How to Care for Your Dishwasher
A dishwasher is one of those appliances you don’t think about until it stops working properly. For many Auckland households, it’s become a genuine kitchen staple, so when it starts leaving dishes dirty, wet, or spotty, it throws off the whole routine. The good news is that most common dishwasher problems come down to a handful of simple causes, and a little regular maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding them altogether.
Below, we’ve covered the most common dishwasher problems, what’s usually behind them, and the maintenance habits that will keep your machine running smoothly for years to come.
Common Dishwasher Problems (and Their Likely Causes)
1. Dishes Not Drying Properly
Likely culprit: No rinse aid.
Dishwashers rely on liquid rinse aid to help dishes dry properly. Rinse aid stops water from forming droplets on plates and glasses, which is what causes those spots and streaks after a wash. Even if your detergent or tablet claims to include a built-in rinse aid, it’s still worth keeping liquid rinse aid topped up in the dispenser. The dispenser releases it at exactly the right point in the cycle for the best drying results.
2. Dishwasher Not Draining
Likely culprit: A garbage disposal knockout plug that hasn’t been removed.
If you’ve recently had a garbage disposal installed, there’s a good chance the knockout plug is still in place. Since many dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal, that plug needs to be removed before water can drain away properly. This is a job for a licensed plumber. Once the plug is out, double-check that the drain hose is reconnected securely to the disposal unit. If a professional installed your disposal, it’s worth getting them back to fix the draining issue rather than tackling it yourself.
3. Spots or Film on Glassware
Likely culprit: Hard water and no rinse aid.
That cloudy white film on glasses, dishes, and the inside of the dishwasher tub is usually caused by high mineral content in the water, particularly calcium and magnesium. If you’re in an area with hard water, this can be a persistent issue, and in more extreme cases, your regular detergent and rinse aid might not be enough to soften the water sufficiently. A dish detergent booster, such as Lemi Shine, can make a noticeable difference in these situations.
4. Crumbs and Food Left on Dishes
Likely culprit: A dirty filter.
Not every dishwasher has a removable filter, so it’s worth checking your owner’s manual to see if yours does. When filters get clogged, food particles can end up back on your “clean” dishes and overall cleaning performance drops. It’s time to clean the filter when:
- You can see soiled spots or debris on the upper filter assembly
- Food particles or soil remain on dishes after a cycle
- Dishes feel gritty to the touch
- It’s been a while since the last clean, based on the schedule in your owner’s manual
A word of caution: check carefully for sharp objects, like broken glass, before reaching into the filter area.
Simple Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Running Well
Clean the filter. If your model has a removable filter, take it out regularly and rinse away any trapped food or grime. A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons dishwashers stop cleaning effectively.
Clean the door and seals. The rubber seals around the door keep your dishwasher watertight while it’s running, but they’re also a magnet for grime and buildup. Wipe them down with a damp cloth every so often, and a small amount of dish soap will help lift any stubborn residue.
Clean the spray arm. Give the spray arm a wipe with a damp cloth regularly, and every six months, remove it and clear out any blocked holes with a toothpick. Check your owner’s manual for the correct way to remove and refit it for your specific model.
Staying on top of these small tasks can prevent most of the common issues above before they start, and it helps your dishwasher run more efficiently for longer. If you notice ongoing drainage issues or persistent leaks, it may also be worth having a professional take a look — our dishwasher repair specialists in Auckland can diagnose and fix the problem quickly.
Need a Hand With Your Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher needs a repair, a service, or you’re just not sure what’s causing an issue, the friendly and experienced team at Remedy Appliance Servicing is here to help. Get in touch today to schedule a repair, and we’ll have your dishwasher back to full working order in no time.