A quick internet query later to see if I needed to call a dishwasher servicing company, and I soon discovered that I actually just needed to clean my dishwasher to fix the problem. In fact, it needed a good, deep clean. Because, it turns out, that if not cleaned for a while, the filters in the machine get clogged up with all the gunk, which then in turn gets on all the dishes which it’s supposed to be cleaning. Even after all this time of using the dishwasher, I had wrongfully been assuming that a dishwasher was self-cleaning. A closer look inside revealed the opposite.
1. Remove the racks, spray arms and filters
Since the filters and spray arms were obviously clogged, I let them soak, along with the racks in a mixture of warm water and distilled vinegar for a minimum of one hour, although it’s perfectly alright to leave it longer too. Then I scrubbed them with a brush just to make sure that there was nothing left behind. I checked the spray arm’s and filter’s tiny holes, using a toothpick to clear them. This can take some time but really makes all the difference. Then I rinsed them inside and out with hot water. Filters and spray arms usually just clip off, but if you don’t know how to remove yours, it might be a good time to consult the manual. You can also read our guide to unclogging a dishwasher for more guidance, too.
2. Get to work with a toothbrush
The next part takes some time, but it’s worth it. I took an old toothbrush and dipped it in equal parts baking soda and vinegar and went over all the crevices inside to ensure that no food particles were stuck anywhere. Cleaning with vinegar and adding baking soda to clean creates a powerful solution that can dissolve gunk instantly.
3. Give it a vinegar rinse
The next thing I did is to make sure that the dishwasher was properly disinfected, and that the particles were thoroughly removed. I replaced the filters, spray arm and racks, filled a dishwasher-safe bowl with white vinegar, placed it at the bottom of the dishwasher and ran the dishwasher on the hottest and longest cycle. The vinegar breaks down any left-over food particles, that I might have missed while wiping it down. I’ve found out that this is the perfect way to descale the dishwasher.
4. Deodorize with baking soda
Although the previous step might ensure that its quite clean by now, I do like to go a step further ahead and sprinkle a cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher and run it again on the longest and hottest cycle. This removes any extra stains left and deodorizes the machine.
5. Finish the job
As a plus, I also put some baking soda on a cleaning brush and go over the outside nooks and crevices of the dishwasher. This helps with the discoloration, especially if the door is light-colored. This can also be done with a surface cleaner and an all-purpose cleaning cloth as well.
Can I repair my dishwasher myself?
Most dishwasher repairs can be done yourself, especially if they are related to the quality of the wash, missing or damaged parts being replaced or error messages which are often explained in the dishwasher’s manual. We would not advise undertaking dishwasher repairs that involve electrics in particular. Instead, call in a professional.
How do I service my dishwasher?
To service your dishwasher, it is vital to remove the filter and spray arm and to ensure they are clean inside of any gunk or limescale. Soaking them in limescale remover or vinegar can help achieve this. Again, Affresh W10282479 Dishwasher Cleaner (opens in new tab), can be used to do this if you want to clean the filters in the machine. Next, clean the door and seals, avoiding any harsh products like vinegar, which can break down rubber, opting instead for a toothbrush and soapy water to do the job. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
