🍽️ Dishwasher Cleaning & Stain Removal: Keep Your Machine Fresh & Working Well

✨ Your dishwasher cleans the dishes — but it needs a little cleaning of its own.

We put dirty plates, greasy pans, sauce-covered bowls and everything in between into the dishwasher and expect sparkling results at the end.

But where do all those food particles, grease, detergent residues and minerals go?

Some are washed away.

Some can collect in the filter, spray arms, door seals and hidden areas of the machine.

Over time, that can contribute to unpleasant smells, cloudy results, residue and reduced cleaning performance.

The good news is that regular dishwasher maintenance doesn't have to be a major job.

A few simple habits can keep the machine cleaner and help it do what it is supposed to do:

🍽️ LOAD → 🧽 CHECK → 💧 CLEAN → ✨ MAINTAIN

🔍 Why Does a Dishwasher Need Cleaning?

A dishwasher spends its life dealing with:

• 🍝 Food particles
• 🧈 Grease and oils
• 🫧 Detergent residue
• 💧 Minerals from the water supply
• 🦠 Moisture around seals and hidden areas
• 🪨 Limescale in areas affected by harder water

Even though the machine uses hot water and detergent, that doesn't mean every part of the appliance stays perfectly clean.

CHOICE recommends regular maintenance such as cleaning the filter, wiping the seals and checking the spray arms for blockages.

🧽 Start With the Filter

If you only remember one dishwasher maintenance job, make it the filter.

The filter catches food particles and other debris before they can circulate through the machine.

A dirty or blocked filter can contribute to:

• 😕 Poor washing results
• 👃 Unpleasant smells
• 💧 Drainage problems
• 🪨 Grease and grime build-up
• 🍽️ Food particles appearing on supposedly clean dishes

CHOICE identifies the filter as one of the most important regular dishwasher maintenance tasks.

🧼 How to Clean the Dishwasher Filter

Dishwasher designs vary, so always check your appliance manual before removing the filter.

For a dishwasher with a removable filter system:

1. 🔌 Switch off the appliance according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. 🍽️ Empty the dishwasher.
3. 🧺 Remove the lower basket.
4. 🔍 Locate and remove the filter according to the manual.
5. 💧 Rinse the filter under running water.
6. 🪥 Use a soft brush if necessary to loosen grease or stuck-on debris.
7. ✨ Rinse thoroughly.
8. 🔄 Reassemble and lock the filter correctly.

For example, the Westinghouse WSF6606KXC/WSF6606XC instructions specify rinsing the filters under running water and using a soft cleaning brush for more thorough cleaning. They also warn that the dishwasher should not be operated without the filters correctly fitted.

⚠️ Never guess how your particular filter comes out. Some models twist, some lift and some have different filter arrangements.

🚫 Don't Run the Dishwasher Without Its Filter

This might sound obvious, but it is worth mentioning.

The filter isn't an optional accessory.

It is part of the dishwasher's filtration system and needs to be correctly fitted before running the appliance.

Incorrectly fitted filters can reduce washing performance and allow debris to enter areas where it shouldn't. Manufacturer instructions specifically warn against operating some models without their filters installed.

💦 Check the Spray Arms

The spray arms are responsible for distributing water around the dishwasher.

If the small water outlets become blocked, the spray pattern can be affected.

Signs that a spray arm may need attention include:

• 🍽️ Dishes coming out dirtier than usual
• 🥣 Food remaining in the same areas
• 💧 Weak or uneven water coverage
• 🔍 Visible debris blocking spray-arm holes

CHOICE recommends checking spray arms for blockages as part of dishwasher maintenance.

🪥 Cleaning Spray-Arm Holes

Again, check your dishwasher manual before removing the spray arms.

If the manufacturer permits removal:

1. 🔍 Inspect the spray-arm holes.
2. 💧 Rinse the arm under running water.
3. 🪥 Use a soft cleaning method to remove trapped debris.
4. 💦 Rinse again.
5. 🔄 Refit the spray arm correctly.
6. 🌀 Make sure it can rotate freely.

CHOICE advises that a toothpick or other soft, pointed object may be used to clear suitable spray-arm blockages when the manufacturer permits it, and warns against using sharp metal objects that could damage the components.

🚫 Don't poke around with a knife, metal wire or other sharp metal object.

🧼 Don't Forget the Door Seals

The rubber seal around the dishwasher door can quietly collect:

• 🍝 Food residue
• 🧈 Grease
• 🫧 Detergent residue
• 💧 Moisture
• 🦠 Mould or mildew in damp conditions

Open the door and inspect the seal, especially around corners and folds.

Wipe it regularly with a soft damp cloth.

CHOICE recommends wiping dishwasher door seals because accumulated grime can contribute to mould and odours and may interfere with the seal.

Our Multi-Purpose Anti-Bacterial Grease-Resistant Cleaning Cloth can be useful for wiping suitable dishwasher surfaces, including the door and surrounding areas.

