Why Your Dishwasher Smells Bad and How to Fix It

by Marsh | Aug 4, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Opening the dishwasher and getting hit with a smell that's somewhere between rotting food and stagnant water isn't just unpleasant, it usually means that smell is transferring onto your actually clean dishes too. The good news is that the vast majority of dishwasher odour comes down to a small handful of causes, and most of them are a straightforward clean rather than a repair.

Here's what's actually going on and how to sort it out properly.

The Filter Is the Most Likely Culprit

Modern dishwashers, generally anything made in the last 15 years or so, use a manual-clean filter at the bottom of the tub rather than the old self-grinding systems older machines used. It's an effective design, but it depends on someone actually removing and rinsing it periodically, and a huge number of people don't know it's there at all.

Food particles get trapped in the filter during every single wash. Left long enough in a warm, wet environment, that trapped food starts to decompose, and the smell ranges from faintly stale to genuinely rotten depending on how long it's been sitting there. Pull the filter out from the bottom of the tub, usually with a twist-and-lift motion, though it's worth checking your manual if you're not sure. Rinse it thoroughly under hot water, and for heavier build-up, scrub with an old toothbrush or soak it in warm water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar or baking soda first.

Other Common Sources

Standing water in the tub

If water isn't draining fully after a cycle, even an inch or so sitting at the bottom, it stagnates and starts to smell sour or musty. This is often caused by the same clogged filter, but a kinked or improperly installed drain hose is worth checking too.

Grease and soap scum build-up

Much like a shower, dishwashers build up a layer of soap scum over time, and that scum acts as a magnet for food particles, making the whole problem worse. This tends to show up as a general staleness rather than an obvious rotting smell.

Mould or mildew around the door gasket

The rubber seal around the door traps moisture, and moisture plus organic residue is exactly what mould needs. A musty smell, similar to damp cardboard, is the usual sign.

Blocked spray arms

Food debris can lodge in the small holes of the spray arms, and beyond reducing how well your dishes get cleaned, trapped debris here can also contribute to lingering odour.

A serious drain blockage

If the smell is more like sewage than food, that points to something more significant further down the drain line rather than anything inside the tub itself, and it's usually accompanied by poor drainage or standing water that doesn't clear even after a full cycle.

How to Clean It Properly

Start with the filter, since it resolves the majority of cases on its own. Remove it, rinse thoroughly, and soak in warm soapy water with a splash of vinegar if there's stubborn build-up. While it's out, check the sump area underneath for any trapped food or debris.

Next, wipe down the door gasket and the door edges with warm, soapy water, paying particular attention to the folds and grooves where grime tends to hide. A cloth dipped in vinegar or a mild mildew cleaner works well if there's visible mould.

Check the spray arms next. Most simply lift off, and you can rinse them under running water and use a toothpick or similar to clear any blocked holes.

Finally, run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner, or place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a full hot cycle with no dishes. This helps break down any remaining grease film on the tub walls and gives everything a final rinse through.

Quick Reference Table

Preventing It From Coming Back

• Scrape food off plates before loading rather than relying on the dishwasher to handle large scraps, which is what fills the filter up fastest
• Clean the filter on a regular schedule, roughly monthly for most households, more often if you run the dishwasher daily
• Avoid overstacking the racks, since dishes packed too tightly block water and detergent from reaching everything properly
• Run an occasional empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner as routine maintenance rather than waiting for a smell to show up
• Leave the door slightly ajar after a cycle finishes so the interior can air dry rather than sitting closed and damp

When It's More Than a Cleaning Job

If you've cleaned the filter, the gasket, and the spray arms and the smell is still there, particularly if it's a sewage smell rather than food or mustiness, that usually points to a drainage issue further along the line rather than anything inside the dishwasher itself. If your dishwasher is also leaving standing water or draining slowly, it's worth reading our guides on Miele dishwashers that won't drain, Westinghouse and Asko dishwashers that won't drain, or common faults with Smeg and Bosch dishwashers, depending on your brand, since drainage problems and persistent smells often go hand in hand.

National Appliance Repairs technicians work on dishwasher repairs across all major brands, and can quickly tell whether a smell is a cleaning issue or something further down the drain line that needs proper attention. Every repair comes with a 12-month parts warranty and 3-month labour warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dishwasher smell bad even though the dishes come out clean?

The smell usually comes from food debris trapped in the filter, the sump, or the door gasket, none of which necessarily affect how clean your dishes look. It's a maintenance issue rather than a sign the dishwasher isn't working properly.

