Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New
A dishwasher quietly handles some of the dirtiest work in your kitchen. With a bit of regular maintenance, you can avoid most breakdowns, keep your dishes actually clean, and extend the life of the machine by years.
This guide walks you through simple dishwasher maintenance tips you can follow weekly, monthly, and yearly. It’s written for real homes—busy families, Ottawa condos, rentals—where nobody has time for complicated routines.
Why Dishwasher Maintenance Matters
Taking care of your dishwasher isn’t just about avoiding repairs:
- Cleaner dishes – A dirty or clogged machine can’t produce spotless results.
- Lower energy and water use – A well-maintained dishwasher runs shorter, more efficient cycles.
- Fewer breakdowns and leaks – Many costly failures start as small, ignored issues like a blocked filter or spray arm.
- Longer lifespan – Basic maintenance can add years before you need a replacement.
If you’re already dealing with standing water or a machine that won’t drain, start with our troubleshooting guide instead of this one:
Dishwasher Not Draining in Ottawa? Standing Water Causes & Expert Fixes.
Per-Load Habits That Protect Your Dishwasher
These are the things you should do every time (or almost every time) you run a cycle.
1. Scrape, Don’t Pre-Rinse
Modern dishwashers are designed to work with a bit of food soil; fully pre-rinsing can actually confuse the sensors and lead to worse cleaning performance and wasted water.
- Scrape off bones, pits, shells, and large food chunks.
- Don’t stand at the sink hand-washing the dishes first.
2. Load So Water Can Reach Everything
Incorrect loading is one of the top reasons people think they “need a new dishwasher.”
- Keep tall items away from the spray arm so it can spin freely.
- Face the dirtiest surfaces toward the spray arms.
- Avoid nesting bowls or stacking items; water must reach every surface.
- Put plastics and light items on the top rack so they don’t melt or blow around.
If your dishes are still coming out dirty, see our guide:
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Helpful Tips from Ottawa Technicians.
3. Use the Right Detergent, Rinse Aid, and Cycle
- Use a dishwasher-specific detergent—never hand-dish soap.
- In hard-water areas, use rinse aid to reduce spots and mineral film.
- Choose a cycle that matches the load; heavy pots need a stronger cycle than glassware.
Monthly Dishwasher Cleaning Checklist
Giving your dishwasher a deeper clean every four to six weeks prevents smells, grease, and limescale build-up.
1. Clean the Filter
Your filter traps food particles before they reach the pump and drain. When it clogs, you’ll get cloudy glasses, bad smells, or even standing water.
- Remove the bottom rack.
- Twist and lift out the filter (and any secondary mesh screen).
- Rinse under warm water and scrub with a soft brush.
- Check the sump area below for glass, labels, or debris.
For a more detailed walk-through, see our article on
why your dishwasher smells and how to clean it with vinegar and baking soda.
2. Clean the Spray Arms
Blocked spray holes mean weak water pressure and half-clean dishes.
- Remove the spray arms (usually they twist or pull out—check your manual).
- Rinse under warm water.
- Use a toothpick to clear any clogged jets.
- Reinstall firmly so they spin freely.
3. Wipe the Door, Gasket, and Edges
Food, grease, and detergent build up around the door and rubber seal (gasket). Over time this can cause smells or leaks.
- Wipe the inner door and sides with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.
- Gently clean around the gasket, especially at the bottom corners.
- Check for cracks, warping, or mould—if the gasket is damaged, it may need replacement.
4. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Once the inside is wiped down:
- Place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot, empty cycle to help dissolve grease and mineral deposits.
- For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short hot cycle afterwards.
- Alternatively, use a store-bought dishwasher cleaner following the instructions on the package.
If you want a dedicated step-by-step guide, see:
Tips to Clean a Dishwasher by Appliance Technician in Ottawa.
Seasonal & Annual Maintenance Checks
A few checks once or twice a year can prevent surprise breakdowns.
1. Inspect Hoses and Connections
- Look behind or beside the dishwasher for kinks, bulges, or leaks in the drain and supply hoses.
- Make sure connections to the sink drain or garbage disposal are tight.
- If hoses are cracked or very brittle, have them replaced.
2. Watch for Hard-Water Build-Up
Hard water leaves white or chalky deposits on the interior, heating element, and spray arms, which can reduce performance and eventually damage parts.
- If your area has hard water, use rinse aid and, if needed, dishwasher salt (for models that accept it).
- Occasional descaling products can help dissolve mineral build-up.
3. Listen for Changes
Noises tell you a lot:
- New grinding, squealing, or loud humming may indicate a failing motor, pump, or a foreign object inside.
- If the dishwasher suddenly gets much louder, don’t ignore it—early checks are cheaper than full failures.
Common Dishwasher Mistakes That Shorten Its Life
Even well-meaning habits can wreck a dishwasher over time.
- Overloading the racks – This blocks spray arms, stresses the racks, and leads to poor cleaning and potential leaks.
- Using too much detergent – More soap doesn’t mean cleaner dishes; it can leave residue on the machine and dishes.
- Ignoring small leaks – A tiny drip at the door, under the kick plate, or under the sink can turn into cabinet or floor damage.
- Running with visible standing water – This is a red flag for clogs or pump issues; use our drainage guide or call for service rather than forcing another cycle.
For a deeper look at specific problems, check out
Common Dishwasher Problems & How to Fix Them.
When Maintenance Isn’t Enough: Call an Ottawa Technician
Even with perfect maintenance, parts eventually wear out—pumps fail, control boards act up, or heating elements stop working.
You should book professional dishwasher service if:
- The dishwasher won’t drain, fills with water, or trips the breaker.
- Dishes stay dirty or gritty after you’ve cleaned filters and spray arms.
- There are persistent leaks under or around the door.
- The machine smells terrible even after a full cleaning routine.
Our Ottawa team offers:
- Up-front diagnostic pricing
- A $90 diagnostic that is always applied toward the repair when you proceed
- Service across Ottawa and nearby areas
- Convenient online booking 24/7
📞 Call (613) 701-1800 ou book your dishwasher repair online.
Dishwasher Maintenance FAQs
À quelle fréquence dois-je nettoyer mon lave-vaisselle ?
Most households should give the dishwasher a deeper clean every four to six weeks, plus quick wipe-downs and filter checks more often if you cook frequently or have hard water.
Do I really need to clean the filter?
Yes. A dirty filter is one of the leading causes of bad smells, cloudy dishes, and drainage problems. Regular filter cleaning is one of the easiest ways to keep your dishwasher running well.
Is it better to run my dishwasher often or rarely?
Running your dishwasher regularly actually helps keep it in good shape by preventing food from drying and hardening inside the machine and filter. Long gaps between uses can lead to smells and build-up.
