The Monthly Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist

Five minutes a month is all it takes to keep a dishwasher cleaning like new and avoid the most common service calls.

By Jordan FeldAugust 16, 20253 min read read

Written by Sawyer Kincaid, Lead Technician — True Fix Houston. Factory-trained, EPA-certified, 6 years servicing Greater Houston.

A small amount of routine upkeep heads off most of the dishwasher problems we get called out for. Here's the monthly routine.

Clean the Filter

A dirty filter is usually behind both poor cleaning results and bad odors.

Fix: Pull the filter at the bottom of the tub and rinse it out every few weeks.

Grease buildup on the door seal and clogged spray-arm holes both drag down performance.

Fix: Wipe the gasket down and clear the spray-arm jets once a month.

Mineral scale and grease film gradually coat the interior.

Fix: Run a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar or a dishwasher-safe cleaner.

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