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

Roughly once a month for most households is a reasonable routine, more often if you run the dishwasher daily or often wash particularly greasy or food-heavy loads.

Is it normal for a small amount of water to sit at the bottom of the dishwasher?

A small amount around the drain area is generally normal on many models. Water sitting an inch deep or more, or that doesn't clear after a full cycle, points to a drainage problem worth investigating.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda instead of a commercial dishwasher cleaner?

Yes. Both work well for routine odour control and light grease removal. For mould specifically, a dedicated mildew cleaner or diluted bleach solution on the gasket is more effective.

When does a smelly dishwasher need a technician instead of a clean?

If you've cleaned the filter, gasket, and spray arms and the smell persists, especially if it's a sewage smell, that usually points to a drain blockage further along the line rather than anything a clean will fix.

The Bottom Line

Most dishwasher smells come down to a dirty filter, and cleaning it takes about five minutes and solves the majority of cases outright. If you've worked through the gasket and spray arms too and it's still not right, get in touch with National Appliance Repairs or call 1300 434 380 for a same-day assessment, subject to availability, across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

Westinghouse and Asko Dishwashers That Won’t Drain

by Marsh | Jul 24, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Dishes still wet, water pooling in the tub, a faint smell building if it's sat there a day or two.

We’ve had several of such calls at National Appliance Repairs from owners of Westinghouse and Asko-branded dishwashers. In our experience, they fail in fairly similar ways when it comes to drainage, even sitting at opposite ends of the market the way they do. Here's what actually causes it in each, and what's worth checking before booking anyone.

Start With the Filter, Regardless of Brand

No matter what badge is out in the front, every dishwasher comes with a filter.

There’ll be a sump filter, which will catch food debris before it reaches the pump. However, it’s the coarse or fine mesh that’s the single biggest cause of drainage problems on both brands, and it's the easiest thing to check yourself.

Take the bottom rack out and remove the filter assembly. Use hot water and take a soft brush to anything stuck to it – check again. This fixes the problem most of the time.

Westinghouse: Where It Usually Goes Wrong

Westinghouse shares a lot of its dishwasher engineering with Electrolux, so the faults we see tend to follow a familiar pattern. If the filter's already clean, the next most likely cause is the drain pump itself, either a failed motor or a jammed impeller. Broken glass and food scraps are the usual obstruction, and if the pump hums without actually spinning, that's a fairly good sign the impeller's caught on something rather than the motor being dead.

Some Westinghouse models also use a drain solenoid to open the drain valve at the right point in the cycle. If the solenoid fails, the valve simply won't open, and no amount of filter cleaning is going to fix that. The valve itself can clog with debris over years of use too, and unlike a filter, it's not something you clean and reuse once it's actually failed. It gets replaced.

Less obviously, a fault on the control board can stop it sending power to the drain pump at all, even though the pump itself is fine. This one's harder to work out yourself, since everything downstream looks normal until you actually test for power at the pump.

Asko: A Similar Pattern, With a Couple of Extras

Asko dishwashers follow much the same order of likely causes: filter first, pump second, control board third. Where Asko differs a little is the float switch, a small component that monitors water level and is meant to stop the machine overfilling. If it sticks or fails, it can throw off draining too, since the machine ends up reading the water level incorrectly and never triggers the drain cycle properly.

Asko dishwashers do display fault codes on the panel, though the exact code and what it means can vary noticeably between model generations. A code that means one thing on an older Asko can mean something else entirely on a newer one, so rather than guess based on a number, it's worth checking your specific model's manual, or having a technician read it against the right reference.

Quick Reference: Symptom to Likely Cause

What You Can Check Yourself

• Clean the filter assembly thoroughly, including the fine mesh section if your model has one
• Check the drain hose for kinks and confirm it's still properly connected at both ends
• If it's connected to a garbage disposal, run the disposal before starting a cycle to clear any blockage in the shared line
• Listen for the pump during the drain stage. A hum with no spin points at an obstructed impeller rather than a dead motor
• Power the dishwasher off for a few minutes and run a short cycle to see if a temporary glitch clears on its own

Why Some of This Needs a Professional

Clearing debris from a pump impeller is a reasonable job for most people who are comfortable pulling a filter out. Diagnosing a failed solenoid, a faulty control board, or a stuck float switch is a different level of work, and getting a control board diagnosis wrong means paying for a part that was never actually the problem. It's also worth remembering that standing water left in the tub damages pump seals and encourages mould the longer it sits, so it's not a fault worth working around for long.

