When you come to us to buy a new dishwasher, we want to know that you’ve had good ‘service’ from the appliance that is being replaced.
To optimise the lifespan of your dishwasher and keep your dishes, glassware and cutlery spotless, you ideally need to combine regular cleaning with good operational habits. Here is a handy checklist of how to maintain your dishwasher.
1. The Routine Cleaning Checklist
A dirty dishwasher recirculates grime and food particles onto your dishes. Follow this schedule to keep it running smoothly:
- Every 8–10 Washes (or Monthly): Clean the Filter
- Locate the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub. Twist it to unlock and pull it out.
- Rinse it under hot tap water. Gently scrub the mesh with a soft toothbrush or sponge to remove trapped food and grease. Do not use stiff wire brushes, which can puncture the mesh.
- Monthly: De-Gunk the Door Seals
- Wipe down the rubber door gaskets and the bottom edge of the door using a damp cloth and warm, soapy water.
- Food residues build up here easily, causing odours or preventing a tight seal.
- Every Few Months: Unclog the Spray Arms
- Remove the upper and lower spray arms (most unscrew or click off easily).
- Inspect the water nozzles. Use a toothpick, pin, or paperclip to poke out any seeds, mineral scale, or debris blocking the holes.
2. Best Practices for Daily Use
Maintaining a dishwasher isn’t just about cleaning it; it’s also about how you use it every day.
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: You only need to scrape large food chunks and bones into the bin. Do not pre-rinse dishes completely clean. Modern detergents need food enzymes to cling to, and pre-rinsing forces the detergent to aggressively target the plastic and metal components of your machine instead.
- Use the right Detergent & Rinse Aid: High-quality detergent packs help manage hard water build up. Additionally, always keep your rinse aid compartment filled. Rinse aid flattens water droplets so they slide off dishes easily, preventing spots and improves drying performance.
- Run it Frequently: Try to run the dishwasher at least once a week. Frequent usage keeps the internal motor seals hydrated and working properly, preventing them from drying out and possible cracking.
- Don’t Overload: Ensure dishes face downward and inward toward the spray arms. Avoid nesting spoons together or layering plates, which blocks water flow and requires you to re-wash items.
