Page 10 | To never have cleaned my dishwasher

Pavementworrier · 2026-01-09T21:22:43+00:00

Is it true you're supposed to do it monthly???

Windywuss · 09/01/2026 22:06

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:02

I might just buy a new machine

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I need the 😂 back

Cornflowers35 · 09/01/2026 22:06

Cheese55 · 09/01/2026 21:54

Never knew about the filter thing. Is it obvious where it is. Am I going to have to dismantle it. Also how do you clean a washing machine?????

@Cheese55

I was advised to use Soda crystals inside the drum on a hot service wash.

But not to add them to the drawer though

I was told it should be done monthly.

Theyreeatingthedogs · 09/01/2026 22:06

I clean the filter monthly. I have scheduled a clean of the whole dishwasher for 2050.

Applespearsandpeaches · 09/01/2026 22:06

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:02

What is the point of having a washing machine that doesn't fucking wash itself

In my household, the issue is limescale (which can hardly clean itself) combined with food particles- or are you suggesting your dishwasher shouldn’t filter what it puts down the drains?

If you rinse what you put in it, don’t do what my kids do and leave encrusted rice or mash on things, and wash things at a decent temperature it will help.

I’m not some Mrs Hinch wannabe who wipes it out after every use, but I am genuinely baffled how people don’t know dishwashers and washing machines have filters that need cleaning and some basic maintenance occasionally.

You know you’re meant to clean the filter in your vacuum and the lint trap on a tumble dryer right?

WhatFlavourIsIt · 09/01/2026 22:05

For most dishwashers the spinny arms at the bottom twist off, then you unclip the long arm that runs down the back of The machine which allows you to remove the unit at the base ( the bit where the peas collect). There will be a little space usually with a plastic clip that you remove to get to the filter.

Lizzy7596 · 09/01/2026 22:05

i wash the filter weekly (dame chia seeds stick like glue) also give a wipe round the edges .

user38 · 09/01/2026 22:05

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:03

I don't have a cleaning schedule

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ok well then diarise an alarm to do it once a month. Take it all apart, wipe it all down, clean the filters and then run it on a hot wash/cleaning cycle with a cleaner.

Do it when you clean your washing machine <runs and hides>

Original poster

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:03

user38 · 09/01/2026 22:03

Oh Blimey. You've never cleaned your dishwasher? I do mine about every 3-4 weeks and they are always absolutely minging with clogged arms and the large filter is disgusting. If you don't clean your dishwasher you are basically cleaning with greasy mouldy water.

It takes 15 minutes. Just add it into your cleaning schedule.

Edited

I don't have a cleaning schedule

OP posts:

user38 · 09/01/2026 22:03

Oh Blimey. You've never cleaned your dishwasher? I do mine about every 3-4 weeks and they are always absolutely minging with clogged arms and the large filter is disgusting. If you don't clean your dishwasher you are basically cleaning with greasy mouldy water.

It takes 15 minutes. Just add it into your cleaning schedule.

Original poster

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:02

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 22:00

To be clear I did that once in the 5 years I’ve had it. I then drew the line at filter 😂

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I might just buy a new machine

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Trekkerbabe · 09/01/2026 22:02

Mine (AEG) tells me when it needs a clean. I dismantle the wings and clean the filter and then run a special self cleaning wash with dishwasher cleaner. About every 6 weeks but we aren't heavy users. It really needs it - the muck that comes out! And I use a bleach spray around the edges of the machine door and base. It gets filthy.

Original poster

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:02

What is the point of having a washing machine that doesn't fucking wash itself

OP posts:

Original poster

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:01

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 21:49

No, you still need to open the filter and give that a scrub. Nothing will dissolve what’s in there it needs to be ‘picked off’. I can only describe it as the equivalent of if you squeezed out all the juice out of an orange and was left with the white stringy bits - that’s the consistency. I use an Ikea kitchen brush just to scrub it off under water.

Also - would it blow your mind if I told you you’re supposed to unscrew the wing things as well and scrub around the holes? That also builds up the same stuff as around your filter!

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What the fuck?????

