How to Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer, According to Experts

Using a dishwasher may seem intuitive, but all the repair technicians and dishwasher manufacturers we reached out to agree: A thorough read-through of your machine’s instruction manual is worth the time and effort. From how best to load your dishwasher to how best to clean it, you’ll find the fundamental details you need to reduce wear and tear on your particular model while getting your dishes as clean as possible. Basics aside, work these eight expert-backed strategies into your kitchen routine, too, and chances are you’ll further optimize your dishwasher’s longevity.

1. Scrape the plate—but don’t rinse it. Most dishwashers don’t require a prerinse, but be sure to scrape off bones, toothpicks, and other solid items before loading your dishes. These hard bits can clog the drain hose, tear the filter, or damage the pump.

2. Clean the dishwasher filter by hand. The remaining stuck-on food has to go somewhere, and unless your dishwasher has an old-school food grinder, you’ll have to clean the filter manually. Adam Hofmann, a senior engineer at Midea’s America Research Center, says to do this every month or so, and more often if necessary. “A telltale sign it’s time is when you notice a decrease in wash performance or dishes feel gritty,” he says.

Remove the bottom rack, and you should find a plastic cylinder that you can unscrew and lift out (if it’s not there, consult the dishwasher manual). Rinse the filter under running water until it’s free of debris. It’s fine to use a soft sponge and warm, soapy water for stubborn food bits, but abrasive brushes or steel wool can damage the filter.

If you find any holes, replace the filter immediately to prevent seeds or bone fragments from slipping through and into the pump. Otherwise, they can damage the pump impeller and motor seals, which are costly parts to repair.

3. Degunk the door seal. Buildup here can cause odors, promote mold growth, and potentially prevent the door from sealing properly. As needed, use a rag and white vinegar to clean the seal between the dishwasher door and the tub, where residue and food particles collect. (But don’t use vinegar in your dishwasher on a regular basis because continued use can erode the effectiveness of rubber sealings.)

Avoid using bleach-based wipes, harsh chemicals, scouring pads, and anything abrasive on stainless steel doors and tubs.

4. Remove hard-water residue. If you live in an area with hard water, the inside of your dishwasher is likely to develop mineral films and discoloration. According to Hofmann, these deposits look like a cloudy film on your dishes and the interior of your machine, and you may notice that the rack rails and wheels resist moving. He recommends using a citric-acid-based dishwasher cleaner, such as Affresh or Finish, to remove the deposits monthly. Follow the package directions for removing hard-water film from your dishwasher.

If you live in an area with hard water and your dishwasher has a water-softening system, remember to add regeneration salt as needed. Most dishwashers with these systems have a light that indicates when the reservoir is running low. Use only dishwasher salt, never common table salt. The salt will help prevent mineral buildup in the dishwasher, and, as a result, prevent spotting and improve cleaning.