Maintaining and cleaning an integrated dishwasher is easier than most people think, and it makes a big difference to how well the appliance washes and how long it lasts. The key steps are: clean the filter every month, check the spray arms every quarter, keep an eye on the salt and rinse aid levels, and descale the machine from time to time. Do that consistently and you will easily get 10 to 15 years out of your dishwasher.
Why regular maintenance of your integrated dishwasher pays off
Neglected maintenance is the most common reason why a dishwasher washes badly, starts to smell or gives up sooner than it should. Grease, limescale and food residue build up in the filter, the spray arms and the seals. That costs the appliance more energy to achieve the same result, and in time the wash result simply gets worse.
A well-maintained integrated dishwasher will last 10 to 15 years without any trouble. That is a solid financial argument: buy an affordable appliance and then look after it properly, and in the long run you pay far less than someone who keeps having to replace a machine too soon.
Have you recently started using a new dishwasher? Then this is the perfect moment to build up a good maintenance routine. In this article we go through every step in order: cleaning the filter, cleaning the spray arms, descaling, looking after the seals, and a handy schedule for monthly, quarterly and annual maintenance.
Cleaning the filter: the most important step in maintaining and cleaning integrated dishwashers
The filter sits in the bottom of your dishwasher tub, underneath the lower spray arm. On most models you take the filter out by turning it a quarter turn and then lifting it straight up. After that, also check the coarse mesh screen underneath it, which usually lifts out separately.
Recommended frequency: at least once a month. With heavy use, in a large household or a rental property for example, do it more often.
Here is how to clean the filter step by step:
- Take the filter out as described above.
- Rinse it under warm running water.
- Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) to remove any stubborn residue.
- Check the coarse mesh screen for trapped residue and clean that too.
- Put everything back and turn the filter to lock it in place.
A blocked filter is the most common cause of a dishwasher that washes badly, drains poorly or smells unpleasant. Dirty water standing in the bottom of the tub after a programme is a clear sign that the filter needs attention.
Checking and cleaning the spray arms
The spray arms distribute the water over everything inside the dishwasher. The small holes in the arms can gradually become blocked by limescale and food residue. The result: certain parts of the machine are no longer reached properly and the wash result deteriorates. This is a common cause of a dishwasher washing badly that people tend to overlook.
On most integrated dishwashers the spray arms are easy to remove. The lower spray arm often has a clip fitting, or comes free if you pull it upwards while turning it slightly. The upper arm is usually attached to the upper basket rail and comes off by pulling a catch or undoing a small screw; check the manual for your particular model.
Here is how to clean the spray arms:
- Remove both spray arms.
- Hold them under the tap and rinse them off.
- Clear any blocked holes with a cocktail stick or a needle.
- Then rinse them through thoroughly again so that the loosened residue washes away.
- Refit the arms and check that they can turn freely without catching.
Do this at least once a quarter, or more often if you live in a hard water area.
Descaling and cleaning the inside of the dishwasher
Limescale is unavoidable, certainly in areas with hard tap water. In large parts of the Netherlands, particularly in the west and the centre of the country, the water is relatively hard. Over time limescale attacks the heating element and the pump, which shortens the life of the appliance.
This is how to descale: make sure the machine is empty (no crockery inside), sprinkle or pour citric acid or a dedicated dishwasher cleaner into the base of the tub, or use a cleaning tablet in the cutlery basket, and then run the hottest programme available. Repeat this every quarter in a hard water area, or at least twice a year.
Topping up the salt reservoir
An integrated dishwasher has a built-in water softener that runs on special dishwasher salt. This salt softens the water before it enters the machine, which prevents limescale on your crockery and inside the machine. The salt reservoir is in the bottom of the tub, under a screw cap.
Check the salt level every month. Top it up when the indicator light on the control panel comes on, or simply as a matter of routine once a month. Use only special dishwasher salt, never table salt or any other kind of salt.
Topping up the rinse aid
Rinse aid helps the water run off your crockery more quickly during the drying programme. The result: fewer water streaks and limescale marks on glasses and cutlery. The dispenser is usually inside the door, next to the compartment for the dishwasher tablet. Top it up when the indicator light shows that it is nearly empty, or check the level by eye once a month.
Cleaning the rubber seals and the door
The rubber seal around your dishwasher door is a spot many people skip when they clean. Moisture, food residue and detergent deposits collect in exactly those folds, and that is an ideal environment for mould and bacteria. It is also one of the main reasons why a dishwasher starts to smell.