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dementedpixie · 09/01/2026 22:00

This is where mine is on my dishwasher. You unscrew the top and the cylinder filter comes out along with the flat mesh filter. I wash in soapy water and use an old toothbrush to get the funky off

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 22:00

AllTheChaos · 09/01/2026 21:57

Wait, what?! That has indeed blown my mind 😂 That is a job for tomorrow when I am feeling strong!

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To be clear I did that once in the 5 years I’ve had it. I then drew the line at filter 😂

DeanStockwell · 09/01/2026 22:00

I dont have one at home but they are on all the sites I work at , most have 2 one has 6 . All slightly different designs

They get their filters cleaned, then the seals, a Finish dishwasher cleaner put in DO NOT take the cap off , just the label on the cap the hot water desolves the wax seal put it in upside down on the top shelf and put the washer on its hottest wash.
Then top up the salt and rinse aid .
Every month without fail .

NoAprilFool · 09/01/2026 21:59

pastabest · 09/01/2026 21:58

Oh dear

Hate to break it to you but I'm a terrible housewife who doesn't wash her skirting boards or anything. And worse.

Even I clean out the dishwasher filters every few weeks months (and thought I was being disgusting for not doing it more often).

How are your dishwashers still functioning and not leaving grime on the crockery if you aren't doing this!?

Are you the same people who keep having to replace vacuums because they lose suction (but it's actually because you haven't cleaned the filters?)

Genuinely the first time I've felt smug on mumsnet. I'm usually the dirty scratter doing it wrong by everyone else's standards.

This calls for a (clean) glass of wine!

Same! It’s the first time I’ve felt like a functional adult 😮😊

justasking111 · 09/01/2026 21:59

Doesn't anyone read instruction manuals anymore?

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 21:59

TokenGinger · 09/01/2026 21:55

I’m patiently awaiting the dishwasher finishing its current cycle so I can investigate 😂 Thank you!

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Here’s a pic hopefully yours looks similar

I’ve also attached a pic of this perfect lady washing the filter in her lovely gold trimmed sink. Not a marigold in sight 😂😂😂

pastabest · 09/01/2026 21:58

Oh dear

Hate to break it to you but I'm a terrible housewife who doesn't wash her skirting boards or anything. And worse.

Even I clean out the dishwasher filters every few weeks months (and thought I was being disgusting for not doing it more often).

How are your dishwashers still functioning and not leaving grime on the crockery if you aren't doing this!?

Are you the same people who keep having to replace vacuums because they lose suction (but it's actually because you haven't cleaned the filters?)

Genuinely the first time I've felt smug on mumsnet. I'm usually the dirty scratter doing it wrong by everyone else's standards.

This calls for a (clean) glass of wine!

AllTheChaos · 09/01/2026 21:57

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 21:49

No, you still need to open the filter and give that a scrub. Nothing will dissolve what’s in there it needs to be ‘picked off’. I can only describe it as the equivalent of if you squeezed out all the juice out of an orange and was left with the white stringy bits - that’s the consistency. I use an Ikea kitchen brush just to scrub it off under water.

Also - would it blow your mind if I told you you’re supposed to unscrew the wing things as well and scrub around the holes? That also builds up the same stuff as around your filter!

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Wait, what?! That has indeed blown my mind 😂 That is a job for tomorrow when I am feeling strong!

LimpysGotCancer · 09/01/2026 21:56

What/where is the filter...?

TokenGinger · 09/01/2026 21:55

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 21:51

No! It’s like a round thing at the bottom of the dishwasher! You twist and pull out a cylinder of muck!

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I’m patiently awaiting the dishwasher finishing its current cycle so I can investigate 😂 Thank you!

longtompot · 09/01/2026 21:55

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 21:31

There's a filter at the bottom you're supposed to empty out (ugh)

Haven't tried yet

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Oh I do this as otherwise ours beeps at us non stop and drives us mad! I just make up a jug of sodium per carbonate and pour that into the space whilst I clean the removable filter and grill bit, leave it for an hour and then run a wash as normal.

Cheese55 · 09/01/2026 21:54

Never knew about the filter thing. Is it obvious where it is. Am I going to have to dismantle it. Also how do you clean a washing machine?????