Your dishwasher, sink drain and garbage disposal undergo a lot of daily wear and tear so it is important to keep them smelling fresh and running efficiently. If you find residue marks or food left on your dishes when you remove them from your dishwasher or if your sink is emitting an unpleasant smell even after you clean it, then clearly these are matters that need attention. Chris Salatino, of Kenmore Major Appliances, says Dishwashers and drains battle kitchen waste and activity daily, which can take a toll on the appearance and performance if not cleaned correctly. Dishwashers have a filtration system that requires regular cleaning, particularly if dishes are not pre-rinsed. John DeSilvia, host of DIY Networks Rescue My Renovation, says The maintenance on a dishwasher depends on how you treat it. The ideal, particularly if you are not a pre-rinser, is to clean your dishwasher filter once a month. Look at the bottom of your dishwasher, find and remove your filter and scrub away debris with a soft brush before rinsing and reinstalling it. Dont be scared, its really easy, says DeSilvia. If you are struggling to remove your filter, check your owners manual for instructions or log on to your manufacturers website. Sometimes the interior of a dishwasher may also appear filmy. To remove build-up, make a paste with powdered detergent or use liquid detergent on a damp sponge to wipe away the mineral deposits. Then run the dishwasher on a normal cycle. If youre in a hard water area or if wiping with detergent isnt sufficient, run a normal cycle through with 2 cups of white vinegar in an upright glass on the lower rack. Alternatively, you can opt for a commercial cleaner for mineral build-up. Consumer Reports recommends replacing worn-out or rusty dish racks and taking care when loading dishes to prevent damage to the spray arms. From time to time, Inspect the arms to make sure they are not clogged with debris and use pipe cleaners to dislodge blockages.