How to Clean a Dishwasher

Proper maintenance and the know- how to clean a dishwasher can help to enhance longevity, and satisfying cleaning performance throughout.

You need to read and follow your dishwasher manufacturer's instructions and recommendations regarding the use of the right detergent and rinse aid and refill them regularly.

Also it is important not to forget about the dishwasher salt. It helps to avoid lime-scale built-up that could block valves, hoses, spray units and jets.

Make yourself a little "reminder" of how to clean a dishwasher at what time interval.

Weekly Routine

Check, if there is still enough rinse aid in the rinse-aid-dispenser. Modern dishwashers will display a warning light/sign, but not all machines have got this kind of an "alarm".

Check the dishwasher salt level. If required, refill.
You will need to remove the lower rack and on the bottom of the tub you will find the salt dispensing unit. Open it up and refill salt with the funnel. The fill-indicator needs to be laid on the top of the salt. Close the lid of the dispenser-unit thoroughly. (This is necessary to avoid salt being dissolved in the washing water!)

After having refilled the salt it is recommended to let the empty machine run through a short cycle to flush out remaining salt water of the dishwasher.

Filter: if your machine does not have a self-cleaning filter, you need to take out the filter and rinse and clean it with water and soap.

Monthly Routine

Ensure good hygienic operation of your dishwasher.
To get rid of detergent- residues, lime-scale and oil films use a lime-scale and detergent remover.

Lime-scale that can build up when you have to use hard water can lead to blocked hoses, drains, valves and spray-arms and -units. This will decrease cleaning performance and lead to part exchange and repairs.

Oily films and layers of detergent will enforce bacterial growth. This threatens hygienic cleaning performance of the dishwasher and in worst scenarios, your own health.

Twice a Year

Check hoses, drains and door-sealings.
Look for leaks and cracks, if necessary replace them.

Filter: if you detect holes you should replace it with a new filter. Defective filters can lead to damages of the electric pump-system.

Make sure that parts of the spray-unit (arm and jets) are not cracked or blocked. If so, you would have to unblock them to ensure proper water flow or replace them, if they are damaged.