Cleaning dishwashers - Tips and tricks

A dishwasher is an indispensable household aid that makes daily life significantly easier. However, even though it performs its job reliably, it requires regular maintenance to function optimally. Picture this: you open your dishwasher, and an unpleasant odor wafts out. Your dishes aren't as clean as usual. These are clear signs that it is time to give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning.

During daily use, food residue, grease, and limescale build up inside the dishwasher—on strainers, filters, spray arms, seals, and other key components. This creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can negatively affect not only the machine's hygiene and efficiency but also the taste of your dishes. In the worst-case scenario, these deposits can shorten the appliance's lifespan and significantly increase energy consumption.

Experts therefore recommend thoroughly cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month to ensure optimal performance. In this guide, you will learn how to clean your dishwasher, which household remedies are effective, and how often a deep clean is advisable. Dr. Beckmann offers effective dishwasher cleaners to help keep your machine clean and well-maintained.

You notice that your dishwasher is running, but the dishes aren't getting properly clean anymore. It has been three months since the last cleaning, and you are wondering if it is time to do it again. We explain the optimal cleaning frequency and share tips on how to manage the time between cleanings.

The recommended frequency for cleaning a dishwasher depends on various factors, including usage, water hardness, and the type of food residue on the dishes. As a general rule, it is advisable to thoroughly clean the dishwasher at least every one to two months. More frequent cleaning may be necessary with daily use or when dealing with large amounts of greasy or starchy food residue. Here are the recommended intervals:

• After every use: Remove large food scraps and wipe the door seals clean.
• Weekly: Clean the strainer, filter, and spray arms—especially if greasy or heavily soiled dishes are washed regularly.
• Monthly: A thorough interior cleaning, including checking and cleaning the spray arms and seals, is recommended once a month.
• Every 6 months: Check the drain hose, pump, and filters.

Expert tip: In areas with hard water that causes limescale buildup, it is advisable to use a descaler every two to three months as well. Households with heavy dishwasher usage—such as large families—should plan for shorter intervals, whereas single-person households with less dishware can opt for longer periods between cleanings.

Here are a few additional tips for shortening the cleaning intervals:

• Drying: Leave the door slightly ajar after each use to allow the machine to dry thoroughly. This prevents mold growth and unpleasant odors.
• Avoid overloading: Make sure not to overload the dishwasher. An overfilled machine can prevent water from circulating properly, resulting in dishes not being cleaned thoroughly.
• Filter replacement: Replace the filter promptly if it shows signs of significant wear.

After a big family meal, you notice that your dishes no longer sparkle, even after a thorough wash. This is a typical sign that your dishwasher needs a deep clean. In this section, you will learn how to clean and maintain the machine's individual components. Note: Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions!

Step 1: Preparation

The machine must be completely empty for the cleaning process, and any large food scraps should be removed.

Step 2:Cleaning the dishwasher filter

Food scraps, grease, and other particles are caught by the dishwasher filter to prevent the drain from clogging. To clean it, simply remove the filter and rinse it under hot water. For stubborn residue, you can use a toothbrush to help remove it.

Step 3: Check and clean the dishwasher spray arms

The spray arms feature fine nozzles that are particularly prone to issues, as they can easily become clogged with limescale, grease, or food residue. Clogs impair water circulation, resulting in unevenly cleaned dishes. Cleaning them is simple: remove the spray arms and use a paperclip to clear any blockages from the nozzles. Afterward, rinse the spray arms thoroughly with warm water. They should then ensure even water distribution once again.

Step 4: Thorough cleaning of the dishwasher’s rubber seals

Moisture, grease, and detergents take a toll on dishwasher seals. These factors promote the buildup of food residue, dirt, and grease, creating a breeding ground for mold that can lead to unpleasant odors and a compromised seal. For cleaning, we recommend Dr. Beckmann Dishwasher Hygiene Cleaner. It includes a moist cloth that you can use to clean the rubber seals and the dishwasher frame; simply wipe down the seals with the provided cloth.

Step 5: Cleaning the dishwasher interior

The interior of a dishwasher is exposed to various potential problems - moisture, heat, dirt after each wash cycle. In hard-to-reach corners, additional grease, limescale and food residue accumulate. These deposits provide ideal conditions for bacteria to form and can block moving parts or impede water circulation and drying. For cleaning we recommend Dr. Beckmann dishwasher hygiene cleaner. This not only ensures spotlessly clean dishes and cutlery, but also removes 99.99% of bacteria and fungi. The best part? The application is completely effortless. Add the powder to the maximum height in the dispenser compartment of your dishwasher and sprinkle the rest of the powder contents onto the floor of the machine. Select a washing program (at least 60°C) and start it. A fresh scent of lime remains. Bonus: This one is suitable for all dishwashers.

