OK then.............
firstly put a proprietory dishwasher cleaner through it, (eg Finish or similar), then flush through with a hot clean with out any powder/rince agent in it. then, because the pump is not very strong (whatever the make) make sure the waste pipe is not too high, long, or kinked.
Lastly, the inherrent problem with ALL dishwashers is the drain in the bottom, keep it clean and unobstructed with food that comes off of the dishes you put in it, unless you clean out this it will be slow to empty and leave dishes dirty.
PLEASE NOTE: This advice comes from my brother, who installs white goods for a living. Good Advice from a CAR forum...............
I've done the dishwasher cleaner business, and I've cleaned out the bit at the bottom where the rubbish accumulates. However, I expect that there are some hidden areas I haven't got to yet, and there may be crap there. I think the outlet hose is OK, because I had it emptying into bucket, and it was flowing quite well.
What sort of detergent are you using J – and, forgive me, are you using the correct programme?
As SS has suggested, these may be issues that result from the lack of adequate drainage. As you've cleared the outlet pipe and the filter, the restriction may be further along the drain. In a lot of cases when dishwashers are under-used or used at low temperature cycles, fat and soap deposits accumulate in the drain restricting the diameter and causing a degree of back pressure.
Assuming your machine drains into a standard 40mm pipe and thence into the main foul water drain you may have to check this 40mm pipe for obstructions.
I was using Fairy tablets, now I'm using Morrison's Cyclon tablets. And, as we've had the machine for 12 years, I'm fairly confident I'm using the right program. Especially since I had to replace the casing for the control module last year after the program selection became somewhat random.
And when I cleared the obstruction in the outlet, I took the opportunity to clean, degrease and bleach all the undersink pipework. So I don't think it's an an outlet blockage.
Time to clean out entire machine. Not just the filters, but the sump, and the corregated pipe. Also, ensure the spray arms haven't got bits of food/plastic/general crap stuck in the holes.
Then its worth using a proper dishwasher cleaner as suggested - I use Finish, but only because its always on offer at the cash and carry, else I'd use Tescos! Occasionally, I give ours a minimal load, but use the mega hot/long wash to help keep it clean (though in my case, thats normally because assorted car parts are in there, and she gets a right monk on if I wash them with the dishes)
Think you're right - there's probably hidden crap somewhere. I don't think there's a problem with the spray arms, and there's a reasonable flow through the outlet pipe.
I may try an "intensive" wash to see if that clears it out, but I'll see what I can take apart first.
Thanks, everyone.
