Can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled out a dishwasher filter and just stared at the gunk—like, how does that even build up so fast? You’re spot on about the spray arms too. People forget those things are basically the arteries of the machine. One thing I’d add: don’t ignore the door seals. I’ve seen mold and grime collect there, especially if folks keep the door shut tight between cycles. Quick wipe with a damp cloth every now and then keeps it from getting gross. Little stuff like that really does make a difference over time.
Honestly, the door seals are something I never thought about until I moved in here and started noticing this weird musty smell every time I opened the dishwasher. Turns out, there was a whole science experiment going on in those folds. I’m with you—leaving the door cracked open a bit after a cycle seems to help too, though I always worry about my toddler getting curious.
One thing I keep wondering about is the detergent. I’ve read that using too much or the wrong kind can actually make things worse, like causing more buildup or even damaging the seals over time. Has anyone actually had that happen? I’m almost paranoid about using the pods now, but the powder seems messier. Just feels like these little choices add up, especially when you’re trying to avoid a repair bill down the line.
I’ve seen folks run into trouble with pods not dissolving all the way, especially in older machines. That gunk can definitely mess with seals and filters over time. Personally, I stick with powder—yeah, it’s a little messier, but you can control how much you use. Ever tried running a cleaning cycle with vinegar or those dishwasher tablets? Curious if that helps with the musty smell long-term or if it’s just a temporary fix...
Pods not dissolving is a headache I see all the time, especially in machines that don’t get super hot or have a weak spray arm. That leftover sludge can really gum up the works—had one job where the filter was basically glued shut with pod residue. Vinegar cycles help with smells for a bit, but honestly, if there’s gunk stuck behind the filter or in the drain line, it always creeps back. I’ve had better luck pulling out the filter and giving it a good scrub every couple months. Tablets are hit or miss—some folks swear by them, but I’ve seen them leave their own chalky buildup too.
