Residue and smells: what should you check?
Clean the dishwasher filter and check spray arms and seals. Match food residue, smells and deposits to the right checks before calling for repair.
A dishwasher works out of sight, so a lack of maintenance often goes unnoticed for a while. Typical signs are food residue on supposedly clean dishes, a musty smell when you open the door, or water left standing at the bottom after the programme has finished.
Often this can be fixed with simple steps described in the user manual. Keep the manual to hand, because filters and spray arms are fitted differently depending on the model.
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| Food left on dishes | Let the appliance cool, check the filter and lock it back according to the model manual. |
| Uneven cleaning | Check loading and free spray-arm movement; clean jets only as instructed. |
| White deposits or smell | Check water-hardness setting, salt/rinse aid and care programme in the manual; do not mix remedies. |
Before you start
Wait until the programme has finished and the appliance has cooled down. Switch it off before removing any parts. Unload the dishes and pull out the lower rack so you can reach the bottom of the machine comfortably.
Watch out for sharp knives or glass fragments that may turn up when you take out the filter. Household gloves can protect your hands.
- Wait for the end of the programme and let it cool.
- Switch the appliance off.
- Pull out the lower rack.
Rinsing the filter
The filter is usually at the bottom of the tub. Release it exactly as your model manual describes; locks and inserts differ. Rinse with warm water and remove residue with a soft brush. Avoid wire brushes and sharp objects.
Refit every part in the stated order and check the locking position in the manual. Do not run a programme with a missing or loose filter. Check it according to use and the manufacturer’s care intervals.
Checking the spray arms
Turn the spray arms by hand: they should move freely. Check the small nozzle holes for deposits, seeds or bits of labels. According to many manuals, spray arms can be removed so you can rinse them under running water. Blocked holes can often be cleared carefully with a toothpick.
Only take things apart as far as the manual describes. If a part cannot be removed without tools or force, it is probably not meant to be cleaned by users.
Door seal and door edge
Wipe the rubber seal and the bottom edge of the door with a damp cloth and a little mild washing-up liquid. Residue often collects there because normal programmes do not reach it. Dry the seal with a clean cloth afterwards.
For the machine itself, use only products specifically intended for dishwashers and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never mix different cleaning products, and do not put hand washing-up liquid into the machine, as it foams heavily.
Further reading
Loading correctly and when to call a professional
Do not overfill the racks, and make sure tall items do not block the spray arms. Scrape large food scraps into the bin before loading; rinsing under the tap first is usually unnecessary.
If water leaks, an error code appears, water stays in the bottom despite a clean filter, or you hear unusual noises, contact customer service or a technician. PUTZIO arranges apartment cleaning in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona at CHF 40 per hour, but does not repair or service household appliances.
- Do not overfill the racks.
- Let the spray arms turn freely.
- Call a professional for leaks or faults.