AppliancesEasy DIYAny time of year
Run dishwasher descaling cycle
Hard-water scale coats the heating element and steadily kills performance.
How often
Every 3 months
Time needed
30 min
Typical cost
$5–$15
Helps avoid
~$150
How to do it
We've put together a search for current, well-rated walkthrough videos for this exact job.
Watch how-to videosCommon questions
How often should you run dishwasher descaling cycle?
Every 3 months. Any time of year.
How much does it cost to run dishwasher descaling cycle?
Typically $5 to $15 in parts and supplies. Skipping it risks roughly $150 in repair or replacement costs.
How long does it take?
About 30 min.
Can I run dishwasher descaling cycle myself?
Yes — this is a straightforward job for most homeowners with basic tools.
Which of these does your home actually need?
Answer a few questions about your home and HomeGuard builds your personalized maintenance schedule — the right tasks, at the right time of year, for your appliances and climate.
Build my free scheduleMore appliances maintenance
Clean dryer vent
Once a year · 1 hr
Deep clean lint trap housing
Every 3 months · 15 min
Clean refrigerator coils
Twice a year · 30 min
Replace refrigerator water filter
Twice a year · 15 min
Clean & test fridge door seals
Once a year · 20 min
Clear fridge defrost drain
Once a year · 30 min