How to care for and clean your dishwasher
A dishwasher should last more than a decade with reasonable use, but what can you do to help it reach this age?
A dishwasher should last more than a decade with reasonable use, but what can you do to help it reach this age?
Looking after your dishwasher will maximise its life and performance.
All that grease that’s left in your sink and food caught in the plug trap after handwashing dishes is also what goes through your dishwasher during a wash. It’s no surprise that a build-up of gunk is enemy number one to a dishwasher. This can clog filters and spray arms, strain pumps and reduce the effectiveness of sensors.
To keep your dishwasher running efficiently for as long as possible, make cleaning a priority:
There are plenty of products for cleaning your dishwasher available at the supermarket, but do you really need one or is there already a great cleaner in your pantry? Plain old white vinegar does a great job of cleaning dishwashers. Vinegar can remove foul smells and built-up grease in your pipes. It’s also cheap and readily available. That said, some manufacturers warn against using vinegar in their dishwashers (its acidity can potentially cause damage over time). Check your dishwasher manual first.
Cleaning with vinegar Pour two cups of vinegar into a bowl placed on the bottom rack of an otherwise empty dishwasher. Run it on the normal/default cycle, pausing halfway through for half an hour or so to let the inside get a good soaking. If the dishwasher still smells, throw in a generous handful of baking soda and run it again. That should give stubborn smells their marching orders. Putting the vinegar into a bowl, and not straight into the dishwasher, is important. Most dishwashers run their drain pump at the start of the cycle – which clears residual waste water left over from the previous run – but this would pump your vinegar straight down the drain. Using a bowl keeps your vinegar where it's needed.
Broken racks, seals and inlet valves can be swapped out – manufacturers keep spare parts for years. Electronic controls on older models are harder to fix, especially if there’s water damage, but at least get a quote.
While you might be able to repair a machine older than 10 years, keep in mind that newer models are quieter and more efficient.
Keep up-to-date with Consumer's latest news, investigations and product and service reviews, plus join the Consumer panel with invitations to take part in surveys.
Thanks, you're now signed up. It's great to have you!
Consumer NZ is non-profit. To help us get a fairer deal for all New Zealand consumers you can make a donation. We’ll use your contribution to investigate consumer issues and work for positive change.
This site uses cookies to help us understand how visitors engage with our website. By using Consumer NZ, you accept our use of cookies.
Get even more Consumer NZ news and invitations to share your voice on important issues straight to your inbox.
By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can opt out at anytime.
Member comments
Get access to comment