A dishwasher that is never cleaned eventually stops cleaning dishes. In Prince William County’s moderately hard water, mineral deposits, food residue, and mold build up faster than most homeowners realize. At All Year Appliance & HVAC Services, we see the same preventable problems every week in Woodbridge, Dumfries, Lake Ridge, and Montclair homes.
Follow this exact monthly routine our technicians recommend—it takes only 20–30 minutes and keeps every brand (Bosch, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, KitchenAid, LG) performing at its best for years.
1. Remove and Clean the Filter (Every 4 Weeks)
Every modern dishwasher has a cylindrical or flat filter at the bottom.
- Turn off and pull out the lower rack.
- Twist or unclip the filter assembly (check your manual—location varies slightly by brand).
- Rinse under hot water and scrub gently with a soft brush to remove grease and debris.
- Look inside the hole where the filter sits—remove any glass shards or large particles with needle-nose pliers.
Skipping this step is the #1 reason for poor washing and bad odors.
2. Clean the Spray Arms (Every 2–3 Months)
Clogged spray-arm holes cause weak water pressure and dirty dishes.
- Remove both upper and lower spray arms (they usually just pull or twist off).
- Flush each hole with running water or use a toothpick to clear blockages.
- Check that the arms spin freely when reinstalled.
3. Wipe the Door Seals and Edges (Weekly)
Food and mold hide in the rubber gasket folds, especially at the bottom of the door.
- Use a damp cloth with a few drops of dish soap.
- For stubborn black spots, use a soft toothbrush dipped in white vinegar.
- Dry completely with a clean towel to prevent new mold growth.
4. Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle (Monthly)
- Remove all dishes and racks if possible.
- Place a dishwasher-safe cup with 1 cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack → run the hottest, longest cycle.
- After it finishes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom and run a short hot cycle again. This removes grease, lime scale from our local water, and lingering odors.
5. Clean the Exterior and Control Panel
Fingerprints and kitchen grease make stainless and black finishes look dull.
- Use warm water with a drop of dish soap on a microfiber cloth.
- For stainless steel, finish with a dry microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or pads.
6. Check and Clean the Drain Area
- Inspect the drain sump at the very bottom for standing water or debris.
- Remove and clean the small drain cover if your model has one.
- Pour ½ gallon of hot water down the drain to flush the hose.
Northern Virginia Bonus Tip
Our water hardness (around 140 ppm) leaves white lime spots on glassware and inside the tub. Running the monthly vinegar cycle and always using rinse aid (fill the dispenser completely) prevents 90 % of hard-water complaints.
Do these simple steps regularly and your dishwasher will:
- Wash and dry dishes better
- Use less detergent and electricity
- Stay odor-free
- Avoid 80 % of the repair calls we receive
Need help with a leaking, noisy, or not-draining dishwasher? Contact All Year Appliance & HVAC Services at 703-955-4135. We serve Woodbridge, Dumfries, Montclair, Lake Ridge, and all Northern Virginia 24 hours a day.
All Year Appliance & HVAC Services Your local experts for dishwasher and appliance care.