How to Maintain Your MIELE Dishwasher

Last Updated: October 1, 2019

Maintaining your Miele dishwasher, an ounce of prevention that is worth a pound of cure. Maintenance will keep it running efficiently and help reduce the need for a costly repair. The steps are easy, and if done regularly will help extend the life of your Miele dishwasher. Eco-friendly steps are:

Steps

1
Use the proper amount of detergent. Miele dishwashers use 1/3 the amount of water used by most units so you don't need much detergent. For best results only use the manufacturer's dishwasher tabs. All other tabs should be avoided as they contain up to 3 times the amount needed. Due to the high concentration of detergent in GEL, DO NOT use more than 1 teaspoon per load. DO NOT USE GEL TABS. When using POWDER detergent DO NOT use more than 1.5 tablespoons (22.2 ml) per load.^{[1]
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2
Regularly clean the combination filter. Food particles, oils and detergent can coagulate to create a glue-like bond that will clog them. To clean, remove filters from the unit and rinse with warm water. If needed use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently rub off any remaining debris. This should be done at least once a month.^{[2]
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3
Check and clean spray arm jets to remove any soil that may have collected. Buildup of particles will diminish the spray arm's performance. To clean, remove the spray arm by unscrewing the locknut. Place it under warm running water. If needed, use a toothpick, paperclip (extended), or tweezers to remove lodged in particles.^{[3]
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4
Regularly clean rubber seals. Soiled seals will deteriorate from left over detergent residue and develop odors from food particles. To clean the door seals wipe them off with a baking soda & water, or vinegar & water solution.^{[4]
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5
Give your unit a bath. Run a sanitize cycle at least once a month using distilled vinegar in an empty unit.(See Tips) The purpose of this “vinegar bath” is to breakdown detergent buildup.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

What does it mean when the error code F11 shows?

Community Answer

It means the drain at the bottom is blocked. Take out the filter at the bottom and clear any debris.
Question

If the rinse button is always lit, is it only running that cycle?

Community Answer

No, it means that your dishwasher needs the addition of liquid rinse aid. There are several brands available.
Question

How much vinegar do I use to clean the dishwasher?

Community Answer

1/4 cup per gallon of water.
Question

The dishwasher's stainless steel tub is dirty. How do I clean it?

Community Answer

Start the dishwasher on the hottest cycle, and wait wait 10 mins. Open the door and add a cup of white vinegar into the water. Close the door, and let the dishwasher complete the cycle.
Question

What do I do if the intake/drain light comes on after the first cycle and the machine stops with the light blinking? I have to restart over and over to get the wash finished.

Community Answer

I had this exact issue. The verdict was too much soap. I now measure 1 teaspoon of gel and that solved the problem.