How to Clean a Maytag Dishwasher: 2025 Guide

Knowing how to clean a Maytag dishwasher is essential for your appliance's performance and longevity. A well-kept dishwasher means clean dishes, prevents unpleasant smells, and avoids potential blockages. Let's dive into a detailed guide on how to clean a Maytag dishwasher for consistent, efficient results.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Cleaning your Maytag dishwasher effectively will help its performance, appearance and longevity.
- Follow our expert tips for cleaning the inside and outside of your Maytag dishwasher.
- Have your Maytag dishwasher professionally cleaned and maintained by Sears Home Services to keep it in top shape and lasting longer.
Why Regular Cleaning of Your Maytag Dishwasher Is a Must
Periodic maintenance of your Maytag dishwasher guarantees its optimal operation and prolongs its life. It stops debris from accumulating, keeping your dishwasher dishes clean and saving you from expensive repairs. Plus, a clean dishwasher enhances the appliance's performance over the years.
Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum can build up in the dishwasher's filter and other parts, causing reduced water flow and less efficient cleaning. This build-up can lead to your dishwasher not cleaning well. Regular cleaning of these components prevents clogs and maintains efficient operation.
A clean dishwasher removes tough stains, grime, and food residues, ensuring your dishes come out spotless after each cycle. It also helps to eliminate unpleasant odors that may develop due to trapped food particles. By learning how to clean a Maytag dishwasher filter and other components, you can extend its lifespan and save money in the long run.
How to Clean a Maytag Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide will teach you how to clean a Maytag dishwasher, ensuring optimal operation and sparkling clean dishes.
Cleaning the Maytag Dishwasher Filter
The dishwasher filter traps food particles and debris, preventing drain clogs. Learning how to clean a Maytag dishwasher filter is simple. Remove the lower rack and twist the filter at the bottom counterclockwise. Rinse under running water and use a soft brush for stubborn debris. Reinstall by twisting clockwise until it locks.
Cleaning Spray Arms and Nozzles
The spray arms and nozzles distribute water throughout the dishwasher. Over time, they can clog with mineral deposits and debris. Remove them by twisting counterclockwise, rinse under running water, and use a bamboo skewer or small brush to remove deposits and clogs in spray arm holes. Reinstall by twisting clockwise until they lock.
Cleaning the Interior and Door Seal
Residue and grime can accumulate in the dishwasher's interior and on the door seal. Use a damp cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to wipe down the interior. For the door seal, use a mild detergent or vinegar solution. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
Helpful Tips for Effective Maytag Dishwasher Cleaning
Here are some practical tips for effective cleaning of your Maytag dishwasher.
Deep Clean the Dishwasher
Vinegar and baking soda are excellent natural cleaners for deep cleaning your dishwasher. After removing large food debris, place a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the upper rack and run a hot water cycle. Then, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom and run another hot water cycle. This process removes built-up residue and freshens your dishwasher.
You can also deep clean your Maytag dishwasher by using a dishwasher cleaner such as Affresh. View this brief video to see how Affresh dishwasher cleaner works:
Use Affresh dishwasher cleaner monthly to help keep your Maytag dishwasher smelling fresh and cleaning efficiently.
Schedule Yearly Professional Maintenance and Cleaning
Nothing beats the thoroughness of professional dishwasher cleaning. Schedule yearly maintenance service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to clean and maintain your Maytag dishwasher.
Our experienced technician know Maytag dishwashers inside and out. We’ll clean the dishwasher and check all components and systems for potential problems. Our technician will advise you of any issues and recommend remedies for any problems.
Trust Sears Home Services to help you keep your Maytag dishwasher in top shape year round.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage your dishwasher's interior. Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners specifically formulated for dishwashers to ensure its longevity.
For the exterior and control panel, use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with mild dish soap and warm water. Be careful not to get water inside the control panel. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.
If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, polish the door using stainless steel cleaner recommended by Maytag in the owner’s manual.
Remember, knowing how to clean a Maytag dishwasher and performing regular maintenance are key to your dishwasher's performance, appearance and longevity.
Having problems with a different Maytag appliance? Our experts are skilled at repairing refrigerators, dryers, washers, ranges, ovens, and more! Schedule Maytag repair near you with our local experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.
The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.