How to Disassemble and Clean Whirlpool Dishwashers

Remove the upper and lower racks from your dishwasher, along with the silverware basket. The upper spray arm will come out with the upper rack. Open the detergent dispenser and check for any undissolved detergent. Clean the dispenser with a cloth wrung out in hot water, and close it up. Remove the cap of the dishwasher salt chamber and check for any blockages. If the salt indicator is illuminated, add salt to the chamber, and wipe the area around the inlet to remove all traces of salt, before placing the cap back in position.

Check the filter screen at the base of the dishwasher, under the spray arm, for debris. Remove any you find with your fingers. Use a paper towel if you don't really want to pick it up with your bare hands. Make sure the filter is completely debris free.

Clean the base, sides, back and top of your dishwasher's interior, using dishwasher detergent. If you use powder detergent, mix some with water to make a paste, and rub it on the dishwasher's internal surfaces. If you use liquid, pour some on to a sponge, and wipe all the internal surfaces. Rinse the interior with cloths wrung out in warm clean water.

Wipe round the internal edge of the dishwasher door to remove any mold or mildew which has accumulated on it. Check the lower spray arm to ensure no debris has become lodged in any of its holes.

Wipe the dishwasher racks and silverware basket with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Rinse them with a cloth wrung out in clean warm water. Check the upper spray arm to ensure no debris has blocked any of its holes.

Slide the lower rack back into position. Secure the upper dishwasher spray arm to its clips on the upper rack, and slide this back into position in the diswasher. Push it gently as far back as it will go to ensure the upper spray arm is positioned against its water outlet. Top up the rinse aid dispenser.

Clean the dishwasher's exterior surface with a cloth wrung out in a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Rinse with a cloth wrung out in clean warm water, and dry with a microfiber cloth.