How to Use and Maintain Your Indesit Dishwasher

What Indesit dishwashers are and how they fit into your kitchen

Indesit is a European appliance brand owned by Whirlpool that makes affordable, compact dishwashers designed for smaller kitchens and households. Their models are common in the UK and Europe, and they focus on straightforward operation rather than premium features. If you own an Indesit dishwasher, you have a machine built for reliability and ease of use—not complexity.

Indesit dishwashers come in standard 60cm widths and slimline 45cm models. Most run on a 12-place or 10-place setting capacity, meaning they hold that many individual place settings' worth of dishes. The brand is known for no-fuss controls: mechanical dials, simple button layouts, and programs that do one job well rather than offering 20 specialized cycles you'll never use.

Understanding your specific model matters because Indesit has made hundreds of variations over the years. Your manual—either printed in the box or available free from Indesit's website by searching your model number—will show you exactly which programs your machine has and what each one does. The model number is usually on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the unit.

Key Takeaways

• Find your Indesit model number on the sticker inside the door frame, then download the manual from Indesit's website to learn your specific programs and settings.
• Load the lower basket with plates and bowls, the upper basket with glasses and smaller items, and place cutlery handle-down in the basket to avoid blocking the spray arm.
• Use rinse aid and dishwasher salt in the dedicated compartments to prevent spotting and keep the machine working properly, even if your water is soft.
• Run a cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner every month or two to remove limescale and grease buildup inside the machine.
• Check the filter under the spray arm after each wash and rinse it under running water to prevent food particles from recirculating.

Loading your Indesit dishwasher correctly

The lower basket is for plates, bowls, and cookware. Stand plates upright along the sides and back, angling them slightly toward the center so water can reach both surfaces. Bowls go in the same way. Pots and pans lie flat on the bottom, but avoid stacking them so tightly that water cannot flow between them. If you have a removable cutlery basket in the lower section, pull it out to make more room for larger items.

The upper basket holds glasses, mugs, cups, and smaller plates. Angle glasses and mugs toward the spray arm in the center—this lets water hit the inside surfaces. Never nest glasses inside each other; water cannot reach the inside of a nested glass. If your upper basket has fold-down tines, adjust them to fit the height of your items so nothing blocks the rotating spray arm above.

Cutlery goes handle-down in the cutlery basket, which is usually a removable drawer at the front or a fixed basket at the side of the lower section. Handles down means the bowls of spoons and forks face up, where water can reach them. Never lay cutlery loose on the baskets—it will fall through and jam the pump. Separate forks, spoons, and knives so they do not nest together and prevent water from reaching all surfaces.

Do not block the spray arm. On Indesit machines, the spray arm rotates during the wash cycle. If a plate, glass, or piece of cutlery sticks up into its path, the arm cannot spin and your dishes will not get clean. Leave at least 2 to 3 centimeters of clearance above the lower spray arm and check that nothing in the upper basket touches the arm above.

Using the right detergent and rinse products

Indesit dishwashers work with any standard dishwasher detergent: powder, tablets, or liquid. Tablets are the simplest—drop one in the main wash compartment and close the door. Powder and liquid require you to measure the amount based on water hardness and soil level, which most people find tedious. The main wash compartment is the larger of the two doors in the detergent dispenser; the smaller pre-wash compartment is for powder only and rarely needs filling.

Rinse aid is not optional, even if your water is soft. Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes instead of beading up and leaving spots. Fill the rinse aid dispenser (a small cylinder usually on the inside of the door or under the upper basket) until it reaches the fill line. On most Indesit models, you can adjust the rinse aid dose using a dial next to the dispenser—start at setting 3 or 4 and adjust up if you see spots, or down if you see a greasy film.

Dishwasher salt regenerates the water softener inside your machine and prevents limescale buildup on internal parts. Even if your tap water is already soft, use salt—it keeps the machine's softening resin working. Fill the salt dispenser (usually under the lower basket) with dishwasher salt crystals until full, then run a short cycle to flush out air. Refill every 4 to 6 weeks depending on how often you run the machine. Never use table salt or sea salt; they contain additives that will damage the softener.

Running a wash cycle and understanding program options

Most Indesit dishwashers have a dial or button to select the program, a separate button or dial for temperature, and a start button. The program dial usually shows symbols: a lightly soiled plate for a quick wash, a normally soiled plate for the standard cycle, a heavily soiled plate for intensive wash, and sometimes a delicate glass symbol for glassware. Turn the dial to your chosen program, close the door, and press start.

The standard or normal program is the one you will use most often. It runs for about 2 to 3 hours and handles everyday dishes. The quick wash (30 or 45 minutes) works for lightly soiled items or when you need dishes fast, but do not expect it to remove baked-on food. The intensive program (2.5 to 3.5 hours) tackles heavily soiled pots and pans. The delicate or glassware program uses lower temperature and gentler spray to protect fine glasses and china.

Temperature is usually set to 55°C or 65°C. Higher temperature cleans better but uses more energy. For everyday dishes, 55°C is sufficient. Use 65°C or higher only for heavily soiled items or if you are washing items that have been in contact with raw meat. Some Indesit models have an eco mode that reduces water and energy use; it takes longer but costs less to run.

