Don't Flush Money Down the Drain! Here's How to Keep Your Dishwasher Running Forever

By HOAR Team 13 May, 2025 6 mins read 91 Views

Let me tell ya something that still haunts me. Last Christmas Eve—of all the bloody days—my dishwasher decided to die. There I was, hosting 14 people the next day, and suddenly faced with washing everything BY HAND. My sister-in-law's face when she walked in and saw me elbow-deep in suds was priceless. "Thought you were too posh for washing up," she smirked. I nearly threw a soapy sponge at her.

The repair guy couldn't come till after New Year's, and charged me £230 for what turned out to be a clogged filter that I probably could've fixed myself if I'd known better. Lesson learned teh hard way!

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The £200 Mistake Nobody Wants to Make

According to checkatrade.com, fixing a broken dishwasher costs around £200 on average. That's a weekend away or a decent pair of trainers down the drain (pun absolutely intended).

So I cornered Gwilym Snook, this dishwasher guru from ao.com, at a product launch last month. Poor bloke probably thought I was mental, bombarding him with questions about dishwasher maintenance while everyone else was sipping free prosecco. But he gave me some proper gold that might save us all from washing-up hell.

Seriously, Just Pay Attention!

We take these machines for granted until they're suddenly not working. Like that relationship you didn't appreciate until it was over. Ahem.

Gwilym says being proactive is key. Keep an ear out for weird noises or flashing lights you've never seen before. My old machine started making this strange gurgling sound about three weeks before it conked out completely. Should've listened...

You Don't Need to Pre-Wash (But Don't Be Disgusting Either)

This one's a relief for lazy people everywhere.

Turns out you absolutely DON'T need to rinse dishes before loading them—which my mother has been incorrectly insisting on since 1997. However, scrape off the chunky bits. My colleague James learned this lesson after a lasagne disaster blocked his filter so badly it cost him £175 to fix. His response: "Already updating my resume to find a job that pays enough for a dishwasher repair fund."

The Filter Thing Nobody Does (But Should)

Listen. This is where I feel stupid now. That expensive Christmas disaster? Completely avoidable.

There's a little mesh filter at the bottom of your dishwasher. It catches food bits. And apparently, you're supposed to clean it WEEKLY. Who knew? Not me, clearly, after 4 years of ownership.

Just pull it out and rinse under hot water. Takes literally 60 seconds. While you're at it, the spray arm (that spinny thing) often gets clogged too. Give that a rinse as well.

Monthly Hot Cycle = Dishwasher Heaven

Once a month, run an empty hot cycle with either a dishwasher cleaning tablet or—if you're cheap like me—a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.

I've been doing this religiously since The Christmas Incident of 2023, and my machine runs like a dream now. Worth the tiny bit of effort to avoid another holiday disaster (and my sister-in-law's smug face).

TODAY'S DEALS FOR SAVVY SHOPPERS

Camping season's coming! The Eurohike Ribble three-man tent that normally costs a painful £200 is slashed to £80 at blacks.co.uk. I grabbed one for my teenager's first festival this summer... God help us all.

Beauty bargain alert: That Maybelline Grippy Serum primer everyone's raving about on TikTok? It's £6.99 at savers.co.uk instead of the usual £10.99. My daughter swears it's the only thing keeping her makeup on during her sweaty gym sessions.

Bag a bargain: Love the Chloe Woody raffia tote (£590 at net-a-porter.com) but not the price tag? New Look's version is practically identical for just £27.99. I bought one back in March for my Greece trip and got so many compliments.

Cheese please! Pilgrims Choice Extra Mature Cheddar is down from £4.20 to £2.90 with a Clubcard at Tesco. Stocked up yesterday—perfect for that lasagne that won't be blocking any filters in my house!

Fancy Winning £200?

Join thousands in the HOAR Raffle where we're giving away £100 to 250 readers every month. Each Sun Savers code equals one ticket. More codes = more chances to win. Could come in handy for that dishwasher emergency fund...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

How can I improve my credit score?

To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.

What are the different types of money?

The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?

Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.

What are credit scores and why are they important?

Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.

Statistics

According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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How To

How To Build an Emergency Fund Effectively

Building an emergency fund is essential for financial security. Start by determining how much you need; a common recommendation is to save three to six months' worth of living expenses. Open a separate savings account to keep your emergency funds easily accessible but separate from your regular spending. Automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking to your emergency fund. Initially, focus on small, manageable contributions, gradually increasing them as your budget allows. Avoid using this fund for non-emergencies, and replenish it after any withdrawals to maintain your financial safety net.