Post actualizado el día octubre 25, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay
AEG dishwashers are not just any machines. Their ProClean technology, the AirDry system or the ComfortLift drawers make a real difference compared to other brands. But there is no point in paying for that engineering if you then neglect the cleaning and maintenance of your AEG dishwasher. Let me be clear: I have seen 800-euro appliances that are only two years old and smell like a sewer because the filter was never cleaned. And I have also seen mid-range AEGs running like the first day after five years. The difference is not luck, it is routine.
Why your AEG needs more than just a hot cycle
Many people believe that running an intensive program every now and then is all it takes. Wrong. Maintenance of an AEG dishwasher requires you to touch specific parts. Food residue, limescale and detergent remnants build up in areas the water does not rinse well. If you do not clean them by hand, they will end up on the inside of your dishes.
In addition, AEG models with AirDry open the door automatically at the end of the cycle. That improves drying, yes, but it also lets dust and particles from the environment in. The seals and the door frame get dirty faster than on a conventional dishwasher. This is not alarmism, it is basic physics.
The filter: the critical point almost nobody checks
The filter of your AEG is at the base of the dishwasher, under the lower rack. It is removed by turning it a quarter turn. Pieces of food, olive pits, packaging labels and even the occasional small piece of cutlery get trapped there. If you do not clean it every two or three washes, the water stops circulating properly and the dishes come out with residue.
My advice: take it out, rinse it under hot running water and use an old toothbrush for the slots. Once a month, leave it soaking in water and baking soda for half an hour. That dissolves the grease without damaging the plastic.
Spray arms: when the water does not reach everywhere
The spray arms of AEG dishwashers have very fine holes. If your water is hard, those holes get clogged with limescale. You notice it because the glasses come out dirty on top or the trays are not cleaned properly. To check them, pull gently upwards: on most AEG models they come off without tools.
Leave them soaking in hot white vinegar for 20 minutes. Then use a toothpick to unblock each hole. Do not use pins or needles: you can enlarge the hole and ruin the water jet. This is an essential part of cleaning and maintaining an AEG dishwasher.
White vinegar: the trick that really works (with caveats)
White vinegar is an excellent natural descaler. But not just any cycle will do. Pour a glass of vinegar into the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run the hottest program your AEG has. On models with an automatic cleaning program, better to use that one. Vinegar eliminates odours, limescale and soap residue.
Now the caveat: do not do it more than once a month. Vinegar is acidic and, in excess, it can degrade the rubber seals and metal parts. If your water is very hard, alternate with a specific AEG dishwasher cleaner. They are available in liquid form and as tablets for the detergent drawer.
Specific cleaner vs. homemade products: my straight opinion
Specific cleaners for AEG dishwashers are formulated not to attack the plastics or metals inside. They usually contain citric acid and mild surfactants. They work well, especially if your machine has persistent odours. But they are not cheap.
If you want a homemade alternative, baking soda and vinegar cover 90% of cases. For strong odours, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the detergent drawer before a hot cycle. It does not replace an enzymatic cleaner, but it helps.
What you should never do: pour bleach into the dishwasher. It generates toxic vapours and can damage the seals. Do not even think about it.
Seals and gaskets: the sealing that changes everything
The door seals and the inner frame are the most forgotten spot. They accumulate a black layer of mould and grease that then ends up on the dishes. Clean with a cloth dampened in warm water and mild soap. Do not use abrasive scouring pads: they scratch the rubber and create cracks through which water leaks.
Run a cotton swab through the corners where the seal folds. That is where the grime hides. If you see black spots of mould, use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let it act for 10 minutes and rinse. This is part of good maintenance of an AEG dishwasher.
Mistakes that shorten the life of your AEG
- Not cleaning the filter frequently: it is the number one cause of breakdowns in AEG dishwashers. The motor works under strain and can burn out.
- Using too much detergent: excess does not clean more, it leaves residues that clog the spray arms.
- Not checking the salt level: if your water is hard, salt is essential. Without it, limescale builds up on the heating element and the walls.
- Closing the door with the inside damp: it encourages mould and bad odours. Leave the door ajar for a few minutes after each cycle.
Monthly and quarterly routine for a spotless AEG
Every week: clean the filter and check that the arms rotate properly. Every month: run a cycle with vinegar or a specific cleaner, clean the seals and check the salt. Every three months: remove the spray arms and descale them thoroughly. Every six months: check the drain and the visible pipes in case of leaks.
If you follow this routine, your AEG dishwasher will last you many years. There is no mystery. Cleaning and maintaining an AEG dishwasher does not require expensive products or technical services, just consistency. And if one day you notice that the water does not drain properly or that it makes strange noises, call the technician before the breakdown gets worse.
What if I have an older model without AirDry?
Older AEGs do not have automatic door opening, but the maintenance is the same. Even simpler, because there is no opening mechanism to watch. That said, check the door latch: over the years, the catch wears out and can let steam escape. If you notice that the door does not close firmly, adjust it or replace it. It is a cheap part and it prevents bigger breakdowns.
In short: no complications. Clean filter, unblocked arms, mould-free seals and a vinegar cycle once a month. With that, your AEG will stay like new and you will notice the difference with every wash.
