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How to clean a dishwasher
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.
If your dishwasher is near the end of its natural life, discover the best dishwashers according to our rigorous tests
1. Clean the dishwasher filter
When? Monthly
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.
Check out these 4 signs your dishwasher filter needs cleaning, plus step-by-step advice on how to quickly sort it.
2. Wipe the door seals clean
When? Monthly
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 or when indicated by the machine
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.
If the salt well is difficult to access, try using a funnel to make it easier and reduce spills. Some dishwashers come with a salt well in the door, but these do tend to cost more.
For further advice, read our guide to dishwasher salt and rinse aid.
4. Remove and clean the spray arms
When? Every three months
Why? Blocked spray arms can lead to poor dishwashing. Every three 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.
If you need to fix an issue with your machine, head over to our guide on common dishwasher faults and how to fix them.
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 our recommended models will be excellent at cleaning even the most hard-to-shift dirt.
Check out all our dishwasher reviews to find the right model for your home. You can also discover the most reliable dishwasher brands according to our research.