National Appliance Repairs technicians work on both Westinghouse and Asko dishwashers regularly, and carry genuine filters, pumps, solenoids, and control boards for dishwasher repairs across the range. Most drainage faults are diagnosed and fixed in a single visit, backed by a 12-month parts warranty and 3-month labour warranty.

Keeping the Fault From Coming Back

• Clean the filter on a regular schedule rather than waiting for symptoms to show up
• Scrape plates before loading, so there's less debris for the filter to trap in the first place
• If your model shares a drain with a garbage disposal, run it briefly before every wash, not just after something's already blocked
• Avoid using rinse aid or detergent well past its use-by date, since old detergent can leave residue that builds up over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Westinghouse dishwasher keep leaving water at the bottom?

In most cases it's the filter. If that's already clean, a jammed pump impeller is the next most likely cause, followed by a failed drain solenoid or control board issue if the pump isn't responding at all.

What does a fault code on my Asko dishwasher actually mean?

It depends heavily on the specific model and generation, since Asko's codes aren't consistent across the whole range. It's worth checking your model's manual rather than assuming a code means what it did on an older machine.

Is a humming pump that isn't spinning a serious fault?

Not usually. A hum with no spin generally points to something physically obstructing the impeller, like broken glass or a fruit pit, rather than a burnt-out motor. Clearing the obstruction often solves it.

Can I test or replace a drain solenoid myself?

It's a fair bit more involved than a filter clean, and getting the diagnosis wrong means you might replace a part that was never faulty. It's worth having a technician confirm it's actually the solenoid before ordering the part.

What does it cost to fix a Westinghouse or Asko dishwasher that won't drain?

It depends on the fault. A filter clean or impeller clear costs very little. A solenoid, control board, or pump replacement is a bigger job. Call 1300 434 380 for a ballpark before booking.

The Bottom Line

Filter, pump, then the electronics behind it. That order solves the overwhelming majority of drainage faults on both brands. If you've worked through the checks above and it's still not draining, contact National Appliance Repairs or call 1300 434 380 for a same-day assessment, subject to availability, across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

How to Get a Miele Dishwasher Draining Again

by Marsh | Jul 21, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Open the door at the end of a cycle and there's a pool of grey water sitting in the bottom. Dishes still dirty, maybe a bit of a smell starting already. A Miele dishwasher not draining is one of the more common faults we see at National Appliance Repairs, and the good news is most cases come down to one of a small handful of causes, several of which don't need a technician at all.

Here's where to look, in the order that actually finds the problem fastest.

Start With the Filter

The filter assembly sits at the base of the tub, right under the lower spray arm. It's the most common cause of drainage problems by a wide margin. Most Miele models split it into two parts: a coarse filter for larger scraps, a fine mesh underneath for grease and smaller bits. Leave it a few months and that fine mesh clogs enough to choke water flow before anything actually breaks.

Pull the bottom rack, twist the assembly to unlock it, rinse both parts under hot water. Soft brush beats plain water for stuck-on grease. Anything really baked on, soak it in warm soapy water for ten minutes first.

If the Filter's Clean, Check the Disposal or Drain Line

If your Miele drains through a garbage disposal, run the disposal for a bit longer than usual before starting a cycle, since food scraps sitting in the disposal chamber block the same shared drain path. Newly installed disposal units sometimes still have a knockout plug in place blocking the dishwasher connection entirely. Worth confirming that's out.

If your dishwasher drains into a standpipe instead, check that the hose hasn't kinked behind the machine and that it's still properly connected at both ends.

The Drain Pump and Non-Return Valve

Rule out the filter and the disposal or drain line and the next place to look is the drain pump itself, located underneath the non-return valve. The most common issue here is an obstructed pump impeller, the small fan-like part that spins to force water out. Broken glass, fruit pits, and bits of crockery are the usual culprits. Some water pooling back out when you check this is normal and not a sign of anything worse.

The non-return valve sits just above the pump and stops drained water flowing back into the tub. If it's stuck, cracked, or sitting slightly out of place, drainage suffers even with a perfectly good pump underneath it.

Some Models Will Show You a Code

Some Miele dishwashers flash a drain indicator or throw an F11 code for this, and it usually means water's sitting in the base pan rather than the tub itself. Not every model shows it this way though, and the display varies across the range.

Different flash pattern on yours? Owner's manual is the fastest way to confirm what it actually means.

