Clean your dishwasher to keep it working at its best

Please note, we can only give you basic advice on this page to do the job yourself. Make sure you use the right tools and protective equipment to avoid hurting yourself or damaging your home. Always consult a professional for more complex repairs.

Here are our simple steps for how to clean a dishwasher:

• Detach the bottom dish rack inside the dishwasher. Then, take a look at the dishwasher drain to determine the extent of the dirt

• Clean any food or grime caught in the drain. This will significantly improve your dishwasher’s efficiency, allowing water to flow through with ease

• To give your dishwasher a deep clean, white vinegar does a great job. Simply pour some white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack

• Run a hot water cycle through your dishwasher, helping to wash away grime and any nasty odours

• Remove any stubborn stains and give your dishwasher a lasting freshness by running a short, hot water cycle with the addition of baking soda. Simply scatter baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher before starting the cycle.

There are also plenty of ways to look after your dishwasher in between deep cleans, such as:

• Rinsing Plate Icon Clean any food remains that may be lingering in your dishwasher daily. For example, when lumps of food fall of plates and have nowhere to go. A good tip is to rinse any particularly dirty crockery before placing it in the dishwasher to prevent build up. Don’t rinse too carefully though, as dishwashers are more effective when they can detect food!

• Sponge Icon Use a damp sponge to remove any surface stains on the interior or exterior of the dishwasher door

• Filter Icon Remove the filter on a weekly basis to give it a good rinse. A clogged and dirty filter can prevent your dishwasher from doing its job properly

Looking to save money on insurance? From boiler and heating protection to plumbing and drainage, and appliance cover, we’ve got a plan to suit every need and budget. Get a free quote online in just minutes and see how much you could save. Or find out more about how protection against unexpected events can help you keep life running smoothly.