Simple Dishwasher Maintenance That Prevents Repairs

Most dishwasher call-outs for "poor cleaning" trace back to the same two culprits — a clogged filter and a blocked spray arm. Both take a few minutes to check and can save you an unnecessary repair visit.

Clean the filter monthly

The filter at the base of the tub catches food scraps so they don't recirculate onto your dishes. If it's not removed and rinsed regularly, water stops draining efficiently and dishes come out with residue. Most filters twist out by hand — check your model's manual for the exact release mechanism.

Check the spray arm holes

The spinning arms have small holes that direct water onto your dishes. Mineral deposits and food particles block these over time, leaving some dishes untouched by the wash cycle. A toothpick clears blocked holes in a couple of minutes.

Run a hot empty cycle with a cleaner occasionally

A monthly empty cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner helps dissolve grease and mineral buildup inside the pump and hoses — the parts you can't see or reach directly.

Don't ignore a persistent bad smell

An ongoing odor usually means trapped food debris or standing water in the drain line, not something a rinse aid will fix. If cleaning the filter doesn't help, it's worth having a technician check the drain pump and hose.

When it's more than maintenance

If cleaning and checking these parts doesn't resolve poor cleaning, leaks, or drainage issues, the fault is likely with a pump, valve, or the control board — worth a proper on-site diagnosis rather than repeated guesswork.