The short version
The keys are the filter and the spray arms: clean them by hand first, then run a hot programme with a machine cleaner against grease and limescale. Set salt and rinse aid right and the dishes shine.
A dishwasher gathers grease, food scraps and limescale in places you rarely see. That is exactly where the typical smell and the grey film on glasses come from. With a little routine it is fixed quickly and stays away.
How it gets clean again
Remove the filter
Unscrew the filter at the bottom, rinse it under hot water and loosen food scraps with a brush.
Check the spray arms
Take off or flush the spray arms, clear blocked nozzles with a toothpick.
Door rim and seal
Wipe the lower door rim and the seal, greasy dirt the programme never reaches gathers here.
Hot programme with cleaner
Run the empty machine with a dishwasher cleaner on the hottest programme, that dissolves grease and limescale inside.
Salt & rinse aid
Top up the salt and rinse aid and set the water hardness correctly, that prevents streaks.
Against the smell
Leave the machine ajar after washing so residual moisture dries. A cleaning programme once a month is usually enough.
What helps
What to look for:
- A dishwasher cleaner for the hot programme
- Salt and rinse aid to match the water hardness
- A brush for the filter and spray arms
Frequently asked
Why do my glasses go cloudy despite the dishwasher?
Can I clean the dishwasher with home remedies?
How often should I clean it?
Appliances that are fresh again
From the dishwasher to the oven: clean, descaled, long-lasting.
Links marked „Ad” are affiliate links. If you buy through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are made independently.