Keeping your Cove dishwasher clean isn’t just about appearance; it’s crucial to maintaining its efficiency, freshness, and longevity. Over time, food particles, grease, and mineral buildup can affect the performance of your appliance. A little regular care goes a long way in preventing issues like clogs, unpleasant odors, and even costly repairs.
In this guide, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step breakdown on how to clean your Cove dishwasher properly, including essential dishwasher maintenance tips, filter care, and recommendations on what to use to clean dishwasher components such as the drain, spray arms, and racks.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Cove Dishwasher Regularly
Ignoring routine Cove dishwasher maintenance can lead to more than just cloudy glassware. Grease, food particles, and soap residue accumulate over time, reducing performance and causing unpleasant odors.
A clean dishwasher does a better job of actually cleaning your dishes, helps prevent clogs in the filter and spray arms, and protects the drain from buildup. More importantly, it lowers the risk of breakdowns, helping you avoid costly service calls and extending the life of your Cove appliance.
How Often Should You Clean a Cove Dishwasher?
Keeping your dishwasher in good shape doesn’t take much, but staying on a regular schedule helps everything run smoothly. Here’s how often to clean different parts of your Cove dishwasher:
- Filter: Every 1–2 weeks
- Spray arms & racks: Monthly
- Deep clean: Every 1–3 months
Pro tip: Adjust your cleaning routine based on how often you run the dishwasher. Heavy use means more frequent cleanings.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before getting into the step-by-step process, gather a few basic supplies to make the job easier and more effective:
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda (optional)
- Citric acid (optional)
- Paper clip or small needle
- Old toothbrush
- Optional: Lemon wedges for a fresh scent
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Cove Dishwasher
Regular cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to keep your Cove dishwasher in great condition and help prevent common issues.
Step 1 – Clean the Exterior
Start by wiping down the stainless steel door with a soft microfiber cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Always follow the grain of the steel to avoid scratches. For the control panel, use a slightly damp cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. Never spray cleaner directly onto the panel, as it can damage sensitive components.
Step 2 – Wipe Down the Gasket and Door Edges
The rubber gasket around the door can trap moisture and food particles, potentially leading to mold or leaks. Wipe it clean using a mix of mild dish soap and warm water or a diluted vinegar solution. Don’t forget the edges of the door where grime can build up.
Step 3 – Remove and Clean the Racks
Take out the upper and lower racks and wipe them down with a damp cloth. If you notice buildup or stuck-on debris, soak the racks in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before rinsing and returning them to the dishwasher.
Step 4 – Clean the Spray Arms
Remove the spray arms and rinse them thoroughly under warm running water. Use a paper clip or small needle to clear any clogged spray holes. Avoid using toothpicks, especially wooden ones, as they can break off and cause further problems later.
Step 5 – Remove and Wash the Filter
Your filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and is easily removable with a simple twist and lift motion. Rinse it under warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush or old toothbrush. Avoid using abrasive pads or wire brushes, as they can damage the filter. Cleaning the filter regularly is one of the best ways to maintain performance and avoid the dreaded Cove dishwasher call service warning.
Deep Clean the Inside of Your Dishwasher
Even with regular upkeep, your dishwasher can benefit from a deeper clean every few months. This helps dissolve built-up grime and keeps things smelling fresh.
Using Vinegar for a Natural Clean
Pour about two cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the bottom rack. Run a hot water cycle with no detergent. This helps break down grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits that can affect the performance of your Cove appliance.
Optional: Add Baking Soda or Lemon
For an extra boost, sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and place a few lemon wedges on the top rack. Run a short hot cycle. This helps neutralize odors and leaves behind a clean, fresh scent.
Citric Acid Alternative
If you have hard water or notice limescale on the interior, citric acid is a great alternative. Add it to the detergent compartment or the bottom of the dishwasher and run a full hot cycle. It’s highly effective for removing hard water stains and restoring shine.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Cove Dishwasher in Top Shape
A few simple habits can go a long way in maintaining your Cove dishwasher in the long term. These quick tips help prevent issues, improve performance, and keep your dishwasher looking and running like new:
- Leave the door slightly open between uses to avoid moisture buildup
- Only use dishwasher-safe cleaners
- Use rinse aid regularly to improve drying and reduce spots
- Run the dishwasher hot once a week to kill bacteria and flush out residue
- Avoid overloading or placing items improperly, which can block spray arms
- Consider using a water softener if you live in a hard water area to reduce mineral deposits
When to Call a Pro for Help
Even with the best dishwasher maintenance tips, some problems need a trained technician. If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional Cove dishwasher service:
- You notice persistent odors or drainage issues
- Spray arms or filters won’t come clean despite regular care
- You see leaks around the door gasket
- Water is pooling at the bottom after cycles
Looking for experts and factory-trained professionals? Call Wilshire’s factory-trained techs for expert service and fast repairs using genuine Cove dishwasher parts!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean a Cove dishwasher filter?
Every one to two weeks, depending on how often you use your dishwasher.
Can I use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean it?
No, bleach and harsh cleaners can damage internal components—stick to mild soap, vinegar, or citric acid.
Why does my Cove dishwasher smell bad even after cleaning?
You may have a buildup in the filter, spray arms, or drain. Double-check those areas during your routine cleaning.
How do I know if my spray arms are clogged?
If your dishes aren’t getting fully clean or water isn’t spraying evenly, the spray arm holes may be blocked.
Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda together?
Yes, using both (in separate cycles) is a safe and effective way to clean and deodorize your dishwasher.
Need Help Cleaning or Fixing Your Cove Dishwasher?
If your Cove dishwasher still isn’t running like it should, or you just want it professionally cleaned or serviced, give Wilshire a call. Our factory-trained techs handle everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, so schedule your visit today. We also offer same-day service; just call us at (818) 898-9999!
