Dishwasher clogged? Here's how to fix it

Is there a layer of water in the dishwasher? Chances are the dishwasher is clogged by food, broken glass or other debris. Fortunately, this is not serious and you can fix it yourself just fine. Find out how in this blog.

Steps to unclog a dishwasher

Before you start, unplug the dishwasher.

• Clean the filter

• Check pump

• Check drain hose

• How to prevent the dishwasher from clogging up

Cleaning the filter

Pull the rack out of the dishwasher.

Unlock the filter unit, located at the bottom of the dishwasher, and carefully remove it.

Disassemble the unit by first carefully unscrewing the cylindrical filter.

Carefully clean both filters under running tap water. Use a small brush to clean the filter inside and remove small debris. Do not use abrasives; they may damage the filter.

Put the unit back together and replace it in the dishwasher.

Re-tighten the filter by turning until both arrows are aligned.

Watch all steps in the video

Checking the pump

Remove the lower basket and remove the filter unit by pulling it upwards.

Remove the water bit by bit with a soft sponge.

When all the water is out, put on protective gloves to go into the pump area with your hands. Pry open the pump lid with a teaspoon.

Grasp the lid by the handle and pull it up until it meets resistance, then pull forward.

Check for any foreign objects inside the pump. Do you see something that doesn't belong there? Remove it.

Replace the pump cover and snap it securely in place.

Replace the filter. Make sure the arrows are aligned.

Replace the basket. The dishwasher is ready to use again.

Watch all steps in the video

Check drain hose

If the water in the dishwasher is not draining (properly), it could also be coming to a kinked or twisted drain hose. This can block the water flow, causing dirt to accumulate.

1. Check the drain hose for kinks or twists. Try to straighten it. Be careful, there may be hot water in it, so get a bucket ready and place one end in a bucket to allow the water to run in.

2. Once the water has drained, feel along the hose for any remaining blockages and check again for kinks. Run the ‘Pumping’ programme and check for leaks. You can also disconnect the hose and clean it with hot water, or replace it if it is very dirty.

3. Reconnect everything and test the dishwasher with the fastest cycle to see if the problem is solved.

This is how to prevent the dishwasher from clogging up

• Clean the filter and cover plate regularly. For example, once a month or every 2 weeks if you use the dishwasher frequently.

• Remove food residue before putting plates, cutlery, bowls, etc. in the dishwasher.

• Add salt and glass detergent. Not only does this ensure sparkling clean dishes, it is also good for the dishwasher. Dishwasher salt prevents limescale formation.

• Never put (liquid) unblocker in the dishwasher. Your dishwasher cannot withstand this, it will not solve the blockage and is also very environmentally unfriendly.