How to Clean and Maintain Your Miele Dishwasher

For those who have invested in a Miele dishwasher, you’re already accustomed to the superior craftsmanship and performance that sets this appliance apart. However, even the finest tools require proper care to maintain their excellence. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your Miele dishwasher, ensuring it continues to perform at its peak for years to come. After all, when you take care of your appliances, they take care of you.

Different Miele Dishwasher Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning the Interior of a Miele Dishwasher

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher

●    Before You Begin: Ensure the dishwasher is empty. Remove all dishes, utensils, and racks, including the cutlery tray, to give you full access to the interior.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

●    Locate the Filter: The filter assembly is at the bottom of the dishwasher. Carefully remove it by turning it counterclockwise.

●    Rinse the Filter: Rinse the filter under warm running water to remove any food particles and debris. Use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn residue gently.

●    Reassemble the Filter: After cleaning, place the filter back into its housing and secure it by turning it clockwise.

Step 3: Clean the Cutlery Tray

●    Remove the Cutlery Tray: Remove the cutlery tray and any detachable components.

●    Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the tray under warm running water. Use a soft brush or sponge with mild dish soap for any stuck-on food or grease.

●    Dry and Reinsert: Wipe the tray dry with a clean towel and reinsert it into the dishwasher.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Door Seal

●    Inspect the Seal: The rubber seal around the door edge can accumulate grime and food particles. Gently wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge.

●    Use a Mild Cleaner: If necessary, use a mild dish soap or a natural cleaner like white vinegar diluted with water to clean the seal thoroughly.

Step 5: Clean the Spray Arms

●    Remove the Spray Arms: Depending on your model, you can remove the spray arms by unscrewing or gently pulling them out of their fittings.

●    Rinse and Unclog: Rinse the spray arms under warm water, and use a toothpick or small brush to clear any blockages from the nozzles.

●    Reinstall the Spray Arms: Once clean, reattach the spray arms to their original positions, ensuring they are securely fastened.

Step 6: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

●    Open the Dispenser: The detergent dispenser can accumulate detergent residue over time. Open it and inspect for any buildup.

●    Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any residue. For stubborn buildup, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap can be used.

●    Rinse and Dry: Rinse the dispenser with clean water, then dry it thoroughly before closing.

Step 7: Wipe Down the Interior Walls

●    Use a Damp Cloth: Wipe down the interior walls of the dishwasher with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any residue or buildup.

●    Target Hard-to-Reach Areas: Pay special attention to corners and crevices where grime can accumulate. A paste made from baking soda and water can be applied and gently scrubbed for stubborn spots.

Step 8: Run a Cleaning Cycle

●    Select a Cleaning Solution: Place a Miele UltraTab, Miele IntenseClean, or a natural cleaner like white vinegar in the detergent dispenser.

●    Run a Hot Water Cycle: Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle to thoroughly clean the interior and remove any lingering odors or residues.

Step 9: Final Rinse and Dry

●    Inspect the Interior: After the cleaning cycle, open the dishwasher and check for any remaining residue. Wipe away any moisture with a dry cloth.

Leave the Door Ajar: Allow the dishwasher to air out by leaving the door slightly open, preventing any moisture buildup that could lead to odors.

Cleaning the Exterior of a Miele Dishwasher

1. Gather Supplies: Microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, vinegar or stainless steel cleaner, and warm water.

2. Clean Control Panel: Power off, wipe with soapy cloth, dry.

3. Wipe Door Exterior: Use soapy water, focusing on handle and edges. For stainless steel, follow the grain with vinegar or cleaner.

4. Polish (Optional): Buff with stainless steel polish.

5. Clean Vent: Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry.

6. Final Check: Inspect for streaks, and wipe dry.

Descaling Your Miele Dishwasher

Regular descaling is essential to keep your Miele dishwasher running efficiently, especially in areas with hard water. Follow these steps to descale your appliance:

Step 1: Choose a Descaling Agent

●    Miele IntenseClean: Specifically formulated for Miele dishwashers.

●    Citric Acid: A natural alternative available in most grocery stores.

