How to keep your dishwasher running smoothly

Cloudy glasses, gritty dishes and standing water are usually signs your dishwasher needs a little attention. These simple habits help it clean better and last longer.

Clean the filter regularly

Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub. Twist it out, rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush to clear trapped food. Once a month is a good rhythm for most households.

Check the spray arms

Spin the spray arms by hand to make sure they turn freely. If the small holes are blocked with food or mineral deposits, clear them with a toothpick.

Run the hot water first

Before starting a cycle, run the kitchen tap until the water is hot. The dishwasher then starts with hot water, which helps detergent dissolve and clean properly.

Use rinse aid

Hard water is common in the desert and leaves spots and film on glassware. Keeping the rinse aid dispenser topped up helps water sheet off dishes as they dry.

Load it the way it was designed

• Face dirty surfaces toward the spray arms.
• Don’t block the detergent door or let tall items stop the arms turning.
• Leave space between items so water can reach everything.

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, is leaking, or shows an error code after these steps, it’s time for a professional look.