Dishwashers clean dishes so consistently that it is easy to forget they need cleaning themselves. Food debris clogs the filter, mineral deposits block the spray arms, and the door gasket quietly grows mould. The result is dishes that come out cloudy, smelly, or still dirty — and a machine that works harder than it should. Here is the full monthly routine to fix all of it.
What changed in 2026
- Smart dishwashers now alert you when the filter needs cleaning. Bosch, Samsung, and LG models with app integration send a notification after a set number of cycles. Use it as a prompt, but check manually too.
- Dishwasher cleaning tablets have largely replaced loose powder or vinegar-only approaches in manufacturer recommendations. They are formulated for both hard water and limescale simultaneously.
- Hard water is a bigger issue as more regions experience water stress. Limescale buildup in the spray arms and heating element shortens machine life noticeably; this makes monthly cleaning non-optional in hard water areas.
What you need
| Item |
Purpose |
| Soft brush or old toothbrush |
Scrubbing filter mesh and spray arm holes |
| White vinegar (~250 ml) |
Natural descaling for monthly deep cycle |
| Dishwasher cleaner tablet |
Thorough monthly deep clean (alternative to vinegar) |
| Damp cloth |
Door gasket and control panel wipe-down |
| Wooden toothpick or thin skewer |
Clearing blocked spray arm holes |
| Washing-up liquid |
Filter rinse |
The monthly cleaning routine — step by step
Step 1: Clean the filter (5 minutes)
- Remove the bottom rack. The filter sits on the floor of the dishwasher, usually a twist-off cylindrical assembly.
- Turn the filter anti-clockwise and lift it out. Most modern dishwashers have a two-part filter: a coarse mesh cup and a fine flat mesh underneath — remove both.
- Rinse both parts under warm running water while scrubbing gently with a brush or toothbrush and a drop of washing-up liquid.
- Reseat the filter firmly and twist clockwise to lock. A loose filter lets debris enter the pump.
Step 2: Clear the spray arms (3 minutes)
- Remove the spray arms — they typically unclip or unscrew counter-clockwise.
- Hold each arm under running water and use a toothpick to poke out any clogged holes.
- Shake out any debris and rinse until water flows freely from every hole.
- Reattach before running a cycle.
Step 3: Wipe the door gasket (2 minutes)
Run a damp cloth along the rubber gasket around the door, paying attention to the folds at the bottom. This is where food particles and mould accumulate. For visible mould, use a cloth with a small amount of white vinegar.
Step 4: Run a deep-clean cycle (1 minute to set up)
- Vinegar method: Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack. Run the hottest cycle empty. Vinegar descales and deodorises.
- Tablet method: Drop a dishwasher cleaning tablet (Finish Machine Cleaner, Affresh, etc.) directly in the drum (not the detergent tray) and run the hottest empty cycle. This is the manufacturer-recommended approach for most modern machines.
Do this monthly or after any extended period of non-use.
How to pick how often to clean
| Usage |
Filter |
Deep clean cycle |
| Daily use, family of 4+ |
Every 2 weeks |
Monthly |
| Daily use, 1–2 people |
Every 3–4 weeks |
Every 6 weeks |
| A few times per week |
Monthly |
Every 2 months |
| Hard water area |
Every 2 weeks |
Monthly regardless of usage |
Common mistakes
Skipping the filter entirely. Most people never clean the filter. It is the single biggest cause of dishes coming out with food residue or a bad smell. Check it first whenever wash quality drops.
Running a vinegar cycle with dishes in it. Vinegar can etch the glaze on some plates and cloud glassware. The deep-clean cycle should always be empty.
Using bleach on stainless steel interiors. Bleach corrodes stainless steel and voids warranties. If you want to sanitise, use a citric acid cleaner or a dishwasher cleaning tablet instead.
Forgetting the door pocket and cutlery basket. Food collects in the pocket at the base of the door and in the tines of the cutlery basket. Wipe both monthly.
What to skip
- Daily cleaning. The filter check and wipe-down are a monthly task — not a ritual you need to do after every load.
- Specialist "dishwasher polish" products that only shine the exterior. Interior hygiene matters; exterior cosmetics do not.
- Leaving the door fully closed after every cycle. Leave it ajar for 10–15 minutes to let the interior dry and resist mould growth.
FAQ
Why do my glasses come out cloudy?
Cloudiness is almost always limescale (hard water deposits) or etching. For limescale: increase rinse-aid dosage and run a descaling cycle. For etching: reduce wash temperature or switch to a lower-alkalinity detergent.
Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of vinegar?
Yes — sprinkle ~200g on the floor of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. It deodorises well but is less effective at descaling than vinegar or a citric-acid tablet.
My dishwasher still smells after cleaning — what now?
Check the drain hose for blockage and ensure it loops above the drain connection under the sink (high-loop installation). A low drain hose can allow sewer gas to back-siphon into the machine.
How do I clean the exterior and control panel?
A damp microfibre cloth is enough for most panels. For stainless exteriors, wipe with a cloth dampened with a small amount of mineral oil or stainless steel cleaner, going with the grain.
Where to go next