A little routine care can prevent a frustrating drainage problem later.
Food residue, grease and mineral build-up do not always cause an obvious issue straight away, but over time they can restrict water flow or leave the machine smelling less than fresh.
These dishwasher maintenance tips will focus on the areas that collect debris most easily, from the filter and spray arms to the drain area and hose.
They can also help you spot a developing clog before the appliance stops draining properly.
How often should you clean your dishwasher? – By blocked drain experts
There is no single cleaning schedule that suits every machine. How often you use it, what goes into it and the hardness of your local water all make a difference.
As a rule of thumb, give your dishwasher a general clean once a month. The filter may need cleaning more or less often depending on how frequently you use the machine and how much food residue it collects.
Some dishwashers have a built-in cleaning cycle, sometimes called a care programme, which is designed to clean the inside of the machine. If yours has one, follow the instructions for your model.
It is also time to clean sooner if the dishwasher smells bad, dishes are no longer coming out as expected or water seems slower to drain.
Scrape off larger food scraps before loading
You do not need to rinse every plate spotless before loading it. What matters more is removing pieces that could end up caught in the filter.
Scrape larger leftovers into the bin first. That reduces the amount of food particles moving through the machine and gives the filter less work to do.
Modern dishwashers are designed to cope with normal food residues, so there is no need to turn pre-rinsing into another washing-up job.
Clean the spray arms and check for blockages
Spray arms are the rotating parts that distribute pressurised water over the dishes. Each spray arm has small holes, and food or soap scum can lodge in them.
Check the dishwasher spray arms while the machine is empty. A blocked nozzle can interrupt the flow, leaving one part of the load dirtier than the rest.
Where possible, remove the spray arms and wash them under running water.
A toothpick or similar blunt tool can help lift food residue from the arm nozzles. Take care not to enlarge the holes.
Once refitted, turn the arms gently by hand to check that they move freely.
Clean the dishwasher filter regularly
The filter sits near the bottom of the machine and catches food particles before they end up in the pump. Once the mesh gets coated with food or grease, water has less room to pass through and performance can start to suffer.
Pull out the bottom rack and find the dishwasher filter at the base. Many models use a twist-and-lift fitting, although the release method varies.
Rinse it under running water and remove any food residue trapped in the mesh. Grease that will not shift easily can usually be loosened with a soft brush and warm soapy water.
If your dishwasher filter has more than one removable part, rinse each section and refit everything securely.
You don’t need to wait until it looks heavily coated to clean the filter. A clean filter is easier to maintain than one packed with old debris.
Already dealing with standing water or poor drainage? Our step-by-step guide on how to unclog a dishwasher explains what to check when routine maintenance is no longer enough.
Keep the drain area clear
Whenever you clean the filter, take a moment to check the area around the drain opening underneath it.
Small pieces of food, packaging or broken dishes can slip past the filter and collect there over time. Remove any loose debris you can see and reach safely before putting the filter back in place.
Keeping this area clear stops debris from building up close to the drain and helps reduce the chance of a blockage forming.
Check the drain hose for bends and blockages
The drain hose carries used water away from the appliance.
It does not need to be disconnected as part of routine care, but the visible section is worth checking now and then.
Look under the sink or behind the machine for a sharp bend, crushing or signs of a leak.
Pay particular attention after installation, repair work or moving the appliance, when the hose can be pushed out of position.
Do not confuse it with the inlet hose, which brings fresh water into the machine.
A badly restricted hose can slow drainage even when the interior is clear.
When the kitchen sink is also struggling to empty, the problem may be in the connected waste pipe rather than the machine itself.
Deep clean your dishwasher
Even with regular filter cleaning, grease and residue can still build up elsewhere inside the dishwasher. A deeper clean from time to time helps keep the rest of the machine fresh and free from build-up.
Start with the dishwasher empty. Wipe the door, edges and rubber seals with a damp cloth, paying attention to any grime or mould that has collected around the seals.
Check the bottom of the machine and wipe away any visible dirt around the filter housing. It is also worth cleaning around the detergent dispenser if residue has built up there.
Some dishwashers have a built-in cleaning cycle, sometimes called a maintenance or care programme.
Use the right dishwasher cleaning products
Use products that are designed for dishwashers rather than ordinary household drain cleaners.
A dishwasher cleaner is made to deal with grease and residue inside the appliance without being used like a conventional drain treatment.
Follow the instructions on the cleaning product and use only the recommended amount.
You may also come across advice suggesting white vinegar or a homemade vinegar solution. Before using one, check the guidance for your dishwasher model to make sure it is suitable.
The same applies to dishwasher detergent. Use the type and amount recommended for your machine and local water conditions.
Keep on top of dishwasher salt and limescale
Hard water deposits can accumulate inside the machine and around small openings, making mineral care more important in hard water areas.
Dishwasher salt is used on many machines to help soften the water. Top it up when the salt indicator comes on, or follow the instructions supplied with the appliance.
You may also need to descale from time to time. Manufacturers sell products for this purpose, and some machines combine them with a maintenance or care programme.
The right interval depends on the model and your local water.
Follow the descaling instructions for your model rather than improvising with household products.
Keeping on top of mineral deposits can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and prolong the life of your dishwasher.
When maintenance is not enough
Regular care can reduce drainage problems, but it cannot prevent every fault.
If water starts backing up, the kitchen sink is slow to drain or the same problem keeps returning, the problem may be in the connected waste pipe or household drainage.
Clark Drainage can assess the drainage, locate the blockage and clear the affected pipework.
Call 0808 164 0776 for a free, no-obligation quote, or go to our contact page to arrange a visit from a local drainage engineer.
