Is your Cove dishwasher starting to smell weird or leaving dishes with spots and grime? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most people think dishwashers clean themselves, but that’s not true, especially with high-end models like Cove. Built for performance, your Cove dishwasher still needs some love to keep running like new. Learning how to clean Cove dishwasher the right way will not only make your kitchen smell fresher but also improve wash quality and extend the machine’s life. Whether you’re a first-time Cove owner or just tired of mystery odors, this easy-to-follow guide breaks everything down in a super simple, step-by-step way that anyone can do—even if you hate cleaning.

Why You Should Clean Your Cove Dishwasher

Cleaning your dishwasher might seem pointless since it washes dishes daily. However, if you don’t clean it regularly, even a high-end Cove dishwasher can start to smell bad, get dirty, and not work well. Let’s look at why this easy task is so important.

Keeps Your Dishes Sparkling and Sanitary

Over time, food particles, grease, and hard water minerals collect inside the dishwasher. When filters and spray arms are clogged, your dishes won’t come out clean, even if you’re using the best detergent. Regular cleaning ensures:

• Glassware stays streak-free
• Plates are truly sanitized
• Utensils come out spotless every time

Prevents Unpleasant Odors and Mold Build-Up

If your dishwasher smells bad or sour, it usually means there is old food, leftover water, or soap stuck inside it. These conditions are excellent for mold and mildew to grow. Cleaning your Cove often helps prevent bad smells and keeps the air in your kitchen fresh.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Cove Dishwasher

Luxury appliances like Cove are built to last, but only if you take care of them. A dirty dishwasher works harder than it should, which can wear down internal components over time. Regular maintenance reduces stress on the system and helps avoid costly repairs or early replacements.

Improves Energy Efficiency and Saves Money

A clean dishwasher uses less water and energy. Blocked spray arms or filters make your Cove dishwasher work harder, which causes it to run longer and use more energy. Keeping it clean helps you save money on your bills and makes things work better—it’s good for you in two ways.

What You’ll Need Before You Start Cleaning

Before you dive into cleaning your Cove dishwasher, it’s a good idea to gather everything you need. Don’t worry—you don’t need fancy tools or expensive cleaners. Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen. Having them ready will make the process smoother and faster.

Basic Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

• White vinegar – Helps dissolve grease, grime, and hard water deposits.
• Baking soda or citric acid – Neutralizes odors and removes stains.
• Dish soap – Gentle cleaner for wiping down surfaces.
• Microfiber cloths – Lint-free and perfect for shining stainless steel.
• Old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush – Reaches small crevices and scrubs buildup.
• Toothpick or pin – Unclogs spray arm holes without damage.

Optional but Helpful Items

• Gloves – Protect your hands from grime and hot water.
• Sponge with scrubby side – Great for tackling stuck-on residue.
• Commercial dishwasher cleaner – Use only if you prefer pre-made solutions.
• Stainless steel polish – Keeps the exterior looking showroom-new.

Safety First: Power Off If Necessary

If you are cleaning around electrical parts or are going to take any pieces off, it’s a good idea to unplug the dishwasher or turn off the breaker. This makes things safer and helps you feel more relaxed.

How to Clean Cove Dishwasher: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your cleaning tools ready, it’s time to get to work. Cove dishwashers have a nice design, and their cleaning method is simple yet very effective. Just do these steps, and your machine will be clean in no time.

Step 1: Remove the Racks and Utensil Holder

Start by opening your dishwasher fully and taking out the lower and upper racks, along with the utensil basket. This gives you clear access to the inside components.

• Set them in your sink or tub.
• Soak with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
• Use a sponge or brush to scrub off grime and buildup.
• Let them air dry while you clean the rest of the unit.

Pro Tip: Wipe the wheels and edges too—those often get overlooked but can collect sticky gunk.

Step 2: Clean the Filter (Most Common Trouble Spot)

The filter is where food particles get trapped, and it’s often the reason for odors or poor cleaning results.

