Dishwasher maintenance: filter cleaning, drainage problems and loading tips

A dishwasher saves time every single day, but only if it drains properly and the water can reach every dish. Most poor-washing complaints come down to three things: a clogged filter, a drainage problem, or the way the racks are loaded.

Understanding your dishwasher

A dishwasher fills with water, heats it, and sprays it through rotating spray arms onto the dishes. Dirty water passes through a filter at the bottom of the tub before being drained out through a hose. Detergent and, in many models, rinse aid are released during the cycle.

Indian cooking can leave oily, starchy and spice-heavy residue, so scraping plates and keeping the filter clean matter even more.

Common uses and benefits

• Saves time and effort on daily washing
• Hot-water washing and drying in one cycle
• Different programmes for lightly or heavily soiled loads
• Keeps the sink area clear

Features and things to consider

• Placement: close to a water inlet and a drain point, with the drain hose free of kinks.
• Water hardness: hard water can leave white marks. Many dishwashers have a salt compartment for this; follow your model's manual.
• Detergent: use detergent made for dishwashers, never hand-wash liquid, which foams excessively.
• Vessels: some cookware, such as wooden items and certain non-stick pans, is better washed by hand.

Common dishwasher problems

Water left at the bottom

A blocked filter, kinked drain hose or a drain pump problem.

Dishes not clean

Clogged filter or spray-arm holes, overloading, or blocked spray arms.

White film on glasses

Hard water, low rinse aid or salt, or too much detergent.

Bad smell

Food trapped in the filter or around the door seal.

Cleaning and care tips

• Scrape food scraps into the bin before loading; a rinse is usually not needed.
• Remove and rinse the filter under running water regularly, scrubbing gently with a soft brush.
• Check the spray arms turn freely and clear any blocked holes.
• Wipe the door seal and the edges of the door to stop residue building up.
• Load plates facing the centre, cups and glasses on the top rack, and leave space so spray arms can rotate.
• Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner now and then to clear grease and scale.

When to call a professional

• Water still will not drain after the filter and hose are cleared
• Water leaks onto the floor
• The dishwasher will not start, fill or heat
• Error codes keep returning
• You are installing a new dishwasher and need inlet and drain connections made