Quick answer: Remove and rinse the filter according to your dishwasher's manual, check the spray arm nozzles, wipe the seal and door edges, and refill salt and rinse aid according to the indicators. Approximately once a month or as per the manufacturer's instructions, use a specialized dishwasher cleaner. Never mix different cleaning agents and switch off the appliance before disassembling parts.
Updated: August 2026
Why regular dishwasher cleaning is important
Food residues, grease, water minerals, and undissolved detergent particles gradually accumulate in the dishwasher. Most dirt is usually found in the filter, around the seal, and in less-rinsed door edges. Clogged spray arm nozzles, in turn, restrict water flow.
Neglected maintenance can manifest as:
- an unpleasant odor upon opening the door,
- food residues or fine particles on dishes,
- poorer drying and dried water spots,
- dull glasses or mineral stains,
- water not draining properly after a cycle,
- noisier or less effective operation.
Not all problems can be solved by a stronger tablet. Often, it's enough to remove a physical obstruction, properly refill operating agents, and select the appropriate program.
How often to check individual parts
| Dishwasher part | Practical interval | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | continuously, weekly with frequent use | remove residues and rinse as needed |
| Salt and rinse aid | according to indicators | refill the appropriate agent into the correct reservoir |
| Spray arms | approximately every few months or if washing performance deteriorates | check nozzles and free rotation |
| Seal and door edges | approximately once a week to once a month | wipe with a damp soft cloth |
| Deep cleaning | usually once a month or according to product instructions | use a dishwasher-specific cleaner |
Always adjust the interval to the frequency of use, water hardness, and the manufacturer's instructions for your specific appliance.
How to clean your dishwasher step by step
1. Empty the dishwasher and turn it off
Remove dishes and racks if access to the filter requires it. Turn off the dishwasher before removing any parts. Check the manual for the exact way to dismantle the filter and arms – the design varies between models.
2. Clean the filter
The filter is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher under the lower rack. Carefully unlatch and remove it. Remove larger debris, rinse it under lukewarm running water, and if necessary, use a little dish soap and a soft brush.
Do not use a wire brush or abrasive sponge, which could damage the fine mesh. After cleaning, return the filter precisely to its place and secure it. Do not run the dishwasher without the filter properly seated.
3. Check the spray arms
The arms must rotate freely, and their nozzles must not be clogged. If your model allows them to be removed, flush them with water and gently dislodge any trapped debris according to the manufacturer's instructions. Before starting, check that the arms are properly installed and not blocked by a tall plate or a pot handle.
4. Wipe the seal, edges, and dispenser
Wipe the rubber seal, the area around the hinges, the bottom edge of the door, and the detergent dispenser with a soft, damp cloth. Greasy deposits often accumulate in these areas outside the main water flow.
Do not use abrasive tools or aggressive cleaners on the seal unless explicitly recommended by the appliance manufacturer.
5. Add salt to the dishwasher
Fiorillo Dishwasher Salt supports the proper function of the water softener and helps reduce limescale buildup. Use only regenerating salt designed for dishwashers – not table salt or salt for home water softeners.
The reservoir is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher. Refill according to the instructions and water hardness setting. If you overfill the salt or if salty solution spills out, wipe away the residue and run a program to rinse it off. Never pour detergent into the salt reservoir, as it could damage the softening system.
6. Add rinse aid
Rinse aid helps water drain off dishes and promotes drying without dried water spots. Pour it into the designated dispenser up to the maximum mark and wipe away any spilled drops to prevent excessive foam in the next cycle.
We offer rinse aid with a fresh scent and rinse aid with a lemon scent. Adjust the dosage according to the dishwasher manual, water hardness, and results: water spots may indicate too low a dose, bluish streaks too high a dose.
7. Perform deep cleaning
Scala Cura Lavastoviglie, 3 single doses is designed to remove grease, odor, and deposits. One dose is placed inside the dishwasher according to the instructions and used during a regular program together with the usual dish detergent. The recommended frequency is once a month.
Always follow the label of the specific cleaner. Do not combine it with vinegar, chlorine, or other cleaning agents unless such a procedure is explicitly permitted by the manufacturer. How to choose the right detergent and set the rinse aid is discussed in the article on eco-friendly dishwasher detergents.
Salt, rinse aid, and cleaner are not the same
- Salt regenerates the water softening system.
- Rinse aid helps with water drainage and dish drying.
- Detergent tablet or gel removes dirt from dishes during the program.
- Dishwasher cleaner cares for the internal parts of the appliance.
Even an "all in one" tablet may not automatically replace a properly set softener and separate salt in hard water. The appliance manual and actual water hardness are decisive.
Common mistakes when cleaning a dishwasher
- Using table salt: it may contain additives and is not designed for the dishwasher's softening system.
- Running without a filter: dirt can reach the pump and damage the appliance.
- Too much rinse aid: can create streaks or excessive foam.
- Mixing homemade recipes and cleaners: acids, chlorine, and other products should not be combined.
- Cleaning only with a scented air freshener: scent will not remove trapped food or grease.
- Ignoring the manual: the method of filter removal, salt setting, and recommended program vary by model.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the dishwasher smell?
Most often due to food residues in the filter, grease in the seal, or a long-closed humid space. First, clean the filter and accessible edges. If the odor persists or water does not drain well, check the manual and drainage system.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
It depends on the model, operation, and amount of dirt. Check the filter regularly and clean it whenever there are residues. Manufacturers commonly recommend thorough cleaning at least every few months; with daily use, it may be needed more frequently.
Can I pour vinegar into the dishwasher?
First, check the manufacturer's instructions. Acid can damage some materials and seals with frequent or improper use. A specialized cleaner used exactly according to the label is safer.
Why are glasses dull after washing?
The cause can be hard water, lack of salt or rinse aid, incorrect dosing, too high a temperature, or irreversible glass corrosion. Start by checking the water hardness setting, salt, rinse aid, and filter cleanliness.
When to call for service?
If the dishwasher does not drain water, reports an error, leaks water, makes unusual noises, or the problem persists after routine maintenance, do not disassemble the appliance further and contact a professional service technician.
A small routine that pays off
A well-maintained dishwasher does not require complicated interventions. Regularly check the filter, refill salt and rinse aid, keep the spray arms clear, and once a month use an appropriate Scala dishwasher cleaner. Other products can be found in the dishwashing detergents category.
