Can I do a maintenance wash on a dishwasher

[M48294Y]

with just soda crystals or do I need one of them there dishwasher cleaning packs? I somehow feel that those are a rip-off and something perfectly ordinary will do the job just as well. Any tips? Tia.

[firesidechat]

I may be wrong but I strongly suspect that the special sachets they sell are actually washing soda crystals anyway. My washing machine needed a repair recently and they asked if I needed any more cleaning sachets. When I told them that I used soda crystals they just said ok and didn't try to persuade me that their stuff was better.

[M48294Y]

Thanks firesidechat. Mumsnet and the rest of the internet is strangely lacking in information about dishwasher maintenance washes, whilst there are thousands of threads about washing machines. I feel strangely nervous about doing the wrong thing - ridiculous!

[firesidechat]

I'm sure I researched this before I put soda crystals in my dish washer and it was recommended. I've done it a few times and the dishwasher is fine.

[whatiswrongwithyou]

Same here. I've used soda crystals several times and never had a problem.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Also make sure you take apart and clean out the filters in the bottom.,.

[goinggrey1978]

anyone know which cycle to put it on?? or do you just use the hottest cycle??

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I'd probably just use the hottest longest cycle possible?

[firesidechat]

Hottest.

[cozietoesie]

You may find the Tips section on this website helpful. (I think that dishwashers are under 'Kitchen Tips'.) They cover most things and are not always recommending their own products.