Quick Reference: Symptom to Likely Cause

What You Can Check Yourself

• Remove and clean both filter components, weekly if you use the dishwasher daily
• Run the garbage disposal before starting a cycle if the two share a drain
• Check the drain hose isn't kinked, crushed, or sitting at an awkward angle behind the machine
• Look at the pump impeller for visible obstructions once the filter's out of the way
• Reset the dishwasher by powering it off for a minute, then run a short cycle to see if it clears on its own

When It's Time to Call Someone

A blocked filter or a stray bit of glass in the impeller is a fair DIY job. A failed pump motor, a damaged non-return valve, or a control board that isn't sending power to the pump at all is a different matter, and neither is something worth guessing at with a high-end appliance. Stagnant water left sitting in the tub for days breeds mould and can damage the pump seals over time, so it's worth acting on rather than working around with a mop and a prayer.

National Appliance Repairs technicians work on Miele dishwashers regularly across dishwasher repairs, and carry genuine filters, pumps, and non-return valves for the range, so most drainage faults get sorted in a single visit. Every repair comes with a 12-month parts warranty and 3-month labour warranty.

Keeping It From Happening Again

• Scrape plates before loading rather than relying on the dishwasher to handle large food scraps
• Clean the filter on a schedule rather than waiting for a problem to force the issue
• Avoid putting anything with bones, fruit pits, or glass fragments in without checking they're fully cleared away first
• If you're on a shared drain with a garbage disposal, run it briefly before every dishwasher cycle, not just when there's already a problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele dishwasher leaving water in the bottom?

Almost always the filter first, followed by a blocked disposal connection or drain hose, then the pump impeller if those check out clean. Work through them in that order and you'll usually find it within a few minutes.

Is it safe to run the dishwasher again with water sitting in it?

Better not to. Standing water sits against the pump seals and can encourage mould, and running another cycle on top of it doesn't fix the underlying blockage. Clear the cause first.

What does the F11 code mean on a Miele dishwasher?

On models that display it, F11 generally points to water detected in the base pan under the tub rather than the tub itself, which usually means a leak or overflow rather than a simple drain blockage. It's worth a technician confirming the actual source rather than just clearing the code.

Can I fix a Miele drain pump myself?

Clearing an obstruction from the pump impeller is a reasonable DIY task once the filter's out of the way. Replacing the pump motor or the non-return valve is more involved and best left to someone who works on these machines regularly.

How much does it cost to fix a Miele dishwasher that won't drain?

Depends entirely on the cause. A filter clean costs nothing but time. A pump or non-return valve replacement is a bigger job. Call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation and ballpark pricing before booking.

The Bottom Line

Filter, disposal or hose, then the pump. Work through those three in order and you'll solve the overwhelming majority of Miele drainage faults without calling anyone. Still sitting there after that? Get in touch with National Appliance Repairs or call 1300 434 380 for a same-day assessment, subject to availability, across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

Common Faults With Smeg and Bosch Dishwashers

by Marsh | Jul 20, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Two of the more popular dishwasher brands in Australian kitchens, and two quite different ways of telling you something's wrong.

We see a lot of both at National Appliance Repairs, and the difference in how they communicate faults genuinely changes how you troubleshoot them. Bosch uses a fairly consistent E-code system across most of its range, so a given code generally means the same thing from one machine to the next. Smeg uses a set of flashing LEDs on the control panel instead, and what those flashes actually mean can shift depending on the model. Here's what tends to go wrong with each, and how to read what they're telling you.

Bosch: A Fairly Reliable Code System

Bosch's own support documentation lays out its error codes clearly, and in our experience they hold up consistently across most of the current range, which makes troubleshooting a lot more straightforward than with some other brands.

• E15 means the safety switch has detected water in the base of the machine and triggered the flood protection system. This is usually caused by a leak somewhere, most often a worn door gasket, a loose hose connection, or excessive suds pushing water past a seal it shouldn't. Clearing the code without finding the actual leak just means it comes back.
• E22 points to a blocked fine filter, one of the simplest and most common faults to show up. Pull the bottom rack, remove the filter, and give it a proper clean.
• E24 and E25 both relate to drainage, but for different reasons. E24 usually means the drain filter or drain hose is blocked, often alongside a missing high loop in the drain hose installation or a blocked garbage disposal connection. E25 points more specifically at the drain pump itself, whether that's a jammed impeller from broken glass or bone fragments, or an actual pump failure.
• E09 relates to the heating element, and it typically shows up once the element reaches the end of its working life, usually somewhere around the six to eight year mark on a well-used machine.

