How to unclog a dishwasher: Expert tips

Dishwashers are one of the easiest appliances to use, but that all changes if you find yourself facing a clogged dishwasher. You've been there before: you loaded the dishwasher, popped in the detergent, pressed start, but somehow ended up with dirty dishes plus a pool of murky water at the bottom of the machine. As a premium dishwasher manufacturer, we're experts in this domain and have shared our step-by-step guide on how to tackle dishwasher blockages below, in addition to our professional point of view on the primary reasons behind clogs and how to prevent them in the future.

The culprit: why do dishwashers get clogged?

Before delving into the step-by-step process of unclogging your dishwasher, let's take a look at why build-up occurs in the first place. The number one reason that dishwashers clog is because of excessive food residue that has accumulated in the dishwasher drain. Despite dishwashers being around for about 40 years, many people still believe that dishwashers can handle food particles left on plates, dishes and pans.

The reality is that for optimum performance, dishes should be quickly rinsed off before being placed in a dishwasher. Yes, you may put unrinsed dishes directly into a dishwasher, but food particles and residue will quickly build up on the inside of the machine and in the filter, eventually finding their way into the dishwasher's drain, forming stubborn blockages. Additionally, objects like bits of paper, plastic, or glass that accidentally end up in the appliance can cause problems if not promptly removed. In the end, one can either give dishes a quick rinse in the sink before placing them in a dishwasher, or not rinse them and commit to weekly cleaning of all the dishwasher filters (which is much more elaborate and unpleasant!).

Another common cause of clogs is mineral build-up, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can deposit within the dishwasher's crevices, latching on to grime to clog the filters and drains, reducing dishwasher performance and longevity. Thankfully, avoiding these mineral build-ups is also quite easy: simply use a high-quality dishwasher detergent and a monthly deep cleaning product like Haier's 3-in-1 washing machine and dishwasher cleaner to remove limescale, dirt, and bad odours. Like they always say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

If your dishwasher is an older model, it may have more issues with clogging due to its age and lack of technological innovations to manage issues related to particle and residue build-up. Models like Haier's I-Pro Shine Series 3 have a built-in, self-cleaning triple filtering system, which reduces the time you need to dedicate to maintenance while ensuring optimised performance on a daily basis and a much longer life overall.

The step-by-step guide: how to unclog your dishwasher

Now that you fully understand the causes of dishwasher blockages, let's look at our step-by-step guide to unclogging your dishwasher effectively:

Step 1: Clear the drain

First remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher to access the drain. Check for any visible food particles or debris, clearing them out carefully. This simple step can resolve most clogs, allowing the water to drain freely again. To avoid any mishaps, it's a good idea to have a look at your dishwasher's instruction manual to understand how to remove the filters. Some filters twist out, some pull out, while others have two or three levels of filters - but most are easy to remove one you understand your dishwasher model. Empty any food particles in the filters into the bin, then give the filters a scrub with a firm brush until all residues are gone. Replace the filter.

Step 2: Vinegar to the rescue

Vinegar, a tried-and-true, eco-friendly kitchen staple, is a great ally in combating dishwasher blockages. Fill a dishwasher-safe container with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the appliance. Run a hot water cycle to let the vinegar work its magic, dissolving mineral build-up and eliminating unpleasant odours. If this doesn't do the trick, move to a deep cleaning dishwasher cleaner, like Haier's 3-in-1 washing machine and dishwasher cleaner, for extra oomph.

Step 3: Inspect the spray arm

The spray arm plays a crucial role in ensuring thorough dish cleaning. Inspect it for any blockages and ensure that the spray nozzles are free from debris. Gently dislodging any obstructions with a stiff brush or toothpick can greatly enhance the dishwasher's performance. Again, consult your dishwasher's manual to learn about your particular model.

Preventive measures: keep those clogs at bay

While knowing how to unclog a dishwasher is essential, as mentioned before, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, a bit of effort on a daily basis can help you avoid considerable future grief and expenses, as well as extend the performance and longevity of your dishwasher. Here's a review of our top tips:

• Scrape before you load: Before loading dishes, scrape off excess food and give the plates a quick rinse to minimise the likelihood of food particles finding their way into the dishwasher's drain.
• Use a high-quality detergent: Invest in a reputable dishwasher detergent. In particular, look for "all-in-one" detergents that contain rinse aid, which will help prevent residue build-up, plus it will leave your dishes extra sparkling.
• Regular maintenance: Once a month, take 15 minutes to perform some basic dishwasher maintenance. Clean the filters, making sure to give them a good scrub with washing-up liquid and hot water, however, don't forget to first consult your dishwasher manual to avoid breakage. Give the spray arm and drain hose a once over, then run a specially formulated deep cleaner in the empty dishwasher.

In conclusion, clogged dishwashers are not inevitable. We hope that our expert tips have taught you how to effectively tackle clogs should they happen, but more importantly, that you now know how easy it is to avoid them. Remember, a little maintenance and preventive care can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring hygienic and sparkling dishes and avoiding the unnecessary costs of emergency maintenance and repairs.

Thinking of buying a new dishwasher for your home? Discover our complete range of dishwashers here. don’t forget, we offer a FREE installation service by trained professionals, and we can even take away your old appliance and recycle it.