Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

Let's be honest—your dishwasher is probably one of the hardest working appliances in your home. A few water spots or the occasional weird noise? Sure, that's annoying but not exactly panic-worthy. But some warning signs deserve your immediate attention. We're talking potential water damage, safety issues, or a complete breakdown that leaves you hand-washing dishes for weeks. Here are the warning signs that mean your dishwasher is failing, and what you can do about it. Looking for a specific part? Browse our full range of dishwasher spare parts. Safety first! Before you start any repair work: Turn off power at the circuit breaker Turn off the water supply Place towels down to catch leaks Have a bucket ready for residual water Take photos before disconnecting anything 1. Burning smell or hot exterior Warning sign: There's a burning smell when you run a load, or the outside of your dishwasher is unusually hot. Why it matters: This usually means something’s wrong with the electrical system or the motor is overheating, which is a potential fire hazard. What to do: Turn off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker immediately. Don't use it until a professional has inspected your appliance. Don’t ignore it: Potential fire hazards should always be investigated. Call in the experts. 2. Water under or around unit Warning sign: You keep finding puddles on the floor near your dishwasher, or notice damp cabinets close by. Why it matters: Leaks can quietly destroy your floors and cabinets—and repairs can be expensive. What to do: Check the door seal for cracks or damage and inspect drain hoses for leaks. If the seal is worn, replace it immediately. If hoses are damaged or connections are loose, tighten or replace them. Parts you might need: dishwasher seals, dishwasher hoses DIY or call a pro? Seals and hoses are pretty straightforward to replace yourself. But if you can't work out where the leak's coming from, it's time to call a professional to have a look. Check out our guide: How to easily replace your dishwasher door seal 3. Circuit breaker trips repeatedly Warning sign: Your dishwasher keeps tripping the circuit breaker, usually at the start of a cycle. Why it matters: This usually means there’s a short circuit or faulty wiring. What to do: Stop using the dishwasher immediately and get an electrician to diagnose the problem. Don’t ignore it: Repeated electrical faults can damage your home's electrical system and create fire risks. 4. Door won't latch or seal properly Warning sign: The door won't close properly, pops open mid-cycle, or you can see daylight around the edges when it's "closed." Why it matters: Without a proper seal, water will leak during cycles, and the dishwasher won't heat properly or clean effectively. The door latch mechanism may also be at risk of complete failure. What to do: Check if the latch or seal looks damaged. If it does, stop using the machine until it’s fixed. Parts you might need: dishwasher seals, dishwasher latches DIY or call a pro? This is usually an easy DIY fix. 5. Visible rust, corrosion or brown water Warning sign: Rust spots inside the tub, brownish water after a cycle, or your racks are looking pretty corroded. Why it matters: Rust means the inside of your dishwasher is starting to break down. It can make your dishes dirty and usually means the machine is on its last legs. What to do: If rust is extensive or you see rusty water, it's time to consider replacement. For minor rust on racks or baskets, replace them. Parts you might need: dishwasher baskets and racks When to replace: If the tub itself is rusting, you're better off buying new than repairing. 6. Strange noises - grinding, screeching or buzzing Warning sign: You hear new, loud grinding, screeching, or buzzing noises. Why it matters: These sounds usually mean something inside—like the bearings, motor or pump—is wearing out. What to do: Stop the cycle and check if anything is blocking the spray arms. If the noise continues after clearing debris, the motor or pump may be failing. Parts you might need: dishwasher spray arms, dishwasher motor, dishwasher pump DIY or call a pro? Spray arms can easily be replaced. Motors and pumps need either an experienced DIYer or a service tech. 7. Dishwasher not drying properly (dishes hot but soaking wet) Warning sign: When the cycle ends, your dishes are piping hot—but still soaking wet. Why it matters: This usually means the heating element or thermostat isn’t working right—so your dishwasher can’t dry the dishes. Over time, the problem will continue to get worse. What to do: Make sure you’re using rinse aid and that it’s topped up. Still wet? It might be time to replace the heating element. Parts you might need: dishwasher heating element DIY or call a pro? Confident DIYers can do this, otherwise call a service tech. 8. Energy bill has jumped Warning sign: Your electricity or water bills have jumped for no obvious reason. Why it matters: Worn parts make your dishwasher work harder and run longer, costing you more. What to do: Clean or replace the filter, and check the spray arms and heating element for buildup. Parts you might need: dishwasher filter, dishwasher spray arms, dishwasher heating element Cost reality: Even a small fix—like a $50 part—can save you on monthly energy bills and pay for itself quickly. Not sure how to clean your dishwasher filter? Read our guide on how to clean and maintain your dishwasher for better performance. DIY vs professional DIY repairs you can tackle: Door seal replacement Drain hose repairs Filter cleaning and replacement Spray arm cleaning and replacement Rack replacement Call in the experts: Anything electrical (burning smells, tripping breakers, sparking) Motor or pump replacement Water inlet valve replacement Control board problems Mystery leaks you can't locate Should you repair or replace? Time to replace when: Your dishwasher is 10+ years old AND repairs cost more than half the price of a new one The tub is seriously rusted Multiple major parts are failing at once You've had several repairs recently Repair makes sense when: It's less than 7 years old Only one part needs replacing It's a quality brand The repair is under $300–$400 Related guides Tackling hard water problems with dishwasher softener salt How to effectively descale your dishwasher Why is my dishwasher not drying properly How to clean your dishwasher and eliminate bad smells How to easily replace your dishwasher door seal Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Need dishwasher parts fast? We stock genuine parts for all major dishwasher brands—Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG, Miele, and more. With Australia’s biggest range and fast delivery, we’ll help you get your dishwasher running again in no time. Not sure what part you need? Our expert team is here to help. Call us on Free call 1800 005 220 or chat to us online.