Step 6: Descaling your dishwasher properly and efficiently

Hard water can cause limescale to build up on components such as heating elements, spray arms, filters and sieves, interior walls and the floor, as well as the ion exchanger. Limescale deposits reduce the efficiency of heating elements and increase energy consumption. Spray arms can become clogged not only by debris but also by limescale, leading to uneven water flow and poor cleaning results. Limescale can impair the permeability of filters and sieves, causing blockages. Visible limescale deposits can accumulate on the interior walls and floor, making them difficult to remove. The ion exchanger (water softening system) can also be affected by limescale, rendering the water softening process less effective. To descale, fill the tablet/powder compartment to the maximum level with Dr. Beckmann Machine Descaler powder. Place the remaining powder directly onto the floor of the dishwasher. Select a wash program with a temperature of at least 60°C and start it. The machine is ready for immediate use after cleaning.

The product removes limescale deposits from the entire machine. Thanks to its special formula, it dissolves stubborn limescale, cleans thoroughly, and protects the machine against future deposits.

Optional Step 7: Disinfecting the interior

Dr. Beckmann Dishwasher Hygiene Cleaner not only cleans the interior but also disinfects it. To do this, select a wash program (min. 60°C) and open the dishwasher after 30 minutes. Place all the cleaning powder onto the floor of the machine, close the door, and allow the wash program to complete. The dishwasher is then immediately ready for use again, with 99.99% of bacteria and fungi eliminated.

Expert tip: For a hygienically clean and efficient dishwasher, we recommend using Dr. Beckmann Dishwasher Cleaner during the wash cycle. You can use it with your regular load. Simply place a cap directly on the floor of the dishwasher, add detergent to the dispenser, and start your desired wash program. The special formula with active oxygen removes dirt and grease, even in hidden and hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, the special composition of the caps helps prevent the buildup of limescale and minerals. Important: Do not remove the film; it dissolves completely during the wash cycle!

Effective household remedies for cleaning your dishwasher

After a big family meal, you notice that your dishes aren't coming out sparkling clean and an unpleasant odor is wafting from the machine. Instead of immediately reaching for an expensive specialized cleaner, you can try resolving the issue with simple household remedies. The advantage of these remedies lies not only in their effectiveness but also in their safety for people and the environment. You save money, reduce chemical use, and help ensure your dishwasher remains efficient and hygienically clean for longer.

Here are our recommendations:

Baking soda: This versatile household staple eliminates odors, disinfects, and dissolves grease deposits. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda onto the bottom of the machine and run a hot wash cycle. For stubborn grime, you can also mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the interior surfaces to clean them, rinse everything thoroughly, and then run an empty cycle.

Citric acid: Citric acid is a natural descaler that leaves behind a pleasant, fruity scent. Dissolve 3–4 tablespoons of citric acid in a liter of warm water, then pour the mixture into the detergent dispenser or spray the solution directly into the dishwasher. Let the solution sit for a short while, then run an empty cycle at a temperature of at least 60°C. Citric acid is most effective at high temperatures, as heat aids the chemical cleaning process and efficiently removes limescale. Limescale deposits consist primarily of calcium carbonate, which does not dissolve easily in cold water; the combination of heat and citric acid creates water-soluble compounds that effectively remove the limescale.

Vinegar: Vinegar is an all-rounder capable of removing both grease and limescale. However, it should be used sparingly, as it can damage rubber seals. Pour approximately 250 ml of vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and run an empty cycle. Vinegar disinfects the machine and leaves a fresh scent. Alternatively, you can place a cup of vinegar in the top rack of the empty dishwasher and run a high-temperature cycle.

Baking powder: Baking powder works similarly to baking soda and is ideal for removing stubborn grime and grease deposits. Simply add a few tablespoons of baking powder to the dishwasher and let it sit for a few hours—or even overnight. Afterward, run the dishwasher empty on a high-temperature cycle.

Expert tip: Table salt—specifically dishwasher regeneration salt—is used to support the dishwasher's ion exchange system. This system removes calcium and magnesium ions from hard water to prevent limescale buildup. Salt regenerates the ion-exchange resin by releasing bound ions, allowing the softener to operate efficiently again.

Regeneration salt protects heating elements and interior walls from limescale, improves cleaning performance, and extends the machine's lifespan. It is important to use specialized regeneration salt, as table salt contains harmful additives. Thus, the salt works indirectly by ensuring optimal water quality and preventing limescale buildup.

Add a few tablespoons of table salt to the dishwasher and let it sit for a few hours. Afterward, rinse the dishwasher with hot water.