• Twist and lift to remove the filter located at the base.
• Rinse it under hot water and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
• Check for any gunk stuck in the mesh or fine filter.
• Reinsert carefully and make sure it’s locked back in place.

Important: If your Cove shows a “Clean Filter” alert, this is precisely what it’s referring to. Cleaning it resets that message.

Step 3: Scrub the Spray Arms Thoroughly

Clogged spray arms mean water isn’t reaching your dishes. Cleaning them is simple but makes a big difference.

• Remove the lower and upper spray arms (they snap or screw off).
• Use a toothpick or pin to poke out mineral deposits or food bits from the spray holes.
• Rinse under running water and scrub if needed.
• Reattach them securely before moving on.

Quick Check: Spin the arms manually to ensure smooth rotation.

Step 4: Deep Clean the Interior Walls and Gasket

Grease and grime love to hide in the rubber gasket (door seal), detergent dispenser, and interior sides.

• Mix dish soap with warm water.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the door, corners, and around the gasket.
• Pay special attention to areas where foam or mold might be hiding.
• Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Extra Detail: If you see mold or mildew, a vinegar-soaked rag or mild mold cleaner can work wonders (avoid bleach on stainless steel).

Step 5: Run a Vinegar and Baking Soda Wash Cycle

Time to give your dishwasher a spa day. This two-step natural method clears grease, neutralizes odors, and shines the interior.

Step 1 – Vinegar Wash

• Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
• Run a complete cycle on hot (no detergent, no dishes).

Step 2 – Baking Soda Rinse

• Once the vinegar cycle is done, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the tub.
• Run a short hot cycle.

Your dishwasher will smell fresher and look noticeably cleaner.

Step 6: Clean the Exterior and Control Panel

The outside of your Cove dishwasher deserves attention, too.

• Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap.
• Always wipe with the grain on stainless steel.
• For fingerprints or smudges, a bit of white vinegar or stainless steel polish can help.
• Spray cleaners on the cloth, not directly on buttons or screens.

Gentle Reminder: Never use bleach or abrasive scrubbers—they can damage the finish.

Step 7: Final Rinse and Let It Air Out

To wrap it up:

• Put everything back (filter, racks, spray arms).
• Run one more hot water cycle with no dishes—just to rinse out anything left.
• Once done, open the door slightly to let moisture escape and prevent future mildew.

Good Habit: Leaving the door cracked open after each cycle keeps the interior dry and fresh.

Maintenance Tips and Cleaning Schedule for Cove Dishwasher

After you know how to clean Cove dishwasher the right way, the next thing is to keep it clean. The good news. It’s easy to do. A few simple habits can keep your dishwasher clean, working well, and odor-free. Let’s simplify it.

1) Weekly Cleaning Habits That Help

You don’t need to deep clean every week, but small tasks go a long way.

• Wipe the rubber door seal with a damp cloth to remove hidden grime.
• Check the filter for food debris after heavy loads.
• Quickly spin the spray arms to make sure nothing’s stuck.
• Always leave the door open just a little bit after cycles to release moisture.

Doing these simple things weekly can help prevent problems before they even start.

2) Your Monthly Freshness Routine

Once a month, take 15 minutes to give your Cove dishwasher a reset.

• Run a vinegar rinse (just one cup on the top rack, hot cycle).
• Wipe down the interior walls and detergent dispenser.
• Check the spray arms and filter—clean them if they look gunky.
• Look under the bottom rack for food residue hiding near the drain area.

This routine helps your machine stay as powerful and quiet as the day you got it.

3) Quarterly Deep Cleaning for Peak Performance

Every three months—or sooner if you use your dishwasher daily—it’s smart to do a complete reset.

• Clean the filter thoroughly under hot water.
• Unclog the spray arms with a pin or toothpick.
• Run a complete cleaning cycle using vinegar, followed by baking soda or citric acid.
• Wipe and polish the exterior to keep it looking like new.