Ovens offer a variety of settings and functions to get the best cooking and baking results. Different brands may use slight variations, however many oven symbols are universal and designed to help you identify the different functions of your oven. If you tend to gravitate toward the functions you are most familiar and comfortable with, you are not alone! We take the guesswork out of deciphering those little pictures on your oven with our guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions. Oven symbols at a glance Conventional oven Lower heating element Upper heating element Fan forced Fan forced grill Grill Partial grill Defrost Plate warming Warmer Oven light Child lock Alarm Self cleaning / pyrolytic FAQs Common mistakes Find spare parts Conventional oven symbol: what it means and when to use it The symbol for conventional heating is two lines – one at the top and one at the bottom. This means that both the top and bottom heating elements will radiate heat. The bottom heating element provides the primary source of heat, while the upper element delivers intense top-down heat to brown and grill your food. Ideal for: Roasting meat and vegetables or single shelf cooking. Lower heating element The lower heating element oven symbol is represented by a single line at the bottom. This indicates that the lower heating element is in use. Ideal for: Slow cooking, casserole baking or for food that requires a crispy base such as pizza or a pastry case. Upper heating element The upper heating element symbol is represented by a single line at the top. This indicates that the upper heating element is in use. Ideal for: Baking pies with a pie crust. Fan forced Fan forced symbols feature a fan inside a circle. A fan forced oven has a heating element around the fan to circulate and distribute heat evenly. This allows for a faster cooking time, even temperature and a decrease in energy consumption. This will likely be your most used setting. Ideal for: Batch cooking, cakes, cookies. Fan forced grill This symbol features a fan with a zig zag line above it. When this is switched on, the grill and fan will operate at the same time. The fan’s function is to spread the grill’s heat. Unlike the standalone grill, your oven door should be closed when using this function. Ideal for: Cooking through thicker meats or fish. Grill The grill icon features a zig zag line on the top. It is also sometimes represented with a double zig zag line. This grill setting uses the entire grill of the oven. Ideal for: Vegetables, crisping and browning food. Partial grill Some ovens offer a partial grill setting, represented by a smaller zig zag line. This indicates that only part of the grill is in use. You will need to place your food in the right spot (usually in the centre of your oven). Ideal for: Grilling smaller portions/amounts. Defrost The defrost function can reduce your defrosting time. The oven does not use heat on this function, instead it circulates room temperature air (30°C) around the food to give it an even and fast defrosting result. Ideal for: Defrosting food when you are in a hurry. Plate warming The plate warming symbol shows three lines stacked on top of each other. This keeps your dinner plates safely warm. Ideal for: Keeping your dinner guests happy. Warmer Often depicted as a dish with rising steam, this function keeps your food warm, without cooking it. Ideal for: Warming food or plates so they do not cool too quickly. Oven light Your oven cooks with the light on so you can view your cooking progress. Also handy when cleaning your oven so you can take a better look. Child lock A small key symbol indicates that the child lock feature is activated. Ideal for: Keeping children safe when the appliance is on or when the self-clean function is in operation. Alarm The alarm symbol will enable you to manually set your alarm. Ideal for: Setting a reminder to check your cooking when your oven is in use. Self cleaning or Pyrolytic cleaning oven symbols The self cleaning function shows a series of black dots or diamonds decreasing size from top to bottom. It can also be represented by the letter P. High temperature pyrolytic cleaning heats your oven to approx. 500°C. The intense heat will incinerate any built up grime and then the remaining ash can be wiped away. Oven symbols and settings – Frequently asked questions What do oven symbols mean?Oven symbols represent different heating functions, such as conventional heat, fan forced cooking, grilling, or bottom heat. Each symbol activates specific heating elements to suit different types of cooking. Is fan forced the same as convection?Yes. Fan forced ovens use a fan to circulate hot air evenly, similar to convection ovens, allowing food to cook more evenly and often at lower temperatures. Which oven setting is best for baking?Conventional heat or fan forced settings are commonly used for baking. The best option depends on the recipe and whether you’re cooking on one shelf or multiple