How to clean and unclog your dishwasher

For most homes, the dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances, but when it stops draining or starts smelling, it’s hard to ignore and needs some tender loving care. Learn how to unclog and clean your dishwasher, prevent standing water, and keep it running efficiently. 

Why does a dishwasher get clogged?

Food particles, grease, and soap residue can build up over time, blocking filters, spray arms, or the drain hose. Common signs of a clog include:

• standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher
• dishes coming out dirty, and
• unusual odours.

You step-by-step dishwasher maintenance guide 

Step 1: Safety first

Before you begin, unplug your dishwasher from the socket. If you’re removing the hoses, turn off or disconnect your water supply.

Step 2: Remove standing water

If your dishwasher isn’t emptying, use a cup or sponge to remove excess water. Check to see if the filter is full, as this is usually the culprit. This is located inside your dishwasher and is typically at the base beneath the spray arm – the thing that looks like a ceiling fan. 

Step 3: Clean the filter

Remove the filter from your dishwasher following the manufacturer’s instructions and rinse it under warm water – either within your kitchen sink or laundry trough. Use a brush to scrub away debris. Securely place the clean filter back in the dishwasher.

Step 4: Check the drain hose

Locate the drain hose (usually behind your dishwasher). Disconnect the hose and flush it with warm water. If it’s blocked, use a pipe cleaner of flexible brush. If you can’t safely access your drain hose, you may need to speak with a plumber about what to do next.

Step 5: Clean your spray arm

Remember the spray arm from before, the one that looks a bit like a fan? It’s time to give it some love. Remove spray arms and rinse thoroughly. Use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes.  

Step 6: Run a cleaning cycle

Place some dishwasher descaler product of choice. Run a hot cycle to break down grease and odours. For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom, and run a separate short cycle.

Ways to prevent future clogging

• Scrape food off dishes before loading.
• Clean the filter monthly.
• Check hoses annually for wear.

Consider GIO Home Assist for added peace of mind

If the hose or pipe connected to your dishwasher burst and you need urgent repairs, GIO Home Assist is an optional cover that could come in handy. This service is designed for home emergencies – such as plumbing problems or electrical faults – and is available exclusively, for an additional premium, to GIO Home, and Home and Contents Insurance customers. Terms and conditions apply.

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Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.  

The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.