherlands) it is sensible to descale once a month. If you live or let a property in a soft water area, once every three months is enough. You can ask your water company about the hardness of your water.
Two ways to descale
- Descaling tablet or liquid descaler: Empty the dishwasher, put the product into the bottom of the machine and run the longest and hottest programme (usually 65°C or 70°C). Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
- Citric acid: Put 100 grams of citric acid powder into the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a hot programme. Cheap and effective against light limescale.
Always use dishwasher salt consistently: it protects the water softener system inside the machine and is your first line of defence against limescale.
Cleaning the seals, the door seal and the interior
The door seals and the edges around the door are the spots most people skip, yet they are where mould, grease and food residue build up fastest. You only notice once the smell is already there.
How do you go about it?
- Take a damp cloth with a little washing-up liquid or white vinegar.
- Wipe along all the seals, the inner edge of the door and the sill.
- Wipe the stainless steel inner walls down as well, to remove films of grease.
- Then dry the seals off briefly to discourage mould.
A practical tip: leave the door ajar after every programme. That lets the moisture escape, the inside dries faster and mould is slower to take hold.
Common maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them
Even people who clean their dishwasher regularly sometimes make mistakes that put the machine under unnecessary strain. These are the most common ones:
- Too little salt or rinse aid: Check the indicator lights regularly and top up in good time. An empty salt container means limescale has free rein.
- Never cleaning the filter until the machine washes badly: Do not wait for a problem. Cleaning it monthly stops things getting that far.
- The wrong or cheap cleaning products: Some cheap rinse aids actually leave deposits behind. Choose a product that suits your type of water.
- Overfilling the dishwasher: If the dishes are packed too closely together, the spray arms can be blocked and the water will not reach everywhere.
- Running a cleaning programme with the dishes still inside: Always run a cleaning or descaling programme with an empty machine, otherwise the product cannot do its job properly and residue can end up on your dishes.
Is it time for a new dishwasher?
Good maintenance extends the life of a machine considerably, but there comes a point where repairing is no longer worth it. Watch out for these signs:
- Persistent leaking that is not caused by a blocked filter or a loose seal.
- The heating element has stopped working: the water stays cold and the dishes come out of the machine dirty.
- Rust forming on the inside or on the baskets.
- Repair costs running to more than 40-50% of the purchase price of a comparable new appliance.
In that case a new appliance is the wisest choice. At Pro Witgoed you will find affordable Heinner dishwashers: solid machines with proven value for money, available straight from stock and with a full 5 year warranty. Free delivery and installation are included as standard, with no hidden costs.
Browse our full range on the dishwashers page, or filter straight away by type: freestanding Heinner dishwashers or integrated dishwashers. Looking for a good deal? Have a look at the keenly priced dishwashers in our offers as well.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean the filter monthly, the spray arms every two to three months, and the seals and inner walls once a month. Run a full cleaning or descaling programme once a month in a hard water area, or once every three months in a soft water area.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
A dishwasher that smells usually has a blocked or dirty filter, a build-up of grease in the door seals, or standing water in the bottom. Clean the filter thoroughly first, wipe the seals and edges down with vinegar, and then run a hot cleaning programme with the machine empty.
Can I use white vinegar to descale my dishwasher?
Yes, white vinegar works for light limescale. Pour 200 ml into the bottom of an empty machine and run a hot programme. White vinegar is less powerful than citric acid or a dedicated descaler, so for heavy limescale you are better off choosing one of those alternatives.
What is the difference between dishwasher salt and descaler?
Dishwasher salt regenerates the machine's built-in water softener and so prevents limescale on every wash. A descaler removes limescale that is already inside the machine. You need both: salt as the prevention, descaler as the cure.
My dishwasher is not washing well, what can I do?
Check the filter first: in 7 out of 10 cases that is the cause of a poor wash result. Then clean the spray arms and make sure the salt and rinse aid are topped up. If the dishes are packed too closely together, rearrange them so that the spray arms can turn freely. If the problem persists, the heating element may be faulty.
How long does a dishwasher last with good maintenance?
With regular maintenance a dishwasher lasts 10 to 15 years on average. Without maintenance the practical lifespan is often five to seven years. Cleaning the filter monthly alone has a noticeable effect on how long the machine lasts.
Do I have to run the dishwasher empty for a cleaning programme?
Yes, always run a cleaning or descaling programme with a completely empty machine. Dishes inside the machine absorb the cleaning product and reduce its effect. Chemical residue can also be left behind on plates and glasses.
With the right routine and a few simple steps you will keep your dishwasher in good condition for years. If you do come to the conclusion that a new appliance is the better investment, have a look at the dishwashers other buyers go for, dependable choices for any situation.