Smeg: A Different System, Model-Dependent Meanings

Smeg dishwashers typically use five LED indicators on the panel rather than a simple E-code readout, and a specific pattern of flashing and solid lights corresponds to a fault. The complication is that these patterns don't map consistently across every Smeg model. A flash pattern that means one thing on one dishwasher can mean something else entirely on another, so treating any single code as universal across the whole range isn't reliable.

That said, a few fault categories come up consistently regardless of the exact LED pattern on your specific model.

Flood or overfill protection is triggered when the machine detects more water than expected, often from a faulty inlet valve letting too much water in, or a blocked filter preventing proper drainage and causing the water level to rise instead. Drainage faults mean the dishwasher can't clear water within the expected time window, generally pointing to a blocked filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a pump that isn't moving water the way it should. Heating faults are usually a defective heating element or a wiring fault between the element and the control board, occasionally showing up as the heater running with no water actually in the tub, which is a different problem from a heater that simply won't switch on. And water inlet faults tend to come down to low water pressure, a kinked inlet hose, or a faulty inlet valve, all fairly easy to check before assuming anything electronic has failed.

Given how much the exact meanings shift between Smeg models, the fastest path to an accurate diagnosis is checking your specific model's manual against the flash pattern you're seeing, rather than assuming it matches a code table written for a different generation.

Quick Reference: What Each Fault Category Usually Means

For Smeg models, match the LED flash pattern against your specific model's manual, since the same pattern of lights can point to different faults on different generations.

What You Can Check Yourself

• Clean the filter thoroughly, checking both coarse and fine mesh sections if your model has them
• Check the drain hose for kinks, and confirm it has a proper high loop if it connects near a sink or garbage disposal
• Look at the door gasket for visible tears, warping, or trapped debris if a leak-related code is showing
• Try a power reset by switching off at the wall for a few minutes, then running a short test cycle
• Note down the exact code or LED pattern before calling anyone, since it saves time and speeds up diagnosis

When to Call a Technician Instead

Anything involving the heating element, the control board, or a pump that's confirmed faulty rather than just obstructed is a repair job, not a DIY project. Both brands sit at the premium end of the market, and getting a fix wrong on either risks turning a straightforward repair into a much bigger bill.

National Appliance Repairs technicians work on both Smeg and Bosch dishwashers regularly, and carry genuine filters, pumps, heating elements, and door seals for dishwasher repairs across both ranges. Most faults are diagnosed and fixed in a single visit, backed by a 12-month parts warranty and 3-month labour warranty.

Keeping Both Brands Running Well

• Clean the filter on a regular schedule, weekly if the dishwasher runs daily
• Wipe down the door gasket periodically to prevent the mould and residue build-up that eventually causes tears
• Avoid overloading the detergent dispenser, since excessive suds are a common trigger for flood protection codes on both brands
• Address a fault code as soon as it appears rather than resetting it repeatedly and hoping it clears on its own

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an E15 code mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

Water's been detected in the base of the machine, triggering the flood protection system. It's usually caused by a leak from the door gasket, a hose connection, or excessive suds, and resetting the code without finding the actual leak just means it returns.

Why do Smeg dishwasher codes seem to mean different things depending on who you ask?

Because they genuinely do vary by model. Smeg uses LED flash patterns rather than a universal number system, and the same pattern can indicate different faults across different generations of machine. Your specific model's manual is the most reliable reference.

What's the difference between a Bosch E24 and E25 code?

Both relate to drainage, but E24 usually points to a blocked filter or hose, while E25 points more specifically at the drain pump itself. It's worth checking the simpler cause, the filter, before assuming the pump has failed.

Can I clean a blocked filter myself on either brand?

Yes, on both. Removing and rinsing the filter assembly under hot water with a soft brush is safe and straightforward, and it resolves a large share of both brands' fault codes on its own.

What does it cost to repair a Smeg or Bosch dishwasher?

It depends entirely on the fault. A filter clean costs nothing. A heating element, control board, or pump replacement is more substantial. Call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation and ballpark pricing.

The Bottom Line

Bosch tells you fairly precisely what's wrong through its E-codes. Smeg tells you something's wrong and leaves the specifics to your model's manual. Either way, the filter, the hose, and the door seal solve most faults before you need a technician. Still showing a code after those checks? Get in touch with National Appliance Repairs or call 1300 434 380 for a same-day assessment, subject to availability, across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

by Marsh | Jun 3, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

If your dishes come out with bits of food still stuck to them, or if there is a persistent bad smell after a cycle, the filter is almost certainly to blame. It does a lot of quiet work--trapping food particles to stop the drain blocking--but gets very little attention until something goes wrong.

