The Complete Guide to Dishwasher Maintenance: Extend Your Appliance’s Lifespan

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Is Your Dishwasher Not Performing as Well as It Used To?

A properly functioning dishwasher saves time, conserves water, and ensures your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. However, like any household appliance, dishwashers require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Many homeowners only think about their dishwasher when something goes wrong—when dishes come out dirty, when strange noises develop, or when water starts leaking onto the kitchen floor.

At Wings Appliance Repairs, we’ve seen how proper maintenance can dramatically extend the lifespan of dishwashers. With over 38 years of experience servicing appliances across Pretoria, Centurion, and Midrand, our certified technicians have identified the most effective maintenance practices that keep dishwashers running smoothly for years beyond their expected lifespan.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential maintenance steps you can perform yourself, explain when it’s time to call professionals, and provide expert tips to maximise your dishwasher’s efficiency and longevity.

Essential Dishwasher Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself

1. Clean the Filter Regularly

Your dishwasher’s filter is its first line of defence against food particles that could clog the drain system. A clogged filter not only affects cleaning performance but can lead to unpleasant odours and potential damage to the pump and motor. At Wings Appliance Repairs, we often find that neglected filters are the primary cause of poor dishwasher performance.

How to clean your dishwasher filter:

• Locate the filter (typically at the bottom of the dishwasher)
• Remove and disassemble it according to your owner’s manual
• Rinse under warm water to remove food particles and debris
• For stubborn residue, use a soft brush and mild dish soap
• Ensure it’s completely dry before reinstalling

Maintenance frequency: Clean your filter every 1-2 weeks for optimal performance, more frequently if you wash a high volume of dishes or don’t rinse plates before loading.

2. Clear and Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms distribute water throughout your dishwasher, and their small holes can become clogged with mineral deposits or food particles over time.

How to maintain spray arms:

• Remove the spray arms (consult your manual for specific instructions)
• Check for blockages in the water holes
• Use a toothpick or fine wire to clear any clogged holes
• Rinse thoroughly under warm water
• Inspect the arm bearings for wear and ensure they rotate freely

Maintenance frequency: Clean spray arms monthly to ensure proper water distribution.

3. Check and Clean Door Seals

The rubber gasket around your dishwasher door prevents water leakage, but it can accumulate food residue and mould over time.

How to maintain door seals:

• Wipe the entire gasket with a damp cloth and mild detergent
• Pay special attention to folds where debris can collect
• Check for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage
• Allow to dry completely before closing the dishwasher

Maintenance frequency: Clean monthly and inspect quarterly for damage.

4. Run a Cleaning Cycle

Modern dishwashers often have a self-cleaning cycle, but you can create your own maintenance wash for any dishwasher model.

How to run a cleaning cycle:

• Empty the dishwasher completely
• Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack
• Run a hot water cycle without detergent
• For additional freshening, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom and run a short cycle

Maintenance frequency: Perform a cleaning cycle monthly to remove mineral buildup and neutralise odours.

Best Practices for Daily Dishwasher Use

1. Load Your Dishwasher Properly

Improper loading not only results in poorly cleaned dishes but can damage your dishwasher’s components over time.

Loading best practices:

• Don’t overload—water needs to circulate freely
• Ensure spray arms can rotate without obstruction
• Place heavily soiled items facing the spray arms
• Separate silverware to prevent nesting
• Avoid placing wooden items, crystal, or delicate china in the dishwasher

2. Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid

Using inappropriate detergents can cause excess sudsing, residue buildup, and damage to internal components.

Detergent recommendations:

• Always use detergents specifically designed for dishwashers
• Consider your water hardness when selecting a detergent
• Follow manufacturer dosage recommendations
• Use a rinse aid to prevent water spots and improve drying
• Consider using a dishwasher cleaner quarterly to remove limescale and grease buildup

3. Scrape, Don’t Rinse

Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles, but large chunks can clog the system.

Pre-washing guidance:

• Scrape large food remnants into the bin
• Remove stickers, cling film, and toothpicks
• No need to pre-rinse dishes—this actually wastes water and can make detergent less effective
• Soak pans with burned-on food before loading

4. Run Full Loads, but Don’t Overload

Balancing efficiency with proper cleaning is key to maintaining your dishwasher.

Loading efficiency tips:

• Wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher
• Use the appropriate cycle for the soil level
• Consider using the eco setting for everyday washing
• Don’t stack items in a way that prevents water from reaching all surfaces

When to Call Professional Dishwasher Repair Services

Despite regular maintenance, dishwashers eventually require professional attention. Here are signs it’s time to contact experts like Wings Appliance Repairs for professional dishwasher repair services:

1. Water Not Heating Properly

If dishes come out wet or detergent remains undissolved, your dishwasher may have heating element issues.

Potential causes:

• Faulty heating element
• Thermostat malfunction
• Timer or control board problems

2. Poor Drainage

Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle indicates drainage problems.

Potential causes:

• Clogged drain hose
• Malfunctioning drain pump
• Blocked air gap (if installed)
• Faulty check valve

3. Unusual Noises

New grinding, buzzing, or knocking sounds often signal mechanical problems.

Potential causes:

• Objects caught in the pump or spray arms
• Worn motor bearings
• Damaged wash arm bearings
• Faulty pump or motor

4. Leaking Water

Water pooling around your dishwasher requires immediate attention to prevent property damage.

Potential causes:

• Damaged door gasket
• Loose water connections
• Cracked tub or door
• Faulty water inlet valve

Benefits of Professional Maintenance

Even with diligent home maintenance, scheduling professional service every 12-18 months offers significant benefits:

• Thorough inspection of all components, including those not easily accessible
• Deep cleaning of internal parts, drain systems, and water lines
• Performance optimization to ensure efficient water and energy use
• Early problem detection before minor issues become major repairs
• Extended appliance lifespan through expert care and adjustment

At Wings Appliance Repairs, our dishwasher repair technicians provide comprehensive dishwasher maintenance services with free callout and quotation. Our 24/7 availability ensures we’re there when you need us most, whether for routine maintenance or emergency repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

For optimal performance, clean your dishwasher filter every 1-2 weeks. If you notice dishes aren’t coming out clean or there’s an unpleasant odour, it’s time to clean the filter regardless of schedule. Households that use their dishwasher daily or don’t scrape plates before loading may need to clean filters weekly.

Why does my dishwasher leave a white film on glasses and dishes?

White film is typically caused by hard water minerals (limescale) or detergent buildup. To resolve this issue, try using a rinse aid, adding a water softener if you live in a hard water area, or running a cleaning cycle with citric acid or white vinegar. If the problem persists, you may need professional descaling service.

How long should a dishwasher last with proper maintenance?

With regular maintenance, most quality dishwashers should last 10-13 years. Without proper care, that lifespan can be reduced to 6-8 years. Regular cleaning, prompt repairs, and professional servicing can help you maximise your appliance’s useful life and avoid premature replacement costs.

Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly

A well-maintained dishwasher not only cleans more effectively but also uses less energy, conserves water, and reliably serves your household for years longer than neglected appliances. By incorporating these maintenance practices into your routine, you’ll avoid the inconvenience and expense of unexpected breakdowns.

For dishwasher issues beyond routine maintenance, Wings Appliance Repairs offers expert dishwasher repair services throughout Pretoria, Centurion, and Midrand. Our certified technicians have the training and experience to diagnose and repair all dishwasher brands and models.

Don’t wait until your dishwasher fails completely—contact us today at 012 335 8610 or visit us at 1 Le Roux Avenue, Halfway House, Midrand, 0084 for maintenance or repairs to keep your kitchen running efficiently.