How to clean a dishwasher?

Cleaning you dishwasher regularly can help prolong its lifespan and prevent problems from occurring. As a general guide, we suggest deeply cleaning your machine every few months to prevent the build-up of limescale, bacteria and odours. If you’re noticing an unpleasant smell from your dishwasher, see our FAQ on common causes and how to resolve them. There are two areas of your dishwashers that you should regularly clean the outside of the machine and the appliance's filters and spray arms

Cleaning your dishwasher's exterior is a relatively simple task. Using a damp cloth, carefully wipe down the outer surface of your appliance. You can also gently wipe down the machine's seals to remove any dirt and bacteria. It is important to wipe around the rubber seals carefully, making sure you do not lift the seals away from the metal.

To keep your dishwasher in top condition, you should regularly clean your appliance's filter and spray arms. Although this may seem like a daunting task, it's actually very quick and easy. By regularly cleaning your dishwasher's spray arms and filters, you can ensure your appliance is clean, hygienic and ready for use. For easy-to follow instructions and videos that explain how to clean your appliance's spray arms and dishwasher filters, check out our dedicated how to clean a dishwasher guide.

By cleaning your dishwasher's filters on a weekly basis, or whenever they become clogged, you can prevent unwanted smells and maintain a good wash performance. As well as cleaning your appliance, we also recommend using a dishwasher descaler/cleaner on a regular basis to help reduce the build-up of smells and limescale.

If you’re also wondering how long a dishwasher should normally take to run, see our guide on dishwasher cycle times.