Cleaning the dishwasher filter is one of the quickest, highest-impact maintenance tasks you can do. Takes about five minutes once you know how. No tools. No special products. And it makes a noticeable difference to both how clean your dishes come out and how the machine smells.

Here at National Appliance Repairs, we service dishwashers across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. A blocked or neglected filter is one of the most common reasons customers call us. Before you reach for the phone, check whether a simple filter clean solves the problem.

What Does a Dishwasher Filter Actually Do?

The filter sits at the base of the dishwasher tub, right under the lower spray arm. Its job is to catch food particles, grease, and debris during a wash cycle. That way they do not recirculate back onto your dishes or clog the drain pump.

Most modern Australian dishwashers--including popular brands like Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Smeg, and Electrolux--use a manual filter system. That is a cylindrical mesh filter you have to clean by hand. Older dishwashers sometimes had self-cleaning filters built in, but you do not see those much anymore.

CHOICE Australia says grease and food scraps collecting in the filter cause most dishwasher odour and hygiene problems. A filter full of old, rotting food residue also makes the machine underperform. Your dishes come out less clean than they should be.

How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher Filter?

For a typical Australian household using the dishwasher daily:

• Inspect: Once a week (just a visual check takes 30 seconds)
• Rinse under water: Every one to two weeks if used heavily
• Full clean (soak and scrub): Once a month

If you have a large household, frequently wash heavily soiled pots and pans, or run the dishwasher multiple times per day, increase the cleaning frequency. In a rental property context, filters often go uncleaned for months at a time -- getting into a monthly habit prevents the machine from deteriorating.

What You'll Need

• Hot water
• Dish soap (a few drops)
• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• White vinegar (optional, for stubborn build-up)
• A bowl or sink basin large enough to submerge the filter
• Rubber gloves (recommended -- it's not a glamorous job)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Step 1: Remove the Bottom Rack

Pull out the bottom dish rack. Set it aside. Now you can actually see the base of the dishwasher where the filter lives.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Filter

Look for a round opening in the centre or rear of the dishwasher floor. That is where the filter assembly sits. It usually has two parts: a cylindrical upper filter and a flat mesh plate underneath (the lower filter). Together they trap particles of different sizes.

Here is how to remove them.

Twist the upper cylinder anticlockwise until it unlocks. That is usually about a quarter-turn. Lift it out. Then lift out the flat lower filter from the surrounding housing.

Not sure how your specific model comes apart? Check the user manual. Or search online for your dishwasher model. For dishwasher repairs or questions about a particular model, we are happy to help.

Step 3: Rinse Under Hot Water

Hold both filter pieces under the hot tap. Rinse away loose food particles. A lot of the debris will wash off right away. If you cleaned the filter recently, this might be all you need.

Still see grease, a slimy film, or food stuck in the mesh? Move to the next step.

Step 4: Soak in Soapy Water (or Vinegar)

Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Drop both filter pieces in. Let them soak for five to ten minutes. This loosens grease and softens any dried-on food.

Has it been a while since the last clean? Significant build-up? Add half a cup of white vinegar to the soak water instead of--or in addition to--the dish soap. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down grease and mineral deposits really well.

Step 5: Scrub the Mesh

After the soak, grab a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Gently scrub the mesh on both filters. Pay extra attention to the fine mesh screen on the flat lower filter. Food particles love getting lodged in that weave.

Do not use anything abrasive. No steel wool. No scouring pad. That damages the mesh and makes it worse at trapping particles.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse both parts under hot running water. Keep going until the water runs clear and no soap or debris remains.

Hold each filter up to the light. Look at the mesh. Still looks clogged? Repeat the soak and scrub.

Step 7: Clean Around the Filter Housing

Before you put the filter back, take a damp cloth or your toothbrush and wipe around the filter housing in the base of the dishwasher. Food and grease collect there too. Leave it dirty and you are wasting half the benefit of a clean filter.

Step 8: Reinstall the Filter

Place the flat lower filter back into the housing. Insert the cylindrical upper filter. Twist it clockwise to lock it in place. It should sit flush and turn smoothly. If it feels stiff or will not lock, pull it out and check the seating. Then replace the bottom rack. Done.

Common Filter Problems and What They Mean

When the Filter Isn't the Problem

If you've cleaned the filter thoroughly and your dishwasher still:

• Isn't draining properly
• Leaves dishes dirty or wet
• Makes unusual grinding or rattling noises
• Shows an error code on the display

...then the issue has moved beyond simple maintenance and likely involves a component fault -- a blocked drain pump, a failing spray arm, a water inlet valve issue, or a sensor problem. These aren't DIY fixes.