👃 Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?

A dishwasher that smells unpleasant isn't necessarily a sign that the entire appliance needs a powerful chemical treatment.

Start by looking for the source.

Possible Cause	What to Check
🍝 Food debris	Filter and bottom of the dishwasher
🧈 Grease	Filter, interior and door area
🧼 Detergent residue	Dispenser and interior surfaces
💧 Standing water	Filter, drain area and drainage system
🦠 Damp seals	Door gasket and corners
🪨 Limescale	Interior surfaces and components, particularly in harder-water areas

Regular filter cleaning and seal maintenance should come before reaching for a strong cleaner.

✨ What About Stains Inside the Dishwasher?

Dishwasher interiors can develop different types of marks.

You might see:

• 🟤 Brownish or orange discolouration
• ⚪ White chalky deposits
• 🫧 Slimy detergent or grease residue
• 🌫️ Cloudy mineral film
• 🦠 Dark spots around seals or corners

Before deciding how to remove a stain, try to work out what caused it.

⚪ White/chalky? It may be mineral or limescale residue.

🟤 Greasy? It may be food or cooking-oil residue.

🦠 Dark and around a damp seal? It may require attention to the seal and surrounding area.

🔍 Unknown? Check your appliance manual before using a strong chemical.

🪨 Hard Water & Limescale

Hard water contains higher concentrations of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

When heated repeatedly inside a dishwasher, those minerals can form deposits.

Possible signs include:

• ⚪ White chalky residue
• 🥛 Cloudy glassware
• 💧 Deposits around internal components
• 🫧 Reduced cleaning performance

CHOICE notes that limescale can build up in dishwashers in harder-water areas and may interfere with washing performance.

If you suspect limescale, check your dishwasher manual for the manufacturer's recommended descaling or machine-cleaning procedure.

🧪 Vinegar: Useful, But Not Universal

Vinegar is one of the most common DIY dishwasher-cleaning suggestions.

It can help with some odours, discolouration and mineral deposits, and CHOICE describes a vinegar cycle as one possible cleaning approach.

But there is an important catch:

Some dishwasher manufacturers advise against vinegar because its acidity may damage sensitive internal components.

So, just as we learned in 🧪 BLOG-HK-CLEAN-001, a household ingredient being useful in one situation doesn't make it universally suitable.

📖 Check your dishwasher manual first.

If your manufacturer does not recommend vinegar, don't use it simply because a DIY cleaning recipe says you should.

🧪 What About Bicarbonate Soda?

Bicarbonate soda is another popular dishwasher-cleaning suggestion, particularly for dealing with smells.

However, don't assume that adding more powder means a better clean.

Check the manufacturer's instructions and use only cleaning methods compatible with your particular appliance.

CHOICE notes that DIY approaches involving vinegar, bicarbonate soda and citric acid can be found online, but recommends checking compatibility with the particular dishwasher before using them.

And remember the lesson from our first article:

🧪 Bicarbonate soda + vinegar = fizz.

Fizz does not automatically mean a better dishwasher cleaner.

🧴 Purpose-Made Dishwasher Cleaners

Purpose-made dishwasher cleaners are another option, particularly where grease, odour or limescale has built up.

Some manufacturers provide specific machine-cleaning products with instructions for use on their appliances.

For example, Bosch's dishwasher machine-cleaning products are designed to be used in an empty dishwasher and run through a machine-care programme or an appropriate hot cycle, depending on the model.

The important point is not that a commercial cleaner is always necessary.

It's that the cleaner should be appropriate for the machine and used exactly as instructed.

🍽️ Should You Run the Dishwasher Empty?

For a machine-cleaning cycle, the dishwasher is generally run without dishes.

That allows the cleaning product or approved cleaning method to work through the machine without a load of crockery getting in the way.

Some manufacturers specifically recommend an empty machine-cleaning cycle for internal maintenance.

⚠️ Always follow the instructions for your specific dishwasher and cleaner.

🧽 Cleaning the Dishwasher Exterior

The outside of the dishwasher deserves attention too.

For everyday cleaning:

1. 🧽 Use a soft damp cloth.
2. 🫧 Add mild soapy water if necessary.
3. 💧 Remove any soap residue.
4. ✨ Dry the surface.

CHOICE recommends a soft cloth and hot soapy water for dishwasher exteriors and advises checking the manual before using a multipurpose cleaner.

For stainless-steel panels, remember the lessons from ✨ BLOG-HK-CLEAN-005 — Streak-Free Stainless Steel: don't scrub with abrasive materials, follow the finish where appropriate and give the surface a final dry buff.

🌟 The Final Dry Matters

Just as with stainless steel, chrome and glass, leaving water and cleaning residue behind doesn't help.

After wiping the dishwasher exterior, give it a final dry with a clean cloth.

Our Microfiber Lens, Screen, Glass & Jewellery Cleaning Chamois can be useful for a final finishing wipe on suitable smooth surfaces, including appropriate stainless-steel panels.

