How to clean a dishwasher
Do you have a smelly dishwasher that isn't cleaning properly? Follow these six easy steps to keep your dishwasher clean, stop it smelling and help make your plates sparkle.
If your dishwasher isn't regularly maintained, then it could result in unpleasant smells or even dishes streaked with old food.
Keep your dishwasher clean with this easy six-step maintenance that doesn't take much time, but will help get your dishes clean and your dishwasher working better for longer.
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Video: 60 second guide to dishwasher maintenance
These quick and easy steps will keep your dishwasher clean and in tip-top condition.
These simple tasks will help your dishwasher last longer, keeping it working as well as possible and getting rid of any unpleasant odours in your machine.
But if your dishwasher seems near the end of it's natural life, or you fancy an upgrade, then our dishwasher reviews will help you to find one that will clean stubborn dirt and grease easily, is a breeze to use and won't cost the earth to run. Or, if you'd like to fix an issue with your machine then head over to our guide on common dishwasher faults and how to fix them
1. Clean the dishwasher filter
When? Weekly
Why? This prevents food waste that has become trapped in the filter ending up back on your dishes. The inner filters can be cleaned under the kitchen-sink tap with a soft brush. The outer metal filter just needs rinsing with hot water. For how to remove the filter, see our short video above.
2. Wipe the door seals clean
When? Weekly
Why? Food stuck on the door rim can lead to the seals perishing and your dishwasher leaking, but it's really easy to prevent this. If you use your dishwasher regularly, a quick weekly wipe of the rim and seals with a damp cloth is all you need to do.
3. Top up with dishwasher salt and rinse aid
When? Monthly/when indicated
Why? Salt stops limescale building up, and softens the water – dishwasher detergents only work effectively in soft water. Rinse aid helps dishes to dry without streaking. Most dishwashers have indicators showing when to top up both.
Survey results have told us that a difficult-to-access salt well could mean that some skip this step.
If you're struggling when topping up the salt, try investing in a funnel to make it easier to access and reduce spills. Some dishwashers come with a salt well in the door, but these do tend to cost more.
4. Remove and clean the spray arms
When? Biannually
Why? Blocked spray arms can lead to poor dishwashing. Every six months, remove the spray arms, poke the holes clear of any blockages, and rinse under a tap.
5. Run the dishwasher empty and hot
When? Biannually
Why? This won’t have a massive impact on the reliability of your dishwasher, but a hot wash will guard against your machine smelling. The hot water will help remove any food residue which can build up and lead to nasty smells. This is particularly important if you tend to use the eco mode. As this programs use cooler water, a build-up of food residue is more common.
6. Consider using a dishwasher cleaner
Every six months when you run an empty and hot wash, it's worth considering whether you want to use a dishwasher cleaner, too.
Manufacturers recommend using a proper dishwasher cleaner, and we agree. Avoid using any 'natural' alternatives such as lemon juice or white vinegar.
Don’t use bleach or harsh cleaners, though. This can degrade the seals and components and cause damage to the machine.
When we rate dishwashers, we take the brand's reliability into account, so you can be sure that the best dishwashers will be excellent at cleaning even the most hard-to-shift dirt.
