A dishwasher is an appliance that washes dishes automatically, but the machine itself also needs to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, it will smell, accumulate limescale, reduce washing efficiency, and have a shorter lifespan. The guide below helps you maintain your machine easily at home.
Recommended Dishwasher Cleaning Schedule
| Frequency | Action Required |
|---|---|
| After each wash | Wipe door edges, check filter |
| Once a week | Wash the food trap filter at the bottom |
| Once a month | Run an empty cycle with a machine cleaner |
| Every 2-3 months | Add salt |
| Every 4-6 months | Add rinse aid |
| Once a year | Call a technician to check the pump and electrical system |
1. Clean the food trap filter - Most important
The food trap filter is located at the bottom of the machine and is the easiest place for dirt to accumulate. How to clean:
- Pull out the bottom rack
- Twist the filter counter-clockwise to remove
- Rinse under warm water, use a soft brush
- Soak in white vinegar for 15 minutes if there's limescale
- Reinstall in the correct position
2. Clean the spray arms
The spray arms have many small holes that can easily get clogged with food debris or limescale. Every 1-2 months:
- Remove the spray arms
- Clear the holes with a toothpick / paperclip
- Soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes
- Reinstall
3. Run a machine cleaning cycle
Once a month, run an empty cycle (without dishes) with:
- White vinegar: pour 1 cup of vinegar into the bottom of the machine, run the highest temperature program
- Or a specialized machine cleaning tablet
- Then run an additional wash cycle with Largo dishwasher tablets to eliminate the vinegar smell
4. Clean the rubber gasket and door edges
The rubber gasket around the door is a common place for dirt, mold, and odors. Weekly:
- Use a damp cloth + white vinegar to wipe clean
- Pay attention to small crevices where water can accumulate
- Leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar after washing for the gasket to air dry naturally
5. Replenish salt and rinse aid regularly
This step is crucial for machine longevity but often overlooked:
- Largo 2kg Salt: protects the pump system, prevents limescale. View details
- Largo Rinse Aid: helps dishes dry faster, reduces drying time - saves electricity. View details
Signs your dishwasher needs cleaning immediately
- Unpleasant odor
- Dishes not clean after washing
- White residue buildup
- Unusually loud noise
- Slow draining water
Conclusion
Cleaning a dishwasher is not difficult, it just requires diligence and regularity. A well-maintained machine can last 10-15 years instead of 5-7 years. Refer to the Largo accessory kit imported from Germany to both clean dishes and protect your machine at www.sieutietkiem.com.