Knowing how to clean dishwasher properly is essential for maintaining optimal performance, improving cleaning results, and extending the lifespan of your appliance. A dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in a modern kitchen, but even the most advanced models require regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Over time, food particles, grease, detergent residue, and hard water minerals can accumulate inside the machine, affecting its cleaning performance and causing unpleasant odours.
With a simple and consistent maintenance routine, you can keep your dishwasher running efficiently, reduce energy consumption, prevent costly repairs, and ensure sparkling clean dishes after every cycle.
Whether you own an LG Dishwasher or are considering purchasing one from LGbyUnilet, this practical guide explains how to clean dishwasher components correctly, remove built-up residue, and maintain long-lasting performance for years to come.
Why Regular Dishwasher Maintenance Is Important
Routine maintenance is not just about keeping your dishwasher clean. It directly impacts its efficiency and durability.
Benefits of proper maintenance
- Delivers cleaner and shinier dishes
- Prevents unpleasant smells inside the machine
- Improves water circulation
- Reduces limescale and detergent buildup
- Protects internal components from unnecessary wear
- Increases the overall lifespan of the appliance
- Helps reduce service and repair costs
A few minutes of maintenance every few weeks can save you from expensive repairs in the future.
How to Clean Dishwasher Filter
LG Dishwashers are designed with advanced cleaning technology and powerful motors for long-lasting performance. However, even premium appliances perform best when filters, spray arms, and internal components remain free from grease and debris.
Regular cleaning allows the dishwasher to operate efficiently while maintaining consistent wash quality.
Step 1: Clean the Dishwasher Filter
The filter is the most important maintenance component of any dishwasher. It captures food particles and prevents them from settling back onto your dishes.
If the filter becomes clogged, you may notice:
- Dirty dishes after washing
- Water drainage problems
- Bad odours
- Longer wash cycles
How to clean the filter
Remove the bottom rack
Slide out the lower basket to access the filter located at the bottom.
Unlock the filter
Turn the cylindrical filter gently and lift it out. Remove the mesh section if available.
Wash thoroughly
Rinse under running water and use a soft brush to remove grease and mineral deposits.
Reinstall correctly
Place the mesh back and lock the filter until it clicks securely into position.
Recommended frequency
Clean the filter once every week for the best performance.
Step 2: Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms
Spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher. Even small food particles like seeds or eggshells can block the nozzles and reduce cleaning effectiveness.
Simple inspection routine
- Rotate the spray arms by hand
- Check whether they move freely
- Remove visible debris
Cleaning process
- Detach the spray arms if your model allows
- Rinse under running water
- Use a toothpick or soft pin to clear blocked holes
- Reattach securely
Monthly inspection helps maintain strong water pressure and even cleaning.
Keep LG QuadWash™ Technology Performing at Its Best
LG QuadWash™ technology uses multi-motion spray arms that rotate from multiple angles to reach every corner of the dishwasher.
To maintain its powerful 360-degree cleaning performance:
- Remove hair or vegetable fibres wrapped around pivot points
- Check for food particles regularly
- Keep spray arm openings clean
This simple habit helps preserve consistent wash quality for every load.
Step 3: Run the Machine Clean Cycle
Over time, grease, detergent residue, and hard water minerals accumulate inside the dishwasher.
Running a Machine Clean cycle removes these deposits and keeps the stainless steel interior fresh.
How to use Machine Clean
Empty the dishwasher
Do not place dishes inside during the cleaning cycle.
Add dishwasher cleaner
Use a dedicated dishwasher cleaning liquid or tablet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Select Machine Clean mode
Choose the Machine Clean program or the hottest available wash cycle if your model does not include this option.
LG Smart Reminder Makes Maintenance Easy
Many LG Dishwashers include a Machine Clean Reminder that tracks wash cycles and alerts you when it is time for self-cleaning.
Instead of guessing when maintenance is required, the appliance helps you stay on schedule automatically.
This smart feature keeps the dishwasher hygienic while maintaining optimal performance throughout the year.
Why Dishwasher Salt Matters
Many users rely only on all-in-one detergent tablets, but dishwasher salt still plays a crucial role, especially in areas with hard water.
Benefits of dishwasher salt
- Prevents limescale buildup
- Protects heating elements
- Reduces white spots on glassware
- Improves washing performance
- Extends appliance life
Quick tip
Refill dishwasher salt whenever the indicator light appears.
Why Rinse Aid Is Essential
Rinse aid improves drying performance by helping water slide off dishes instead of forming droplets.
Advantages
- Faster drying
- Crystal-clear glasses
- Fewer water spots
- Better shine on utensils and plates
Even if you use combination detergent tablets, adding rinse aid separately often delivers noticeably better results.
Recommended Dishwasher Maintenance Schedule
| Component | Maintenance Frequency | Purpose |
| Filter | Weekly | Removes food particles and prevents odours |
| Door Seal | Monthly | Prevents mould and water leakage |
| Spray Arms | Monthly | Maintains strong water pressure |
| Machine Clean Cycle | Every 30 wash cycles | Removes grease and limescale |
| Dishwasher Salt | As required | Protects water softening system |
| Rinse Aid | As required | Improves drying performance |
Following this simple schedule keeps your dishwasher operating efficiently throughout the year.
Smart Maintenance with LG ThinQ™
Modern appliances are becoming smarter, making maintenance easier than ever.
LG ThinQ™ offers intelligent features that help users diagnose and maintain their dishwasher directly from a smartphone.
Smart Diagnosis
If your dishwasher displays an error code or stops working unexpectedly:
- Open the LG ThinQ app
- Activate Smart Diagnosis
- Hold your phone near the dishwasher
- The app analyses the sound signal and identifies the issue
Instead of immediately calling a technician, you receive practical guidance that may solve the problem within minutes.
Download Additional Wash Cycles
LG ThinQ™ also allows compatible dishwashers to download specialised wash programs for different cleaning needs.
Popular options include:
- Pots and Pans
- Intensive Cleaning
- Delicate Wash
- Maintenance-focused cleaning cycles
Using the right cycle improves cleaning efficiency while protecting dishes and internal components.
Everyday Habits That Protect Your Dishwasher
Good maintenance starts with proper usage.
Scrape food instead of rinsing
Modern dishwasher detergents work best with light food residue. Simply scrape away bones, seeds, and large particles before loading.
Avoid overloading
Blocking spray arms prevents water from reaching every dish and forces the machine to work harder.
Leave enough space for water to circulate freely.
Use TrueSteam™ when available
LG Dishwashers with TrueSteam™ technology loosen stubborn food residue using high-temperature steam.
Benefits include:
- Better cleaning performance
- Reduced pre-washing
- Cleaner filters
- Improved hygiene
- Less manual effort
Final Thoughts
A well-maintained dishwasher delivers better cleaning, consumes energy more efficiently, and lasts significantly longer. Spending just a few minutes each week cleaning the filter, checking spray arms, and running periodic Machine Clean cycles can prevent most common dishwasher problems.
If you’re looking for an advanced dishwasher with intelligent maintenance features like QuadWash™, ThinQ™ Smart Diagnosis, Machine Clean reminders, and TrueSteam™ technology, LG Dishwashers available at LGbyUnilet offer an excellent combination of performance, convenience, and reliability.
Make dishwasher maintenance a simple monthly habit, and enjoy sparkling dishes, fresh interiors, and dependable performance for years to come.
