9 Essential Dishwasher Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

Your dishwasher is one of those household heroes that make life so much easier—no more standing over the sink scrubbing away at dinner plates and glasses. But like any trusty sidekick, your dishwasher needs a bit of TLC to keep it running smoothly. With regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your appliance, avoid costly repairs, and ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. Let’s dive into some essential dishwasher maintenance tips that will help keep your machine in top shape.

1. Clean the Filter Regularly

The filter in your dishwasher is responsible for trapping food particles and preventing them from recirculating onto your clean dishes. Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, which can lead to poor cleaning performance, odors, and even damage to the appliance.

How to Clean It: First, locate the filter—usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove it by turning it counterclockwise and lifting it out. Rinse the filter under warm water to remove any food particles or residue. For stubborn debris, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub it away. Once it’s clean, replace the filter by securing it back in place.

2. Check and Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms in your dishwasher are the components that spray water onto your dishes, helping to remove food and grime. If the spray arms become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits, they won’t be able to do their job effectively, leading to poorly cleaned dishes.

How to Maintain Them: Remove the spray arms from the dishwasher (consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how). Inspect the nozzles for any blockages and use a toothpick or small brush to clear out any debris. Rinse the spray arms under warm water, then reattach them to the dishwasher.

3. Run Vinegar and Baking Soda Cycles

Over time, dishwashers can develop unpleasant odors due to trapped food particles, grease, and soap scum. Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda can help eliminate these odors and keep your dishwasher fresh.

Vinegar Cycle: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to allow the vinegar to break down grease, grime, and odors.
Baking Soda Cycle: After the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot water cycle to help remove stains and freshen up the interior.

4. Inspect the Door Seal

The rubber door seal (also known as the gasket) is responsible for keeping water inside the dishwasher during a wash cycle. If the seal becomes dirty, cracked, or damaged, it can lead to leaks and poor cleaning performance.

How to Clean and Inspect: Wipe down the door seal regularly with a damp cloth to remove any food particles or residue. While cleaning, check the seal for any signs of wear, such as cracks or tears. If the seal is damaged, it’s important to replace it to prevent leaks.

5. Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher

It might be tempting to cram as many dishes as possible into your dishwasher to save time, but overloading the machine can actually reduce its efficiency. When dishes are packed too tightly, water and detergent can’t circulate properly, leading to poorly cleaned dishes and potential damage to the appliance.

Loading Tips: Place larger items, like pots and pans, on the bottom rack, making sure they don’t block the spray arms. Smaller items, like glasses and cups, should go on the top rack. Avoid placing items too close together—leave enough space for water and detergent to reach all surfaces.

6. Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid

Using the wrong detergent or not using rinse aid can lead to a variety of issues, from cloudy glassware to detergent buildup inside the dishwasher. Always use a detergent that’s specifically designed for dishwashers and consider using a rinse aid to help prevent water spots and improve drying performance.

Dos and Don’ts: Avoid using regular dish soap, as it can create excessive suds and lead to leaks. If you have hard water, consider using a detergent that’s formulated to prevent mineral buildup. Rinse aid can be added to the designated dispenser, usually located on the inside of the door.

7. Check the Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into your dishwasher. If this valve becomes clogged or damaged, your dishwasher might not fill with water properly, leading to poor cleaning results.

How to Inspect: Turn off the power to the dishwasher and disconnect it from the water supply. Locate the water inlet valve (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher) and check for any clogs or signs of damage. If the valve is clogged, clean it out. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced.

8. Keep the Exterior Clean

While it’s easy to focus on the inside of your dishwasher, don’t forget about the exterior. Keeping the outside of your dishwasher clean not only makes your kitchen look nicer but can also help prevent the buildup of grime that could potentially affect the appliance’s operation.

How to Clean: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. For stainless steel dishwashers, use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel to remove fingerprints and smudges.

9. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Even with regular at-home maintenance, it’s a good idea to have your dishwasher professionally serviced every once in a while. A professional technician can perform a thorough inspection, clean hard-to-reach areas, and address any potential issues before they become major problems.

Why It’s Important: Regular professional maintenance can extend the life of your dishwasher, improve its performance, and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Wrapping It Up

Your dishwasher does a lot of the dirty work in your kitchen, so it’s only fair to give it the care and attention it deserves. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can keep your dishwasher running efficiently, extend its lifespan, and ensure that your dishes always come out sparkling clean.

If you’re experiencing issues with your dishwasher or need professional repai