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Original poster

To never have cleaned my dishwasher

283 replies

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 21:22

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

OP posts:
Changename12 · 09/01/2026 22:19

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.

My Bosch, which is fairly new, also tells me when I need to run a special machine care cycle. It has its own button. I have to use dishwasher cleaner for this cycle. I usually run my dishwasher a couple of times a day and the machine care light comes on about every 2 weeks. I clean the filter after this.

estrogone · 09/01/2026 22:18

Oooooh dishwasher sporner. Yay.

I wash the filter out weekly and put a cleaner solution through monthly.

MNLurker1345 · 09/01/2026 22:16

You do frequently take out the middle filter and wash? Add salt and Rinse aid?

Bumbleebeetree · 09/01/2026 22:15

I clean the filter weekly and it's absolutely disgusting 🤮 probably because we don't rinse the plates properly!

Lookingforwardto2025 · 09/01/2026 22:14

I do find removing sweetcorn from the holes in the spinners with tweezers weirdly satisfying. I have not a clue how sweetcorn gets in there as I scrape it all into the food bin first but it always does.

Redcabbagefarts · 09/01/2026 22:14

Yes I normally get the filter out, take it apart and scrub it, then run an intense empty cycle. Probably do this every 3 or 4 weeks when I notice things are starting to get a bit rank.

Windywuss · 09/01/2026 22:13

I can't believe this is how I enjoy Friday night aged 51 🤣

LIZS · 09/01/2026 22:13

You need to take out, empty and rinse the filter at the bottom regularly. If you scrape the plates first there will be relatively little trapped there but old food needs cleaning out. Also check the spinning arms from time to time in case they get clogged up. If the plates and glasses start to look gritty or not fully clean it is time to clean!

pastabest · 09/01/2026 22:13

Patch1234 · 09/01/2026 22:09

Could someone post a picture of these spinny arms please?! (In my defence, I do do the filter..!)

I'm not being funny but have you seriously not noticed the big spinny thing the water comes out of in your dishwasher. Looks like a tiny helicopter blade and attached to the bottom of the top drawer in the dishwasher?

Windywuss · 09/01/2026 22:12

Lookingforwardto2025 · 09/01/2026 22:11

My skirting boards however are a disgrace! I do the dishwasher and washing machine religiously after a lecture from a repair engineer.

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It's ok. I'm just jealous. I am an inadequate grown up in the domestic department these days. Too knackered. 😊

Original poster
Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:12

How about I just remove the filter and throw it away?

OP posts:
puppyparent · 09/01/2026 22:12

Clean the filter once every few months and run a maintenance cycle once every six months. Not a big deal really

Original poster
Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:11

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 22:09

A cleaning schedule 😂😂😂 meanwhile most of us just running on pure vibes

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Truth

OP posts:
Lookingforwardto2025 · 09/01/2026 22:11

Windywuss · 09/01/2026 22:09

Swot 😉

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My skirting boards however are a disgrace! I do the dishwasher and washing machine religiously after a lecture from a repair engineer.

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 22:11

Patch1234 · 09/01/2026 22:09

Could someone post a picture of these spinny arms please?! (In my defence, I do do the filter..!)

The actual things water comes out of!

Original poster
Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:10

user38 · 09/01/2026 22:05

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>

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I am no way doing I once a month. I've had this dishwasher for four years and it has never been an issue before possibly now.

OP posts:
VoodooQualities · 09/01/2026 22:10

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:03

I don't have a cleaning schedule

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Oh my dear, what a state your house must be in.

I put my dishwasher on its self clean cycle, and it leaves me just enough time to iron the bedsheets, put the net curtains on a boil wash and rustle up a steak and kidney pudding for dinner.

Patch1234 · 09/01/2026 22:09

Could someone post a picture of these spinny arms please?! (In my defence, I do do the filter..!)

Windywuss · 09/01/2026 22:09

Lookingforwardto2025 · 09/01/2026 22:09

I do it weekly and the washing machine monthly.

Swot 😉

TY78910 · 09/01/2026 22:09

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:03

I don't have a cleaning schedule

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A cleaning schedule 😂😂😂 meanwhile most of us just running on pure vibes

Lookingforwardto2025 · 09/01/2026 22:09

I do it weekly and the washing machine monthly.

pastabest · 09/01/2026 22:07

Pavementworrier · 09/01/2026 22:01

What the fuck?????

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It's like a fetid moist disgusting version of tumble dryer lint.

I have a boiling kettle and a bottle of spray bleach to hand whenever I need to clean mine. It's one of the grin and bear it parts of adulting.

Along with cleaning out the drainage hole at the back of old style fridges. Thank fuck I don't have to deal with that monstrosity of ming with my shiny new Samsung.

Chinsupmeloves · 09/01/2026 22:07

Yes, not monthly for us, but regularly.

dementedpixie · 09/01/2026 22:07

I dont need to remove spinny arms or anything from the back to remove the filter. I just unscrew the filter without needing to do anything else

DeanStockwell · 09/01/2026 22:07

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 .

This one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finish-Dishwasher-Cleaner-Twin-250ml/dp/B0080OXKUK

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