These deep cleans help prevent issues like strange smells, poor drying, or leftover food on dishes.

4) Know When Your Dishwasher Needs Attention

If you’ve done all the proper steps but things still feel “off,” your Cove might be dropping hints. Watch for:

• Musty or sour smells = time to clean the filter again
• Cloudy dishes = mineral build-up from hard water
• Dishes not fully clean = clogged spray arms or weak water flow
• Pooled water = the drain area needs clearing
• “Clean Filter” light = filter hasn’t been thoroughly rinsed or reinstalled

Knowing how to clean Cove dishwasher is excellent—but knowing when to clean it is just as important. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and give it a quick refresh.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes for Cove Dishwasher

Even if you follow every step on how to clean Cove dishwasher, problems can still pop up from time to time. The good news? Most issues are easy to fix at home—no technician required. Let’s look at some of the most common dishwasher complaints and how to handle them fast.

Dishes Aren’t Coming Out Clean

If your plates, glasses, or utensils still look dirty after a complete cycle, the issue often lies with:

• A clogged filter that needs cleaning
• Spray arms blocked with food or hard water debris
• Overloading the racks and blocking water flow

Start by rechecking the filter and spray arms—two key steps in how to clean Cove dishwasher properly. Also, try rearranging your dishes so water can reach everything evenly.

Your Dishwasher Smells Musty or Funky

A foul odor usually means bacteria, food residue, or mold are building up. You can fix this by:

• Cleaning the filter, especially if you haven’t done it in a while
• Running a vinegar rinse followed by a baking soda cycle
• Wiping the gasket, corners, and detergent area with hot, soapy water

Tip: Always leave the door slightly open between cycles to let your dishwasher air out. It makes a big difference.

Water is Pooling at the Bottom

Seeing standing water after a cycle? That’s usually a drainage issue. Here’s what to check:

• Is the filter area clogged with food bits or grease?
• Are the spray arms blocked, causing poor circulation?
• Is the drain hose kinked or clogged behind the unit?

A thorough filter cleaning is often the solution. That’s why knowing how to clean a Cove dishwasher from the inside out is so important.

White Film or Cloudy Glasses

This happens when hard water minerals coat your dishes. To fix it:

• Run a cycle with citric acid or dishwasher cleaner to dissolve the buildup
• Use a rinse aid every load
• Check your water softener settings if you have one

Regular vinegar cycles can help prevent mineral buildup before it starts.

“Clean Filter” Light Won’t Turn Off

Sometimes the filter warning light won’t go away even after you clean it. Here’s what to do:

• Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly under hot water
• Make sure it’s reinstalled correctly—twist it in place until it clicks
• Run a short rinse cycle to reset the system

If the light still won’t go off, unplug the dishwasher for a few minutes and try again. If all else fails, check the Cove manual or reach out to support.

Must read: How to Clean Dishwasher: Full Filter & Smell Fix Guide

FAQs about How to Clean Cove Dishwasher

Conclusion

It’s essential to know how to clean Cove dishwasher to keep it working well. Cleaning your dishwasher well helps it work better, stay clean, and last longer. By cleaning regularly, you stop bad smells, blockages, and clothes from not washing well. Knowing how to clean Cove dishwasher properly means fewer problems and shiny dishes every time. Don’t forget, things like cleaning seals and running vinegar cycles help. Take care of your Cove dishwasher by following these easy tips. Share this guide, sign up, and keep an eye out for more helpful home care tips.

Resources

https://www.baconappliance.com/blog/how-to-clean-cove-dishwasher
https://blueskyapplianceservice.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-cove-dishwasher/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Appliances/comments/1eb05r7/cove_dishwashers/

https://www.subzero-wolf.com/assistance/answers/cove/dishwasher/cove-dishwasher-cleaning-guide