🚫 Dishwasher Cleaning Don'ts

• 🚫 Don't use steel wool or metal scourers.
• 🚫 Don't use abrasive cleaning pads on surfaces that can be scratched.
• 🚫 Don't remove filters or spray arms without checking your manual.
• 🚫 Don't operate the dishwasher without its filters correctly installed.
• 🚫 Don't poke spray-arm holes with sharp metal objects.
• 🚫 Don't assume vinegar is safe for every dishwasher.
• 🚫 Don't pour random household chemicals into the machine.
• 🚫 Don't mix cleaning chemicals.
• 🚫 Don't use a dishwasher cleaner in a way that differs from its instructions.

CHOICE specifically recommends soft cleaning tools rather than metal scourers or steel wool, while manufacturer guidance also warns against operating some dishwashers without correctly fitted filters.

🗓️ A Simple Dishwasher Maintenance Routine

How Often	What to Do
🍽️ After loading	Scrape solid food from dishes before loading
🧽 Regularly	Inspect and clean the filter
💧 Regularly	Wipe the door seal and contact areas
🌀 Regularly	Check spray-arm holes for blockages
✨ Monthly or as needed	Clean the exterior and check for residue or odours
🧪 As needed	Run a manufacturer-approved machine-cleaning or descaling cycle

The exact frequency depends on the dishwasher, how often it is used, the water quality and the manufacturer's recommendations. CHOICE recommends regular filter and seal maintenance and periodic spray-arm checks.

🍽️ You Don't Need to Pre-Rinse Everything

Here's a useful dishwasher habit that may save you some work:

Scrape — don't automatically rinse.

CHOICE notes that there is generally no need to rinse plates before loading and that excessive rinsing can even interfere with how some dishwashers respond to the soil level.

Remove solid food scraps and large pieces, then load the dishes according to your dishwasher's instructions.

Of course, exceptionally sticky or dried-on food may still benefit from soaking or pre-treatment where appropriate.

👃 If Your Dishwasher Still Smells

If you've cleaned the filter, wiped the seals and checked the spray arms but the smell remains, don't simply keep adding more cleaning chemicals.

Check:

• 🔍 Whether water is draining properly
• 🧽 Whether food debris remains beneath or around the filter
• 🚿 Whether the spray arms are blocked
• 💧 Whether water is being left standing where it shouldn't
• 🧴 Whether detergent residue is accumulating
• 📖 Whether your manual specifies a machine-cleaning procedure

A persistent drainage problem may require further troubleshooting or professional attention rather than another cleaning cycle.

✨ Dishwasher Cleaning Cheat Sheet

Problem	What to Check First
👃 Bad smell	Filter, food debris, seals and standing water
🍽️ Dirty dishes	Filter, spray arms, loading and detergent
💧 Poor drainage	Filter and drainage area
⚪ White film	Possible mineral/limescale build-up
🥛 Cloudy glassware	Check water hardness, detergent and rinse aid
🧼 Greasy interior	Filter, seals and manufacturer-approved machine clean
🌀 Weak spray	Check spray arms for blocked jets
✨ Dirty exterior	Soft cloth + suitable cleaner according to the manual

🌟 The Dishwasher Golden Rule

Your dishwasher doesn't just need an occasional dramatic deep clean.

It benefits much more from small, regular maintenance.

🧽 Clean the filter.

🌀 Check the spray arms.

🚪 Wipe the seals.

💧 Keep the machine and its surfaces free from unnecessary residue.

📖 Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Do those simple things consistently and you may prevent a much bigger cleaning job later.

💡 More Handy Cleaning Tips

This guide is part of our 🧽 Cleaning & Home Care series — practical cleaning tips, simple solutions and everyday know-how for around the home.

So far we've explored:

• 🧪 Bicarbonate soda & vinegar — what works and what doesn't
• 🚿 Shower screen cleaning
• ✨ Making a kitchen sink shine
• 🧼 Bathroom grout cleaning
• 🌟 Streak-free stainless steel
• 🚰 Cleaning chrome without scratching
• 🔥 Glass cooktop cleaning

And now we've added another important lesson:

🍽️ The appliance doing the cleaning needs cleaning too!

Next up:

🪞 BLOG-HK-CLEAN-009 — Streak-Free Glass & Mirror Cleaning

Because getting glass clean is one thing — getting it clean without streaks, haze or fingerprints is another!

⚠️ A Quick Safety Reminder

Always follow the care and cleaning instructions supplied with your particular dishwasher.

Switch the appliance off according to the manufacturer's instructions before carrying out maintenance that requires access to internal components.

Never mix cleaning chemicals.

Use vinegar, citric acid, bicarbonate soda or commercial dishwasher cleaners only when they are compatible with your particular appliance and used according to the relevant instructions.

When in doubt, the dishwasher manufacturer's manual should take priority over a generic DIY cleaning recipe.