Overview

• Latest advice from German outlets stresses routine care: clean the filter regularly, flush spray arms, wipe seals, and run an occasional high‑temperature cycle or machine cleaner.
• Correct loading is key, with large pots and plates on the lower rack, light plastics up top, no blocked spray arms, and no nested cutlery that shields surfaces from water.
• Match detergent type and dose to local water hardness, keep rinse aid and dishwasher salt topped up, and choose programs suited to soil level rather than defaulting to one cycle.
• Heavily burned‑on residues or dried starches such as rice and potatoes often need pre‑treatment because a dishwasher is not a high‑pressure cleaner.
• Not all materials belong in a dishwasher, as items like wood, aluminum, and delicate crystal are prone to damage or poor results; some guides also note vinegar or baking soda can help with odor and buildup.