How Often Should An LA Homeowner Clean Their Dishwasher

How Often Should An LA Homeowner Clean Their Dishwasher 

Living in a vibrant city like Los Angeles comes with its fair share of perks—sunny days, coastal breezes, and an incredible variety of food. Whether you're prepping meals for family in the Valley, entertaining guests in West LA, or running a busy household in Pasadena, your dishwasher works overtime. While it's one of the most convenient appliances in any kitchen, many homeowners assume that their dishwasher is self-cleaning. Unfortunately, that’s a myth—and one that can cost you in performance, longevity, and hygiene. So, how often should an LA homeowner clean their dishwasher? The answer depends on how frequently you use it and how hard your local water is. In this guide, we’ll break down the signs your dishwasher needs cleaning, how often you should be doing it, and how to keep it running efficiently—especially in the unique conditions of Los Angeles living.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Matters

Your dishwasher handles dirty plates, greasy pans, and everything in between. Over time, leftover food particles, soap scum, grease, and mineral deposits from hard water can build up inside. This not only affects your dishwasher’s performance, but it can also leave behind unpleasant odors, stains on your dishes, and even cause mechanical problems. In LA, where water hardness varies by region and usage can be high due to large households or frequent entertaining, routine cleaning becomes even more important. A neglected dishwasher can reduce energy efficiency, strain water use, and even shorten the life of the appliance—all of which are especially concerning in a city conscious of both water conservation and high utility bills.

How Often Should You Clean It?

Let’s break it down by parts and frequency:

1. Daily (or After Every Use)

At the end of each cycle, check the dishwasher's filter and drain area. Clear out any visible food particles or debris that may have been caught during the wash. This prevents clogging and reduces the chance of foul odors. In high-use households—especially in busy LA kitchens where cooking is frequent—this should become part of your regular kitchen routine.

2. Weekly

Once a week, take a few minutes to wipe down the door edges, the rubber gasket, and the detergent dispenser. These areas often collect soap scum, grime, and mold, especially in LA neighborhoods near the coast where humidity levels are higher. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner or vinegar solution for best results.

3. Monthly

Once a month, deep clean your dishwasher by running a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaning solution or with white vinegar. Simply place a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. This will help dissolve grease and remove hard water deposits common in LA's municipal water supply.

4. Every 2 to 3 Months

Remove and clean the filter manually. In most dishwashers, the filter is located at the bottom and can be easily twisted out. Rinse it under warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush. Neglecting the filter is one of the top reasons for poor cleaning results and bad smells in dishwashers.

5. Every 6 Months

Inspect and clean the spray arms. These can get clogged with food or mineral buildup, which affects water distribution and cleaning efficiency. Remove the arms (check your dishwasher manual for instructions) and use a toothpick or small brush to clear out any blockages.

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning

Even if you’re not on a regular cleaning schedule, your dishwasher will usually let you know when it’s time to give it some attention. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Dishes aren’t coming out clean: If your dishes look cloudy, greasy, or still dirty after a cycle, buildup inside the machine may be to blame.

• Bad smells: A musty or sour odor is a sign of trapped food particles, mold, or mildew.

• Standing water: If water is pooling in the bottom of your dishwasher, your filter or drain is likely clogged.

• Visible gunk or slime: If you notice residue around the door, filter, or spray arms, it’s definitely time for a deep clean.

• Increased noise during cycles: This could indicate a blockage or buildup affecting the motor or spray system.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues regularly despite light cleaning, it may also be time to consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model that better suits your household needs.

Hard Water in LA: An Extra Reason to Clean

One of the lesser-known challenges for Los Angeles homeowners is the impact of hard water on appliances. Depending on your location—be it the Westside, the Valley, or the South Bay—your water may contain a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can leave behind white, chalky residue inside your dishwasher and on your glassware.

To combat hard water buildup:

• Use a dishwasher cleaner designed to break down mineral deposits.

• Consider installing a water softener or using a dishwasher additive if your home has particularly hard water.

• Clean more frequently if you notice white spots or scaling on dishes or the inside of your dishwasher.

Keeping Your Dishwasher Running Like New

Just like your car needs oil changes, your dishwasher needs maintenance. By following a simple cleaning schedule and staying aware of warning signs, you can prolong the life of your dishwasher, improve your dish-cleaning results, and avoid costly repairs or replacements. For LA residents, regular maintenance is especially important due to heavy usage and the variable quality of local tap water. Whether you’re a daily dishwasher user or just run it a few times a week, these simple steps can keep your appliance running like new.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Even with regular care, every dishwasher has a lifespan. If your dishwasher is over 10 years old, has mechanical issues, or just isn’t getting the job done anymore, it may be time for an upgrade. Modern dishwashers offer quieter operation, improved energy efficiency, and smart features that make life easier—especially for busy LA families. Newer models also have better filtration systems, advanced spray patterns, and cycle options for every dishwashing need. Many even have sensors that adjust water usage based on load size—an eco-friendly perk that’s perfect for environmentally conscious California homeowners.

Come to Waadt Appliance Today for Our Selection of Dishwashers in Los Angeles, California

If you're in the market for a new dishwasher or want expert advice on maintaining your current one, visit Waadt Appliance in Los Angeles today. Our experienced team will help you find the perfect model to match your lifestyle, home size, and energy-saving goals.

We offer top brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, LG, and GE—each with a variety of options designed for LA’s diverse home styles and busy urban living. From whisper-quiet dishwashers to models built for heavy-duty cleaning, we’ve got something for every homeowner.

Stop by our Van Nuys showroom to explore your options, ask questions, and get hands-on with the best dishwashers available. Let Waadt Appliance help keep your kitchen running smoothly for years to come.