Clean the door seals every month by running a damp cloth with a little washing-up liquid or white vinegar along the whole edge. Pay extra attention to the folds and to the underside of the seal, where most of the dirt gathers.
Do not forget the inside of the door itself either: the strip between the bottom of the door and the tub is rarely reached during a programme, but it does collect greasy deposits. Wipe this area dry every month once you have cleaned the seal.
It is best to do this straight after a cleaning programme, while the machine is still warm, as dirt comes away more easily then.
Your maintenance routine at a glance: monthly, quarterly and annually
A clear schedule makes maintenance a great deal easier to keep up. Here is an overview:
Every month
- Take out the filter, rinse it and put it back.
- Wipe the door seals with a damp cloth and washing-up liquid or vinegar.
- Check the salt level and top it up if necessary.
- Check the rinse aid level and top it up if necessary.
Every quarter
- Remove the spray arms, clear the holes and rinse them off.
- Descale with citric acid or dishwasher cleaner on the hottest programme (in hard water areas).
Every year
- Run a full cleaning programme with a powerful cleaning agent.
- Check the drain hose by eye for kinks, blockages or leaks.
- Check that the machine is standing level, as a machine that is out of true can start to leak over time.
Practical tip: set recurring reminders on your phone. A monthly reminder for the filter and the salt, a quarterly one for the spray arms and descaling. Each time it takes you no more than ten minutes, but the difference it makes to the life of your appliance is considerable.
When is maintenance no longer enough and do you need a new integrated dishwasher?
Sometimes cleaning and maintenance are no longer the answer. There are signs that a repair is no longer worth the trouble:
- The machine leaks persistently, even after the door seals have been replaced.
- The drain pump or the circulation pump has failed.
- The door lock no longer works as it should.
- The electronics or the control panel keep throwing up faults.
Rule of thumb: do the repair costs come to more than 50% of what the appliance originally cost? Then replacing it is the wiser choice in most cases, certainly if it is already more than 8 years old.
At Pro Witgoed, Heinner integrated dishwashers are available from stock, including free delivery and a full 5 year warranty. Have a look at our full range of integrated dishwashers and find a solid, affordable appliance without an unnecessary brand premium. Would you prefer a freestanding model? Then take a look at our freestanding dishwashers or the complete dishwasher range at Pro Witgoed.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my integrated dishwasher?
Clean the filter at least once a month. Wiping the door seals and checking the salt and rinse aid levels are monthly jobs too. The spray arms and descaling are quarterly tasks, and you should give the machine a thorough clean at least once a year.
My dishwasher smells, what should I do?
An unpleasant smell almost always comes from the filter or the door seals. Clean the filter thoroughly first. Then wipe the door seals with a cloth and white vinegar. After that, run a cleaning programme with citric acid or a dishwasher cleaner. If the smell persists, check the drain hose for blockages as well.
Can I use vinegar to descale my dishwasher?
White vinegar can be used as a temporary solution: stand a small bowl of white vinegar on the top basket and run a hot programme. It is less effective than citric acid or a dedicated dishwasher cleaner, though, and used frequently it can damage the rubber seals over time. So use it sparingly.
Why does my dishwasher no longer wash things properly clean?
The most common causes are a blocked filter, blocked spray arms or a shortage of salt and rinse aid. Check those points first. If that does not help, limescale on the heating element may be the cause, in which case descaling is the next step.
How do I top up the salt in my integrated dishwasher?
The salt reservoir is in the bottom of the dishwasher tub, behind a screw cap. Undo the cap, pour special dishwasher salt into the reservoir (a funnel makes this easier) and screw the cap firmly back on. Then run a short rinse programme to flush away any salt that has spilled over.
How long does an integrated dishwasher last with good maintenance?
With consistent maintenance, cleaning the filter every month, descaling from time to time and keeping the spray arms clear, an integrated dishwasher easily lasts 10 to 15 years. Its lifespan also depends on the water hardness in your area and how heavily the appliance is used.
Do I have to replace my dishwasher's spray arms regularly?
Replacement is rarely necessary if you clean the spray arms regularly. Do check them for damage, cracks or broken end caps. If a spray arm is broken or permanently deformed, replacement is the only option. Individual spray arms can be ordered separately as a spare part for most models.
With a simple maintenance schedule you get the most out of your integrated dishwasher. A quarter of an hour of attention a month heads off most problems and saves you a tidy sum in repair or replacement costs in the long run. Are you looking for a new appliance anyway? Then have a look at our current offers or go straight to the overview of integrated dishwashers at Pro Witgoed.