You might not think about your dishwasher much until it stops working, and then suddenly you’re staring at a mountain of crusty plates and wondering if you’ll ever see a clean glass again. That trusty machine under the counter is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, quietly washing away the evidence of every meal, snack, and holiday feast. With a little bit of care, you can keep it humming along for ten, fifteen, even twenty years without a major repair. The secret is knowing a few simple habits that make all the difference.

Let’s start with the thing that causes the most trouble: food scraps. Yes, you should scrape off leftover bits before you load the dishes, but you don’t need to rinse everything squeaky clean. In fact, modern dishwashers are designed with sensors that detect how dirty the water is, and if the water is too clean because you pre-rinsed everything, the machine might run a shorter, less effective cycle. A quick scrape of the plate with a rubber spatula or a fork is usually plenty. Big chunks of food, like a piece of bone or a corn husk, can clog the filter or get stuck in the spray arms, so those need to go in the trash or compost.

Speaking of the filter, this is the part that homeowners rarely think about but causes the most service calls. Most dishwashers have a mesh or cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub that catches food particles. If it gets clogged, water can’t circulate properly, and your dishes come out cloudy or even with bits of old food stuck to them. The fix is easy. Once a month or so, twist out the filter (check your owner’s manual for the exact location), rinse it under hot running water, and use a soft brush to scrub away any gunk. Some filters have a fine screen that you can gently wipe with an old toothbrush. Reinstall it, and you’ve just saved yourself a potential repair bill.

Another overlooked part is the spray arms. Those rotating bars with little nozzles can get blocked by minerals from hard water or by a stray piece of plastic wrap. Over time, that block reduces the water pressure, and dishes near the edges of the rack don’t get clean. Pull out the bottom rack and look at the spray arm underneath. If you can remove it (many twist off), run the nozzle holes under water and poke them gently with a toothpick to dislodge any debris. The upper spray arm often has a similar design. Doing this every few months keeps the water flowing where it needs to go.

Now let’s talk about the drying cycle. Many newer dishwashers use a heated drying method that can get quite hot, and that heat can shorten the life of plastic parts, seals, and even the electronic control board. If your dishwasher has an “Eco” or “Air Dry” setting, use it. The dishes dry well enough over time, and the machine stays cooler. Alternatively, you can crack the door open a couple of inches after the final rinse to let steam escape without wasting energy. This also reduces the chance of moisture causing mold or mildew inside the gasket.

The rubber gasket around the door is another prime spot for trouble. Bits of food, grease, and soap scum can build up in the folds, leading to a smelly dishwasher and eventually a leak. Every week or two, run a damp cloth along the gasket and wipe away anything you see. If you notice cracks or tears, replace the gasket before water starts dripping onto your kitchen floor. It’s a cheap part and usually snaps on without tools.

Hard water is a common enemy of dishwashers. If you live in an area with high mineral content, you’ve probably noticed white film on your glassware or a chalky residue inside the machine. That buildup can affect the heating element, the spray arms, and the detergent performance. You can fight it with a rinse aid—products like Jet-Dry help water sheet off dishes so minerals don’t stick. Also, every few months, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or just a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. The acid helps dissolve mineral deposits. Just don’t mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals, and check your manual first, because some manufacturers advise against it.

One more tip: don’t overload the dishwasher. It’s tempting to cram in every last dish, but if water can’t reach all surfaces, you’ll end up with poorly cleaned plates and potentially damaged sprinkler arms. Load so that the spray can reach every item, and make sure nothing blocks the detergent dispenser from opening fully.

Finally, listen to your dishwasher. Unusual noises like grinding, squealing, or thumping might mean something is wrong. A grinding sound could indicate a broken pump impeller, while a thumping noise might mean a spray arm is hitting a tall pot handle. Check the inside first; sometimes the fix is as simple as rearranging the load. If the noise persists, it’s worth calling a technician before the problem turns into a bigger expense.

With these simple practices, your dishwasher will thank you with clean dishes, lower energy bills, and fewer breakdowns. Treat it like the hardworking teammate it is, and it will serve you well through countless family dinners, holiday baking sessions, and lazy Sunday brunches.