We provide dishwasher repairs across all major Australian cities, with same-day service available for urgent faults. Our technicians carry parts for the most common brands and models, so many repairs can be completed in a single visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my dishwasher has a manual or self-cleaning filter?

Look at the bottom. See a mesh thing you can twist out by hand? That is manual. Clean it regularly. No removable filter? Check your manual. Some old models have self-cleaning filters. They are noisier but need less attention from you.

Can I put the filter in the dishwasher to clean it?

You can. But do not bother. The spray arms will not hit the fine mesh properly. And any gunk on the filter just ends up back on your dishes. Hand-clean with a brush. Takes a few minutes. Works better.

Filter looks clean but dishwasher still smells. Now what?

Check the door seal. Mould hides there. Wipe with a vinegar-dampened cloth. Check the spray arm holes too. Still stinky? Run a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar in the top rack--empty dishwasher. Then a baking soda cycle.

Is there a special product for cleaning filters?

No. Dish soap and hot water. That is it. White vinegar for grease and scale. Commercial cleaners are fine for the machine itself. But they do not clean your filter for you.

How long does a filter last?

The life of the machine. If you are gentle with it. No steel wool. No hard scrubbing. If the mesh is torn or warped, get a new one. A technician can supply the right filter for your model.

Conclusion

Here is the truth. Cleaning the dishwasher filter is the most effective maintenance task you will ever do for this machine. Five minutes a month. That is all it takes. No smells. No pump failures. Just properly clean dishes, cycle after cycle.

If filter cleaning doesn't solve your dishwasher's issues, or if you'd like a professional to run a full service on the machine, National Appliance Repairs is here to help. We service all major dishwasher brands across Australia -- call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation.

How to Clean a Dishwasher

by Marsh | Jun 2, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Your dishwasher cleans your dishes every day. When did you last return the favour?

Most Australian households run their machine several times a week. But they never think about maintaining it. That catches up with you. Food particles pile up. Grease hardens. Hard water leaves its mark. Soap scum settles in. Spray arms clog. The filter turns into a science experiment. Bacteria and mould start growing. Next thing you know, your dishes come out dirty, your machine smells bad, and you have a fault that was totally preventable.

According to CHOICE Australia, most dishwasher problems start with a dirty filter. And the mould or bacteria that build up inside, in addition to being unpleasant, are genuine hygiene issues and potential health hazards. Regular cleaning keeps the machine running smoothly. It also genuinely extends its life. Worth the ten minutes.

National Appliance Repairs does dishwasher repairs across all major Australian cities. Truth is, many of the calls we get could have been avoided with routine maintenance. So here is how to do it properly.

How Often Should You Clean a Dishwasher?

• Filter: Inspect weekly, clean monthly (or as needed)
• Interior drum cycle (vinegar or commercial cleaner): Monthly
• Door seal and edges: Monthly
• Spray arms: Every three months
• Exterior: As needed

If your dishwasher is used heavily -- in a busy family home, a rental property, or a commercial setting -- increase the filter cleaning frequency to every two weeks.

What You'll Need

• White vinegar (1--2 cups)
• Bicarbonate of soda (half a cup)
• Dish soap
• An old toothbrush or soft-bristled scrubbing brush
• Microfibre cloths
• A toothpick (for clearing spray arm holes)
• Rubber gloves

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher

Step 1: Clean the Filter

Pull out the bottom rack. Look at the floor of the dishwasher. That cylinder? That's the filter. Most twist anticlockwise and lift out. Check your manual if it resists.

What you'll find inside: old food, grease film, sometimes black mould. Rinse it under hot water. Then fill a bowl with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Soak it for five minutes. Scrub the mesh parts with an old toothbrush. Rinse again. Set it somewhere to dry.

Step 2: Clear the Spray Arms

Those little holes in the spray arms collect gunk over time. Remove the arms--they usually click off or unscrew by hand. Hold each arm under the tap. Poke a toothpick through every blocked hole you see.

If the holes are crusted with white scale, soak the whole arm in white vinegar for 15 minutes first. Then poke, rinse, and click them back in.

Step 3: Wipe the Door Seal and Edges

Run your finger along that black rubber strip around the door. Feels gritty? That is moisture, old food, and sometimes mould hiding in the folds. Grab a damp microfibre cloth and wipe every inch of that seal. Got dark spots? Dip the cloth in undiluted white vinegar and scrub them out.

