Guests in Jeffreys Bay holiday rentals expect a working dishwasher, and a clean one. A monthly deep clean during the season, and a quick check between bookings, prevents most of the blocked drains, bad smells and dirty dishes that lead to callouts. Here is exactly how to do it.
Remove and wash the filter, clear the spray arm holes, wipe the door seal and edges, clean the sump area, check the drain hose isn't kinked, then run a hot empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner. Between guests, a two-minute filter rinse and seal wipe is enough. Do a full deep clean monthly in season.
Why rental dishwashers need extra care
A J-Bay holiday rental dishwasher sees a lot in peak season: braai trays, seafood shells, sticky pots, sandy beach cups and plenty of wine glasses. Guests rarely clean the filter, and they sometimes use the wrong detergent. Debris builds up fast, and in a warm summer kitchen, food left in the filter starts to smell within days.
A regular cleaning routine keeps the machine working, keeps it smelling fresh and protects the drain pump from damage.
What you need
- Rubber gloves
- An old toothbrush
- Toothpicks
- A soft cloth and warm soapy water
- A packet of dishwasher cleaner, or white vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda (optional)
- A small cup or sponge for removing standing water
Step 1: Empty and check
Remove both racks and the cutlery basket. Look in the bottom of the tub for broken glass, bones, shells, labels or other debris and remove them carefully with gloves on.
Step 2: Clean the filter
The filter sits at the bottom of the tub, usually under the lower spray arm.
1. Twist the cylindrical filter anticlockwise and lift it out, along with any flat mesh plate. 2. Rinse under warm running water. 3. Scrub with the toothbrush and a little dish soap to remove grease and trapped debris. 4. Check the mesh for tears. A torn filter lets debris through to the pump and should be replaced.
Step 3: Clean the sump
With the filter out, look into the opening it sat in. This is the sump, leading to the drain pump. Remove any visible debris carefully. If there is standing water, soak it up with a sponge or cup. Do not push anything further in.
Step 4: Clean the spray arms
1. Lift off the lower spray arm. The upper arm usually unclips or unscrews from under the upper rack. 2. Rinse them and hold them up to the light. 3. Clear blocked holes with a toothpick. 4. Shake them to dislodge anything inside, and rinse again. 5. Refit and spin them by hand to make sure they turn freely.
Step 5: Wipe the door seal and edges
Food and grease collect on the rubber seal around the tub and along the bottom edge of the door, which the wash water does not reach well. Wipe them with a cloth and warm soapy water. Use the toothbrush in corners and on the door hinges.
Step 6: Clean the detergent and rinse aid compartments
Wipe out any caked detergent. Check that the detergent flap opens and closes freely.
Step 7: Check the drain hose
Under the sink, check that the drain hose is not kinked, crushed or blocked. If it connects to a sink waste spigot, check that the spigot is not blocked, especially after a new sink waste has been fitted.
Step 8: Run a hot cleaning cycle
Refit the filter and racks. Place dishwasher cleaner in the machine according to its instructions, or put a cup of white vinegar upright in the top rack, and run the hottest programme empty. For extra freshness, sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda in the bottom and run a short hot rinse afterwards.
Between-guest routine
This takes two minutes:
- Remove and rinse the filter.
- Wipe the door seal and bottom door edge.
- Check for broken glass or debris in the tub.
- Make sure there are enough dishwasher tablets, and no dishwashing liquid next to the machine.
- Leave the door slightly open to dry.
Signs you need a technician
- Water stays in the bottom after a cycle, even with a clean filter
- The machine hums but does not drain
- Spray arms do not spin
- Water does not heat
- Leaks onto the floor
- Persistent error codes
We repair dishwashers in Jeffreys Bay homes and rentals, including peak-season callouts.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I deep clean my rental's dishwasher?
Monthly during the busy season, and every two or three months when the house is quiet. Rinse the filter between guests.
Is vinegar safe for dishwashers?
Occasional use of white vinegar for a cleaning cycle is commonly done. Do not mix it with bleach, and follow your manufacturer's guidance on cleaning products.
Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten food?
Food trapped in the filter, sump or door seal. Cleaning those and running a hot cleaning cycle usually fixes it.
Apex HVAC is an independent company and is not affiliated with or authorised by any appliance manufacturer. This guide is general advice. For anything involving electricity or refrigerant gas, use a qualified technician.
Need a hand? See our dishwasher repair service in Jeffreys Bay.