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Table of Contents

Tip 1: Clean the Filters

Tip 2: Clear Debris and Deposits from the Spray Arm

Tip 3: Use a Dishwasher Cleaner to Clean the Hotpoint Dishwasher Interior

Tip 4: Wipe Off the Control Panel

Tip 5: Clean the Exterior Door Panel

Annual Professional Maintenance

  1. Resource Center
  2. Maintain

5 Tips on How to Clean a Hotpoint Dishwasher in 2025

5 min readUpdated Jan. 29, 2025Lyle WeischwillDishwasher
5 Tips on How to Clean a Hotpoint Dishwasher in 2024

Maintaining your Hotpoint dishwasher is crucial for ensuring its peak performance and durability. Regular upkeep guarantees that your dishes are consistently spotless. If you're unsure how to properly clean your Hotpoint dishwasher, follow these five straightforward tips.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Clean the filters in your Hotpoint dishwasher every other month to keep the appliance in top shape and working efficiently.
  • Follow our additional expert tips to clean your Hotpoint dishwasher regularly so it looks good and operates smoothly.
  • Schedule annual professional maintenance by Sears Home Services to keep your Hotpoint dishwasher performing efficiently and lasting longer.

Tip 1: Clean the Filters

Regularly cleaning the filters is essential for keeping your Hotpoint dishwasher in optimal condition. The filters trap dirt and debris in the wash water circulating through the dishwasher.

There are two filters: the ultra-fine filter and the fine filter (mesh plate). The image above shows the location of the filters.

How to clean Hotpoint dishwasher filters

How to Clean the Ultra-Fine Filter in a Hotpoint Dishwasher

Follow these steps to remove and clean the ultra-fine filter in your Hotpoint dishwasher.

  1. Remove the bottom dishrack.
  2. Twist the ultra-fine filter assembly counterclockwise and lift to remove it for cleaning.
  3. Twist the filter basket in the counterclockwise direction to unlock it from the ultra-fine filter assembly as shown in the image above. You will also see directional arrows on the bottom of the filter basket to help you with disassembly. Pull the filter basket to remove it from the assembly.
  4. Discard any food particles that you find in the assembly. Rinse the parts with warm soapy water, and use a sponge to gently remove any stubborn particles.

How to Clean the Fine Filter in a Hotpoint Dishwasher

Pull the fine filter (mesh plate) out of the dishwasher. Rinse it with warm soapy water. Scouring pads or brushes can scratch the filter surface but a soft brush or sponge may be needed to remove stubborn soils or calcium deposits caused by hard water.

Once cleaned, replace the Fine Filter and the Ultra-Fine Filter.
Cleaning both filters every other month, or more frequently if performance decreases, ensures free water flow through the dishwasher, preventing clogs and enhancing the cleaning cycle's effectiveness.

Tip 2: Clear Debris and Deposits from the Spray Arm

The spray arm is vital for distributing water onto your dishes. Over time, it can get clogged with debris and hard water deposits, hampering its efficiency. Regularly clearing these obstructions is essential.

Use a bamboo skewer to gently insert into each spray arm hole and dislodge any buildup. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damage. After loosening the debris, run an empty cycle to flush out any remaining particles.

Keeping the spray arm holes clear is critical for optimal performance. Blocked holes impede water flow, leading to poor cleaning results and potential odors. Regular maintenance of the spray arm can extend your dishwasher's lifespan and prevent malfunctions.

Tip 3: Use a Dishwasher Cleaner to Clean the Hotpoint Dishwasher Interior

Using a dishwasher cleaner, like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, is highly effective for maintaining your Hotpoint dishwasher. These cleaners are specially formulated to remove tough stains, limescale, and grease.

Start with an empty dishwasher and follow the cleaner's instructions.

Here’s a quick video that shows how to use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner:

Additionally, wipe down the door seal regularly to remove deposits and residue, preventing odors and maintaining performance. Use a damp cloth or sponge for this task.

Using a dishwasher cleaner monthly is recommended to keep your Hotpoint dishwasher clean and functional. However, increase the frequency if you notice residue or odors.

Tip 4: Wipe Off the Control Panel

Don't forget to clean the control panel of your Hotpoint dishwasher. Over time, it can accumulate dirt, grime, and fingerprints, affecting its appearance and functionality.

Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the control panel, paying attention to the buttons and display. Ensure the cloth is not too wet to avoid damage. After wiping, use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry the surface, preventing water spots or streaks.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning the control panel. Regularly wiping it off maintains its look and functionality, ensuring your dishwasher stays in top condition.

Tip 5: Clean the Exterior Door Panel

The exterior door panel of your Hotpoint dishwasher can accumulate dirt, fingerprints, and smudges. Cleaning it properly keeps your dishwasher looking pristine.

First, determine your door type: painted/coated or stainless steel. For painted or coated doors, wipe with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

For stainless steel doors, use a stainless steel cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Wipe with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes. After cleaning, inspect the gasket around the door for debris and wipe it away.

To enhance shine and protection, use a stainless steel polish or non-abrasive appliance wax. This repels fingerprints and keeps your dishwasher looking clean longer.

Annual Professional Maintenance

Annual professional maintenance is essential for keeping your Hotpoint dishwasher running efficiently. Scheduling Clean & Maintain service through Sears Home Services ensures your dishwasher is thoroughly inspected and cleaned by trained technicians.

Professional maintenance helps prolong your appliance's lifespan. Technicians will remove built-up grime and debris, inspect for wear or damage, and clean all components using genuine Hotpoint parts if necessary.

This service also enhances efficiency, reducing water and energy usage and improving cleaning results. Booking an appointment is simple, either online or by calling customer service.

During the visit, technicians will clean the interior and exterior surfaces, including filters, spray arms, and drain hoses. Any required repairs will be done for an additional charge to ensure your dishwasher's longevity and reliability.

Don't wait for issues to arise. Schedule annual professional maintenance through Sears Home Services to keep your dishwasher in optimal condition and enjoy hassle-free performance for years to come.

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Glossary Terms

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

A dual fuel range combines the precision of an electric oven with the responsiveness of a gas cooktop, offering the best of both worlds for cooking enthusiasts.

A freezer bag is a specially designed plastic bag used for the cold storage of food in the freezer, offering protection against freezer burn and preserving the food's freshness and flavor over extended periods.

A furnace filter is a component installed in HVAC systems to trap and remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air, enhancing indoor air quality and protecting the furnace's inner workings.

Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.

The most common reasons your Samsung dishwasher won't turn off are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a failed drain pump.

The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is leaking are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a worn door seal.

The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher has no water are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.

The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not draining are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a defective electronic control board.

The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.