Step 2: Empty the Dishwasher

Step 3: Add the Descaling Agent

●    Miele IntenseClean: Pour the contents of one packet into the detergent dispenser.

●    Citric Acid: Add 1-2 tablespoons to the detergent dispenser.

Step 4: Run a Descaling Cycle

●    Select the hottest cycle: Run the dishwasher on its hottest setting to allow the descaling agent to effectively break down limescale and mineral buildup.

Step 5: Rinse

●    Run a second cycle: After descaling, run an empty cycle with no detergent to ensure all residue is rinsed.

Step 6: Final Wipe

●    Inspect and wipe down: Check the interior for any remaining residue and wipe it down with a clean cloth.

Step 7: Regular Maintenance

Cleaning the Exterior of a Miele Dishwasher

1. Gather Supplies: Microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, vinegar or stainless steel cleaner, and warm water.

2. Clean Control Panel: Power off, wipe with soapy cloth, dry.

3. Wipe Door Exterior: Use soapy water, focusing on handle and edges. For stainless steel, follow the grain with vinegar or cleaner.

4. Polish (Optional): Buff with stainless steel polish.

5. Clean Vent: Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry.

6. Final Check: Inspect for streaks, and wipe dry.

Descaling Your Miele Dishwasher

Regular descaling is essential to keep your Miele dishwasher running efficiently, especially in areas with hard water. Follow these steps to descale your appliance:

Step 1: Choose a Descaling Agent

●    Miele IntenseClean: Specifically formulated for Miele dishwashers.

●    Citric Acid: A natural alternative available in most grocery stores.

Step 2: Empty the Dishwasher

Step 3: Add the Descaling Agent

●    Miele IntenseClean: Pour the contents of one packet into the detergent dispenser.

●    Citric Acid: Add 1-2 tablespoons to the detergent dispenser.

Step 4: Run a Descaling Cycle

●    Select the hottest cycle: Run the dishwasher on its hottest setting to allow the descaling agent to effectively break down limescale and mineral buildup.

Step 5: Rinse

●    Run a second cycle: After descaling, run an empty cycle with no detergent to ensure all residue is rinsed.

Step 6: Final Wipe

●    Repeat every 1-3 months: Descale your dishwasher regularly depending on water hardness.

Maintaining Rinse Aid and Salt Reservoirs

Benefits of Regular Maintenance:

●    Prevents Limescale Buildup: Regularly replenishing rinse aid and salt helps prevent limescale from forming on dishes and the dishwasher’s internal components.

●    Optimizes Performance: Ensures your dishwasher runs efficiently, reducing the need for repairs.

●    Spotless Dishes: Maintains the sparkling clean finish on your glassware and dishes by enhancing the drying process and preventing water spots.

How to Maintain Rinse Aid and Salt Reservoirs Effectively:

·  Check Levels Regularly:

●    Rinse Aid: Check the indicator on the control panel. Refill when low.

●    Salt Reservoir: Check monthly, especially in hard water areas.

·  Refill Rinse Aid:

●    Open the dispenser inside the door.

●    Pour in rinse aid until full. Avoid overfilling.

·  Refill Salt Reservoir:

●    Located at the bottom, beneath the lower rack.

●    Use only dishwasher salt. Fill until full.

·  Run a Short Cycle:

●    After refilling, run a short cycle without dishes to distribute the rinse aid and salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my Miele dishwasher?

Clean the filter and wipe down the interior monthly; deep clean and descale every 1-3 months.

Why is descaling important for a dishwasher?

Descaling prevents limescale buildup, which can impair performance and reduce the lifespan of your dishwasher.

How do I troubleshoot common dishwasher issues?

Check for clogs in the filter or spray arms, ensure the drain isn’t blocked, and ensure the door seals properly.

Should I empty the dishwasher salt reservoir if not in use?

No, the salt reservoir should remain filled to prevent limescale buildup, even if the dishwasher is not used regularly.

Is it necessary to use Miele brand cleaning products for the dishwasher?

While not mandatory, Miele products are specifically formulated for optimal performance with their dishwashers.