While you are at it, wipe the door edges and the control panel. Grease splatter lands there more often than you realise.

Step 4: Clean the Interior with Vinegar

Put the racks back in. Leave the dishwasher empty. Set a heatproof cup or bowl with 1–2 cups of white vinegar upright on the top rack. No detergent. Run the hottest cycle your machine has got.

Vinegar cuts grease and dissolves mineral buildup. But here is the catch. Only do this once a month. Vinegar wears down rubber seals over time. Need to freshen things up weekly? Buy a dishwasher cleaning tablet instead. Much gentler on the machine.

Step 5: Deodorise with Baking Soda

When the vinegar cycle finishes, skip the detergent. Sprinkle half a cup of bicarbonate of soda across the dishwasher floor. Run a short hot cycle. The bicarb kills any leftover smells and gives the inside a mild scrub.

One rule: never put vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle. They react and neutralise each other. Separate cycles only.

Step 6: Replace the Clean Filter

Once everything has air-dried for a few minutes, put the clean filter back in. Replace the bottom rack. Then leave the dishwasher door slightly open--just a crack. That last step stops mould from coming back.

Dishwasher Cleaning Schedule

Common Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning (Or a Repair)

Regular cleaning stops most problems before they start. But if you notice any of the following, your dishwasher needs attention now.

• Cloudy, greasy, or still-dirty dishes. That usually means a blocked filter or spray arm.
• A bad smell coming from inside. Food trapped in the filter. Or mould hiding in the door seal.
• Visible mould around the seal or inside the drum.
• White film or mineral deposits on the walls. That's hard water scale--common in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth.
• Water pooling at the bottom after a cycle finishes. Could be a drain issue. Could be a blocked filter.

If cleaning doesn't fix dirty dishes, standing water, or strange noises during a cycle, you're probably looking at a mechanical fault. In that case, you’ll need to have it looked at professionally.

Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Cleaner for Longer

• Scrape (but don't necessarily rinse) dishes before loading -- food particles are the primary source of filter blockages and bad smells
• Use the correct type and amount of dishwasher detergent for your water hardness -- excess detergent leaves residue
• Run the dishwasher on hot cycles regularly, especially if you normally use an eco or low-temperature setting
• If you have hard water, use dishwasher salt (if your model has a salt reservoir) to prevent mineral scale build-up -- this is particularly relevant in cities like Adelaide, which has notoriously hard water
• Leave the door ajar between uses where practical; this prevents moisture from sitting stagnant inside

FAQ

Why does my dishwasher smell even though I use it every day?

Using it every day actually makes the smell worse if you never clean the filter. Think about it. Every cycle dumps more food residue into that filter. That residue rots. Bacteria love it. Pull the filter out. It will probably look disgusting. Clean it. Then run a vinegar cycle. Smell will be gone.

Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

Please don't. Bleach is terrible for stainless steel--it corrodes the metal over time. It also chews up rubber seals. You want a leaking dishwasher? Because that's how you get one. Stick with vinegar and baking soda. They are safer and they actually work.

How do I deal with hard water stains inside my dishwasher?

White vinegar does the job on light scale. Pour it in a cup, run a hot cycle. But if your dishwasher looks like a limestone cave, vinegar alone won't cut it. Get a commercial descaler. Use it every three to six months. And for the love of clean dishes, use dishwasher salt regularly. That stops new scale from forming.

Is it worth cleaning a dishwasher that's already several years old?

Absolutely. A clean old dishwasher runs better than a dirty new one. The seals last longer. The pump lasts longer. The spray arms actually spin instead of just dribbling water. Cleaning costs you maybe ten minutes. Replacing a pump costs you a few hundred dollars.

My dishwasher isn't draining after I cleaned the filter. What's wrong?

Stop cleaning. You have done what you can. If the filter is spotless and water is still sitting at the bottom, the problem is somewhere else. Could be a blockage in the drain hose. Could be the drain pump died. Either way, you cannot fix it with a toothbrush or a bottle of vinegar. Call someone who does this for a living.

Conclusion

The secret to a well-performing dishwasher is literally just spending 30 minutes cleaning it every month. Do the steps above consistently, and you’ll be able to catch most issues before they even start.

If your machine has developed a fault that cleaning hasn't resolved -- dishes coming out dirty, water not draining, or error codes appearing -- National Appliance Repairs is ready to help. Our qualified technicians service all major brands across Australia. Call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation.