How often should I pull the bottom filter and rinse it?

Monthly. Pull the bottom filter and rinse it. For most dirty-dishes and smell complaints, that's all it takes.

How often should I check the spray arm holes for scale and clear them with a toothpick?

Monthly. Check the spray arm holes for scale and clear them with a toothpick. Hard water blocks them from the outside in, so the top rack suffers first.

How often should I run a cleaner through an empty hot cycle to get the scale off the heating element?

Yearly. Run a cleaner through an empty hot cycle to get the scale off the heating element.

Dishwasher Maintenance & Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on a dishwasher here

Gritty dishes are usually the filter or the spray arm, not the pump. Our water runs 16 to 28 grains here, which is very hard, so the little holes in the spray arms scale shut and the arm stops reaching the top rack. Standing water in the bottom is a drain problem, often the air gap (the little cap next to the faucet) or a kinked hose under the sink.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Twist out the filter in the bottom and rinse it.
2Then hold the spray arms up to the light and see if the holes are clear.
3Poke them out with a bit of wire.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a dishwasher that has already failed the quick check above.

Guide · Dishwasher Cove Dishwasher Repair: What Goes Wrong and What Fixes It Cove dishwasher repair: not draining, not cleaning or won't start? What usually fails on them in Arizona, the check worth doing first, and when to call. Read the guide →

Keeping a dishwasher out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Monthly
Pull the bottom filter and rinse it. For most dirty-dishes and smell complaints, that's all it takes.
Monthly
Check the spray arm holes for scale and clear them with a toothpick. Hard water blocks them from the outside in, so the top rack suffers first.
Yearly
Run a cleaner through an empty hot cycle to get the scale off the heating element.

Free reminders Get a reminder when dishwasher maintenance is due By text, email or both. Two or three a year, each with the one job that matters that month. Sign me up

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if there's standing water after every cycle and the filter is clean, or if water is getting under the cabinet. Schedule Service

Guides on dishwashers, disposals and compactors

From what we see on service calls across Pinal and Maricopa County.

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858 Schedule Service

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County