shelves. Why does my oven have symbols I never use?Some symbols are designed for specific tasks like grilling, defrosting, or pizza cooking. Understanding these settings can improve cooking results and energy efficiency. Now that you are familiar with your oven symbols and functions, why not get familiar with the different parts of your oven and how they operate? Check out our essential guide to oven parts. Common oven symbol mistakes to avoid Using grill instead of fan forced for baking Leaving the oven door open when using fan forced grill Using self-clean too frequently, which can damage seals Understanding your oven settings can help you cook more efficiently, avoid unnecessary wear, and keep your appliance running longer — saving money and reducing waste. Find all your oven spare parts at Statewide Shop for oven & cooktop spares at Statewide Appliance Spares. Our most popular oven and cooktop spare parts are always in stock, including oven elements, racks, hinges, seals, thermostats, knobs and more. We have everything you could possibly need at competitive prices, with fast Australia wide delivery. Need help with home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel. We share all the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Last updated: February 2026 Tags:  oven,  oven controls,

When something goes wrong with a household appliance, our first instinct is often to grab the phone and call a tradie. But many common issues can be fixed at home with just a little know-how and a few basic tools you probably already have. Taking on these simple repairs yourself can save you time, money, and the stress of waiting for a service call. Even better — most quick fixes only need simple, affordable parts that are easy to find at Statewide Appliance Spares. From oven globes and fridge seals to dishwasher filters and washing machine hoses, you’ll find everything you need to get your appliances running like new. Get started with these quick and easy fixes you can DIY in under 30 minutes — and keep your home appliances running smoothly! 1. Light up your oven with a quick globe change A well-lit oven means you don’t have to keep opening the door (and letting the heat out) to check if your food is cooked. If your globe has blown, you can replace it in a few easy steps. Turn off power: Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker. Let it cool: Wait for the oven to cool completely. Remove the globe cover: Unscrew or twist off the cover. Replace the globe: Take out the old globe and insert the new one. Test it: Plug in the oven and check if the new globe works. Important: Use only bulbs designed specifically for ovens and check that the wattage and fitting are correct. Watch: Guide to replacing your oven globe 2. Replace a damaged oven door seal If your oven takes longer to heat up or cooks unevenly, inspect the door seal for damage or wear. To replace, peel off the old seal, clean the area with warm soapy water, and fit your new door seal. 3. Freshen up your kitchen with clean rangehood filters Greasy filters reduce airflow and can become a fire risk. If your rangehood has aluminium or stainless-steel filters, give them a regular clean. Remove filters and soak in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove grease. Rinse with hot water, then place on paper towels and allow to cool and dry completely. Once dry, insert the filters back into your rangehood. Filter cleaning hack: Cut down cleaning time by placing your filters in the dishwasher! Use a grease-cutting detergent and a heavy-duty cycle. Once dry, reinstall. 4. Replace the lights on your rangehood Regularly changing your rangehood globe keeps your cooking area bright and safe. Replacing your rangehood globe is easier than you think! Turn off power: Switch off the rangehood and disconnect the power supply for safety. Access the globe: Remove the cover or filter panel (check your user guide). Remove the old globe: Gently unscrew it in a counterclockwise direction. Install the new globe: Screw in clockwise until secure. Test it: Replace the cover, then restore power and test. 5. Stop leaks fast with a new dishwasher seal If you notice leaks or puddles under your dishwasher, the door seal is often to blame — luckily this is an easy fix. Remove the old seal: Gently pull it out from the groove, starting at a corner. Clean the area: Wipe away any debris to ensure a snug fit. Install the new seal: Press it firmly into place, evenly along the groove. Test it out: Run a short cycle to check for leaks. 6. Fix a refrigerator that’s not cooling properly When your fridge stops cooling, it might seem like a disaster — but the cause is often simple. A quick check of the seals, coils, or thermostat can often solve the problem. Check the power: Make sure the cord is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Avoid overloading: Overstuffing the fridge blocks airflow and reduces cooling efficiency. Set the right temperature: Keep the fridge around 3°C and the freezer near –18°C. Clean the condenser coils: Unplug the fridge and vacuum dust from the coils behind or underneath. Check your fridge is level: An unlevel fridge may not seal properly. Adjust the feet until the doors close evenly. 