A well-maintained dishwasher runs quietly, cleans effectively, and lasts longer. These simple habits can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your machine.
1. Scrape, don't rinse
Scrape food scraps into the trash instead of pre-rinsing dishes. Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle light soil. Pre-rinsing wastes water and can reduce cleaning performance.
2. Clean the filter regularly
Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub. Check your manual for its location, then remove and rinse it every few weeks. A clogged filter leads to poor cleaning and odors.
3. Run hot water at the sink first
Start the faucet at the sink until the water is hot, then start the dishwasher. That way the first fill is hot water, which improves wash performance and helps detergent work properly.
4. Use the right detergent and amount
Use detergent made for dishwashers (not hand soap). Follow the manufacturer's dosing guidelines — too much can leave residue and damage the machine over time.
5. Keep the door slightly open between cycles
Let moisture escape after a cycle to prevent mold and mildew in the door gasket and tub. Just crack the door open; you don't need to leave it wide open.
6. Inspect spray arms
Check that the spray arms spin freely and that holes aren't blocked by food or mineral buildup. Clear any clogs carefully to avoid damaging the arms.
If your dishwasher still underperforms or makes odd noises after basic maintenance, a technician can diagnose pump, motor, or seal issues.