Once you press start, the door locks and the cycle begins. You cannot open the door mid-cycle on most Indesit machines without stopping the entire program. If you need to add a forgotten item, wait until the cycle finishes or press the start/stop button to halt it, wait for the machine to unlock (usually 2 to 3 minutes), add your item, and restart.

Cleaning the filter and spray arm

The filter sits under the lower spray arm and catches food particles. After every wash, pull out the filter (it usually twists counterclockwise) and rinse it under running water. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away stuck-on food. Do not soak it or use harsh chemicals—just water and a brush. A clogged filter forces water to recirculate dirty water over your dishes and can damage the pump.

The spray arm is the rotating piece above the lower basket that sprays water during the cycle. On most Indesit models, it unscrews or clips off. Once removed, hold it under running water and use a thin object (a straightened paperclip works) to clear any holes that are blocked by limescale or food particles. Spray arms have multiple small holes, and even one blocked hole reduces cleaning power. Reinstall it by reversing the removal steps, making sure it sits flat and rotates freely.

Check the upper spray arm the same way if your model has one. Some Indesit dishwashers have only a lower arm; others have both. Your manual will show which parts your model includes.

Descaling and deep cleaning your Indesit dishwasher

Limescale builds up inside the machine over time, especially in hard water areas. It coats heating elements, clogs spray arm holes, and reduces cleaning power. Every month or two, run a cleaning cycle using a commercial dishwasher cleaner (brands like Finish or Dettol make these). Pour the cleaner into the main wash compartment, run the machine empty on a hot program (usually the intensive cycle), and let it finish. Do not add detergent or dishes.

If you notice white or chalky deposits inside the door or on the heating element, or if dishes come out with a dull film, limescale is present. A cleaning cycle will remove it. If the machine has not been cleaned in several months, run two cleaning cycles in a row for stubborn buildup.

The door seal (rubber gasket around the edge) should be wiped down monthly with a damp cloth to prevent mold and odor. Pull back the seal gently and wipe inside the groove where food particles and moisture collect. If you notice a musty smell, this is usually the cause.

Troubleshooting common Indesit dishwasher problems

If dishes come out wet or spotty, the most common cause is low rinse aid. Check the rinse aid dispenser and refill it. If it is full, increase the dose setting. Spots can also mean the filter is clogged or the spray arm is blocked—clean both and run another cycle.

If the machine does not drain, check that the drain hose is not kinked or blocked. The drain hose should run from the back of the machine to your sink or waste pipe without sharp bends. If it is kinked, straighten it. If water sits in the bottom after a cycle, the filter may be clogged or the pump may have failed—clean the filter first, and if water still remains, contact a repair technician.

If dishes come out dirty or greasy, the spray arm may be blocked, the filter may be clogged, or you may be overloading the machine. Check both the arm and filter, then try running a cycle with fewer dishes. If the problem persists, you may need more detergent or a hotter program.

If the machine will not start, make sure the door is fully closed—the door latch must click into place. If the door is closed but the machine does not respond, check that it is plugged in and that the outlet has power. Some Indesit models have a child lock button that disables the start button; check your manual to see if yours has one and whether it is activated.

Where to find your Indesit manual and support

Your Indesit dishwasher manual contains program details, troubleshooting steps, and parts diagrams specific to your model. Find the model number on the sticker inside the door frame (usually on the left side) or on the back of the unit. It will look like "IDCE 8450" or similar. Visit the Indesit website, go to the support or manuals section, enter your model number, and download the PDF. The manual is free and available in multiple languages.

If you cannot find your model number or the manual online, contact Indesit customer service through their website. They can usually email you a manual or direct you to a retailer who has one. Keeping a printed or digital copy of your manual in a kitchen drawer makes troubleshooting much faster when something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any dishwasher detergent in my Indesit?

Yes, any standard dishwasher detergent works—powder, tablets, or liquid. Tablets are simplest because you do not have to measure. Avoid hand-washing liquid or all-purpose cleaners; they create too many bubbles and can damage the machine.

Do I really need rinse aid and salt if my water is soft?

Yes. Rinse aid prevents spotting and streaking on dishes. Salt regenerates the water softener inside the machine, which keeps internal parts free of limescale even in soft water areas. Both are inexpensive and extend the life of your dishwasher.

Why do my dishes still have food on them after a wash?

Check that the spray arm rotates freely and is not blocked by dishes. Rinse the filter under running water. Make sure you are not overloading the machine—dishes need space for water to reach all surfaces. If the problem continues, try a hotter program or increase the detergent dose.

How often should I clean the inside of my Indesit dishwasher?

Run a commercial dishwasher cleaning cycle every month or two, depending on water hardness and how often you use the machine. If you live in a hard water area, clean it monthly. Wipe the door seal monthly to prevent mold and odor.

What should I do if my Indesit dishwasher stops mid-cycle?

Press the start/stop button and wait 2 to 3 minutes for the door to unlock. Check that the filter is not clogged and the drain hose is not kinked. If the machine will not restart, make sure it is plugged in and the outlet has power. If it still will not work, contact a repair technician or Indesit support.