How to maintain your dishwasher and avoid bad smells?
Updated: 10 minutes ago
The dishwasher makes everyday life easier, especially when meals, family life, and busy days follow one after another. But even a high-performance appliance needs regular maintenance to continue providing clean dishes, minimizing unpleasant odors, and functioning efficiently over time.
Whether you own a built-in, integrated, or compact model, a few simple steps can help maintain your appliance's performance. If you're planning to replace your machine soon, check out our selection of dishwashers .
Dull glasses, residue on cutlery, an unpleasant smell when opening the door or water that stagnates at the bottom of the tub are often the first signs that cleaning is necessary.
Here are the best practices to adopt to keep your dishwasher clean and efficient.
1. Clean the dishwasher filter regularly
The filter is usually located at the bottom of the tub, under the lower basket. Its role is to trap food residue so that it does not circulate in the appliance during the wash cycle.
Over time, food scraps, grease, or small deposits can accumulate. This can cause unpleasant odors and reduce washing performance.
How do I clean the filter?
Once a week or every two weeks, depending on how often you use your dishwasher:
Remove the lower basket.
Remove the filter following the manufacturer's instructions.
Rinse it under hot water.
Use a small, soft brush if necessary.
Replace the filter correctly before starting a new cycle.
Never restart the dishwasher without the filter correctly installed.
2. Check the spray arms
The spray arms project water throughout the tub to effectively clean the dishes. However, their small openings can become clogged with limescale, grease, or small food particles.
When the water circulates less efficiently, some items may still come out dirty after the cycle.
Signs of a clogged spray arm
It may be helpful to check the spray arms if you notice that:
some glasses or plates remain dirty;
residues are present on the dishes;
the program seems less effective than before;
The arms do not rotate freely.
If your model allows it, remove the spray arms, rinse them under running water, and gently clean the nozzles with a soft brush or a wooden toothpick. Avoid using metal objects, which could damage them.
3. Clean the door seals
The door seals ensure your appliance is watertight. They are exposed to moisture, grease splashes, and residues present in the tub.
Regular cleaning limits lingering odors and helps keep a door clean and airtight.
A simple action to take every month
Wipe the seals, paying particular attention to folds and corners, with a soft, damp cloth. If necessary, use a small amount of mild appliance cleaner.
This quick routine helps to avoid:
fatty deposits;
black marks or mold;
bad smells;
the grime around the door.
4. Run an empty maintenance cycle
Even with a clean filter, limescale and grease can accumulate in less accessible areas of the appliance: pipes, pump, tank or internal components.
To keep your machine clean, run an empty cycle about once a month, ideally at a high temperature, with a cleaning product designed for dishwashers.
Vinegar and baking soda: good or bad idea?
Home remedies may seem practical, but they aren't always suitable for all appliances or materials. Used too frequently, some acidic or abrasive products can damage seals or other parts.
For safe maintenance, use a cleaner designed for dishwashers and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your appliance.
5. Check the regenerating salt and rinse aid
Regenerating salt helps limit the effects of limescale, while the rinse aid promotes more even drying and reduces streaks on glasses.
These two products are particularly important when the water is hard.
When should they be filled?
Most dishwashers have indicator lights that show when it is time to refill the salt or rinse aid reservoir.
It's still a good idea to check the levels regularly, especially if you use your appliance several times a week. Cloudy glasses, white streaks, or poorly dried dishes can indicate that an adjustment is needed.
6. Adopt good habits on a daily basis
Good maintenance also starts with good charging and usage habits.
Here are a few simple steps to take:
Remove any large food scraps before placing the dishes in the appliance;
avoid overloading the baskets;
check that the spray arms can rotate freely;
Place glasses and fragile objects in a stable position;
use a program adapted to the level of soiling;
Leave the door ajar after the cycle when possible, in order to limit stagnant moisture.
A fully loaded dishwasher allows for better washing results and prevents water from stagnating on certain items.
When should you consider replacing your dishwasher?
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your appliance. However, if your dishwasher is not cleaning as well despite regular cleaning, breaks down frequently, leaks, or becomes particularly noisy, it may be worth comparing it to newer models.
Modern appliances offer a variety of automatic programs, improved drying options, and features designed to adapt the wash cycle to the load size or level of soiling. To better understand how these systems work, check out our article on Whirlpool's 6th Sense technology .
Before choosing a new model, remember to check the available dimensions in your kitchen, the desired capacity, the noise level and the type of installation required.
A clean dishwasher for spotless dishes
Maintaining your dishwasher only takes a few minutes a week, but these actions help preserve the quality of the wash, avoid bad odors and keep the appliance pleasant to use every day.
Are you considering replacing your machine or are you hesitating between several models?
For personalized advice, contact the Servicadet-Stockel team .
