Dishwasher Descaling

The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen and, like any other appliance, requires regular maintenance to perform optimally. Limescale can reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher, resulting in less clean dishes and a shorter lifespan for the appliance. In this article, we explain why and how to descale your dishwasher.

Why You Should Descale Your Dishwasher

Benefits of Regular Descaling

• Improved Performance :
  Limescale can clog your dishwasher’s spray arms and filters, resulting in less effective cleaning. Regular descaling ensures that your dishwasher continues to work optimally.
• Longer Lifespan :
  Limescale can cause corrosion and damage to internal components. Regular descaling can extend the life of your dishwasher.
• Energy efficiency :
  A dishwasher without limescale heats water more efficiently, which can contribute to lower energy costs.
• More hygienic :
  Limescale can harbour bacteria and mould. Descaling your dishwasher keeps it more hygienic and prevents unpleasant odours.

How Often Should You Descale Your Dishwasher?

The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of the water in your area. In areas with hard water, it is recommended to descale your dishwasher monthly. In areas with softer water, you can do this every three to six months.

Descaling Your Dishwasher

You can descale your dishwasher with vinegar, but just as well with a sliced ​​lemon, citric acid, baking soda and official descalers from manufacturers.

Supplies

• Dishwasher descaler (available at most supermarkets and online stores)
• Vinegar or citric acid (as natural alternatives)
• A soft cloth or sponge
• An old toothbrush

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Empty the Dishwasher : Remove all dishes from the dishwasher. It is important to have the dishwasher empty to ensure that the descaler can reach all parts.
   
   
2. Clean the Filters and Spray Arms :
   • Remove the lower spray arm by unclicking or unscrewing it, depending on the model.
   • Rinse the spray arms under running water and use a toothbrush or skewer to remove any blockages.
   • Clean the filters thoroughly under running water. You can easily unscrew them from your dishwasher. If necessary, use a soft brush to remove dirt.
3. Put all the parts back together.
4. Add the Descaler :
   • Follow the instructions on the dishwasher descaler packaging. Place the recommended amount of descaler in the soap dish or spread it on the bottom of the dishwasher.
   • For natural alternatives, add a cup of vinegar or 10 tablespoons of citric acid powder to the soap dish. (As with the dishwasher tablets, you can also just throw it straight into the dishwasher for the same results.)
     
     
5. Start an Empty Cycle :
   • Close the dishwasher and start an empty wash cycle at the highest temperature. This will ensure that the descaler or your descaling agent is distributed throughout the system and dissolves all limescale.
     
     
6. Clean the Inside :
   • After the cycle is complete, open the dishwasher and wipe down the interior with a soft cloth or sponge. Pay particular attention to the edges of the door and the rubber seals, where dirt and limescale often accumulate.
     
     
7. Check the Result :
   • Check the spray arms and filters again to make sure all limescale and dirt has been removed. If necessary, repeat the steps with a new dose of descaler or vinegar.

Tips for Preventive Maintenance

• Use Regular Descaler : Add a small amount of descaler to an empty cycle every month to prevent limescale build-up.
• Use Dishwasher Salt : This helps regulate water hardness and prevents limescale and deposits on your glassware (not normal salt, right!). This goes in the space with the round cap in the bottom of your appliance.
  (1.09 euros for 2KG at Jumbo at the time of writing)
• Dry the Dishwasher After Use : Leave the dishwasher door open after use to prevent moisture build-up and mold growth.

Regularly descaling your dishwasher is essential to maintaining the efficiency and lifespan of the appliance . By following the steps above, you can ensure that your dishes are always sparkling clean and your dishwasher continues to run smoothly.