Built-in dishwasher with the door open and racks pulled out
Generic photo: Castorly Stock · Pexels License

Dishwasher routine service: filters, spray arms, cleaning cycle and descale

Most current dishwashers have manual-clean filters. Whirlpool says to clean them about monthly (every two weeks with daily use), and Bosch says at least every two weeks. Bosch also says to clean spray arms at least every six months and run a cleaning or machine-care program at least every two months. In hard water, descale with the maker's product or citric-acid descaler and check the softener salt on models that have one.

Cross-checked ~30 min easyBrands: Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Bosch, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire

Before you start

  • Turn the dishwasher off before reaching into the sump; the chopper or pump area can have sharp glass
  • No wire brushes or scouring pads on filters; Whirlpool says they damage the mesh
  • Never run the dishwasher without the filters installed

Diagnostic steps

Unlock all 6 steps with expected values

Full library + AI assistant + the OnCall Tech app for iPhone & Android. $34.90, one time.

Get lifetime access

OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

More dishwashers guides

Guide · Dishwasher

Whirlpool family dishwashers: reading Clean-light flash codes, F#E# displays and the diagnostic cycle

Models with a display show the code as F#E#. Lights-only models blink one LED in two groups: the first group is the F (function) number, a short pause, then the E (error) number, then a long pause before it repeats. A diagnostic cycle on many of these controls is entered by pressing any three keys in a 1-2-3 order three times quickly, which lights all indicators and lets you run the cycle to watch each function.

8 steps ~20 mineasy
Guide · Dishwasher

GE appliances: reading and recalling fault codes on dishwashers and laundry

GE dishwashers with electronic controls show codes on the display (C1, H2O, PF and similar) or flash the Start/Reset light in counted groups on LED-only models. GE itself splits codes into ones the user can clear (delay, detergent cup, power failure, kinked hose) and ones that need service. GE laundry generations differ a lot: older top-loaders flash LEDs, front-loaders keep a stored-code list inside a test mode. Entry sequences vary between GE models and the sources disagree, so take them only from the model's tech sheet.

7 steps ~20 mineasy
Guide · Dishwasher

Frigidaire / Electrolux: diagnostic mode, last-fault recall and relay-test codes that are not faults

Newer Frigidaire/Electrolux dishwashers show i-codes (i10, i20, i50 and similar) and two-letter codes; during the relay test inside diagnostic mode they also show short codes that only confirm the test is running and are not faults. Front-load washers keep a last-code readout you reach with a button pair or knob position. Refrigerators lose the fault code when the plug is pulled. Entry sequences differ by model and the sources conflict, so get them from the service data sheet on the unit.

6 steps ~20 mineasy
Dishwasher routine service: filters, spray arms, cleaning cycle and descale · OnCall Tech