How to Maintain Your Kitchen Sink and Dishwasher in Germany?

Summary:
Keeping your kitchen well-maintained in Germany is important not only for hygiene but also for saving time and money.
Hiring a plumber or technician can be costly and often requires long waiting times, so adopting simple daily maintenance habits can prevent many problems before they occur.
Hard water in Germany and the way household appliances are designed make it especially important to follow proper maintenance routines. Below is a practical guide including daily sink care, correct dishwasher use, and the essential products commonly needed in German homes.
1. Dishwasher Use
Before loading dishes:
- Do not place dishes with large food residues directly into the dishwasher.
Lightly rinse or scrape off any leftover food.
During operation:
- Run a 60°C or higher cycle at least once a week to prevent buildup, odors, and bacteria.
- Refill regularly
- Dishwasher Salt (Spülmaschinensalz)
- Rinse Aid (Klarspüler). These help fight hard water and improve cleaning performance.
- Regular maintenance
- Clean the dishwasher filter once a month.This prevents blockages, odors, and reduced cleaning performance.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner (Spülmaschinenreiniger) every 2 months to remove internal buildup, limescale, and grease.
2. Kitchen Sink Maintenance
- Never dump food scraps directly into the sink.
This causes clogs and unpleasant odors. - Use a drain strainer to catch food debris.
Daily maintenance routine:
- Add a small amount of dish detergent to the drain.
- Pour about 2 liters of boiling water down the drain to dissolve grease and prevent buildup.
3. Final Tips
- Do not pour oil or fatty liquids into the sink.
- Clean the drain strainer regularly.
- Combine daily sink care with regular dishwasher maintenance to avoid costly repairs and keep your kitchen hygienic
Do you have questions? Come in touch!
