How to clean a dishwasher
Your dishwasher needs regular cleaning to stay in tip-top condition. We explain how to clean each part properly, tackle odours and keep it running smoothly.
For a machine that's designed to clean, you could be forgiven thinking a dishwasher doesn’t need to be cleaned, or if it does, not too often. Sadly, this is not the case. The inside of the dishwasher will look all clean and shiny after a wash, but what you can’t see is inside the filters and spray arms, where the water cannot reach, such as around the edges, hinges and other crevices can also get quite grimy over time, which is why a deep clean is needed periodically. How often you will need a deep clean depends on how much you use it.
- Read our review of the best dishwashers.
Why is deep cleaning a dishwasher important?
There are several reasons why deep cleaning a dishwasher is essential. Left uncleaned, the machine will not perform well and will become more costly to run due to clogged pipes and filters. Deep cleaning also prevents mould and bacteria from growing, keeping the dishwasher clean, hygienic and free from musty odours.
Most dishwashers are expensive to buy and costly to repair, so keeping them working at their optimum requires removing grime and soap scum. Keeping filters clean and free of food particles, or worse, broken glass and other splintered objects that can easily make their way into the main filter prevents costly blockages.
How to clean a dishwasher
We used:
- Rubber gloves
- Small soft sponges
- Antibacterial spray
- Polishing, or microfibre cloths
- White vinegar
- Washing up liquid
- Dishwasher tablet or powder
- Small soft brush
- Step one: Remove all the racks from the dishwasher to gain access to the filters, as well as the lower and upper spray arms. Wash them in hot, soapy water using a small, soft sponge. Bower Eco sponges are perfect for this. For tiny crevices, a small flexible bottle brush can be helpful. Look carefully at the runners and wheels on the trays; these can often become clogged over time. Dry well with a tea towel and set aside.
- Step two: With the removable filters out of the way, carefully inspect the fixed filter at the bottom of the dishwasher for any debris that may be lodged there. Approach this cautiously, as it may sometimes include shards of broken glass and other hazards; a flexible brush can be helpful.
- Step three: Spray antibacterial all-purpose spray – we used Bower All-Purpose Sanitiser Spray with its lovely pineapple scent around the door edges, into the corners and hinges, all the bits that do not get touched by water when the dishwasher is running. Clean with a sponge or jay cloth and again, use the small brush for those hard-to-reach areas. Dry the area with a soft, dry cloth.
- Step four: Replace all the cleaned and spray arms and trays. Pour 275ml of white vinegar into the base of the dishwasher and run a hot but short cycle to rinse the vinegar through the machine (30–45 minutes is sufficient). This cleaning helps remove any leftover grime from filters and spray arms and can also help remove limescale. Leave the dishwasher door open for 30 minutes.
- Step five: Place a dishwasher tablet or powder into the dishwasher, using Bower eco tablets, and run a hot, short cycle to clean through any vinegar and limescale, as well as a final clean-through of all the spray arms.
- Step six: Spray a damp cloth with your all-purpose antibacterial spray to wipe the outside, door and handle of the dishwasher. Finally, top up the salt and rinse aid if needed.
- Step seven: Your dishwasher will now be sparklingly clean, inside and out and ready to go.
Tips for keeping your dishwasher in tip-top shape
- Wipe all around the door and edges after every use. Remove as much debris as possible from plates and dishes before loading them into the dishwasher; rinsing is not necessary.
- Leave the door of the dishwasher open until it is dry after each use to prevent mould and unwelcome musty smells. Some new and top-range models will automatically open the door once the cycle has ended.
- Learn about each of the programs on your dishwasher. Using the correct programs will give you the best results and help you run your dishwasher efficiently and economically.
- Always refer to the manufacturer's guide before cleaning your dishwasher as different models may have specific care instructions.
What not to do:
- Never use abrasive cleaners, scourers or bleach on or in a dishwasher.
- Don’t overload the dishwasher; make sure the water can reach all the crockery and cutlery.
- If you have them, do not ignore salt or rinse aid refill indicators.
Top-rated dishwashers
Freestanding dishwasher
Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS freestanding dishwasher
Available from Amazon (£499), Currys (£749), Samsung (£749)
This B-rated dishwasher offers 14 place settings, eight wash cycles, and flexible loading for larger loads. Ideal for families or entertainers, it features a quick-wash option, eco cycle to save energy, and adjustable trays. The auto door opening aids natural drying, while the delay timer adds convenience.
Available from:
Bosch Series 6 SMV6ZCX10G fully integrated dishwasher
Available from Amazon (£702.30), Very (£749), AO (£749), Currys (£749), Marks Electrical (£749)
With 14 place settings and six wash cycles, this smart Bosch dishwasher combines sleek design with practical features. "Zeolith" drying tech means dishes come out cupboard-dry, while the "VarioDrawer" frees up space for larger items. WiFi-enabled, it can be controlled via the Bosch app and the Time Light lets you check cycle progress at a glance.
Available from:
Beko DVSO4X2OW slimline dishwasher
Available from Currys (£239), AO (£239), Hughes (£239), Boots Kitchen Appliances (£239), Argos (£289)
Ideal for smaller households, this 10-place setting Beko dishwasher offers flexible loading with folding cup racks and a removable cutlery basket. It features four wash cycles, including a 30-minute quick wash and a half-load option for lighter days. A delayed timer helps cut energy costs by running off-peak, while the compact design still handles larger cookware with ease.
Available from:
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