7. Replace a worn fridge door seal If your fridge isn’t sealing correctly, a damaged door gasket might be the cause. Check for splits or warping and replace the seal. Remove the old seal: Gently pull it off. Some seals are clipped in, while others may be tucked under the door liner. Clean the groove: Wipe away any dirt or residue where the old seal was to ensure a tight fit. Fit the new seal: Align it properly and press it into place, starting from the corners. If needed, use a hairdryer on low heat to soften it for a snug fit. Check the seal: Close the door and test for gaps. A good seal should hold a piece of paper in place when the door is shut. 8. Swap out your washing machine hoses to prevent leaks Leaky washing machine hoses are one of the most common causes of laundry room floods. Inspect them regularly and replace cracked or worn hoses. Turn off power and water: Unplug the washer, close the valves, and slide it away from the wall. Disconnect old hoses: Loosen fittings with pliers and have a towel ready for spills. Clean fittings: Remove rust or debris from the connectors. Attach new hoses: Connect to the correct hot and cold valves, tightening by hand, then lightly with pliers. Test for leaks: Turn valves on, check connections, then move the washer back once dry. 9. Clear your dryer filter for faster, safer drying A clean lint filter keeps air flowing freely, improves performance, and reduces energy use. Remove the filter, clear off lint with your hands or a soft brush, and for a deeper clean, rinse under warm water. Let it dry completely before reinserting.   10. Stay cool with clean, dust-free air conditioner filters A clean air conditioner filter allows your system to operate smoothly, reducing energy consumption and lowering your power bills. Regularly cleaned filters trap dust, pollen, and other particles, helping keep the air in your home fresh and healthy. Turn off the power to your air conditioner for safety. Remove the filters from their slots. Gently vacuum to remove dust and debris. Rinse under warm water if needed. Allow filters to dry completely before reinstalling. Why DIY repairs are worth it DIY repairs don’t just save you a call-out fee — they help reduce e-waste, conserve resources, and extend the life of your appliances. Every small fix you tackle keeps another working appliance out of landfill and saves you money in the process. For more step-by-step guides, handy tips, and video tutorials, check out the Statewide Blog or visit our YouTube Channel. You’ll find everything you need to build your confidence and make appliance repairs a breeze. Where to buy appliance spare parts Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares — the biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia-wide shipping. Need help finding the right spare part for your home appliance? Our friendly team are on hand, ready to help! Call us on Free Call 1800 005 220.

Hard water is a common issue in many Australian homes and can affect the performance of your dishwasher. If your glasses are coming out cloudy, you’re seeing white spots or film on cutlery and plates, or your wash results just aren’t as good as they should be, you may need to add softener salt to your dishwashing maintenance routine. What is dishwasher softener salt? Dishwasher softener salt isn’t a cleaning product itself — it’s a specialised salt that helps your dishwasher’s built-in water softener unit work properly. Hard water contains a higher than usual concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water, which can leave residue on dishes and build up inside your machine. Softener salt dissolves and helps the dishwasher’s softening system remove hard water minerals before the wash cycle starts. Is dishwasher softener salt suitable for all dishwashers? Dishwasher salt, also known as water softener salt or dishwasher water softener salt, is suitable only for dishwashers with a dedicated softener salt dispenser — typically found in models with an integrated water softening system. If unsure, check your user manual. It’s worth noting that all Miele dishwashers — and many European-brand dishwashers such as Bosch, Siemens, Neff, AEG, and Asko — are designed with an integrated water-softening system. For homes with hard or moderately hard water, dishwasher softener salt is essential for optimal performance, protecting the machine from limescale and ensuring the best wash and drying results. Using dishwasher softener salt can: Reduce limescale buildup inside your dishwasher and on dishes.  A build-up of limescale on the dishwasher's heating element, spray arms, and other components can reduce the dishwasher's efficiency and cleaning performance over time. Improve cleaning performance, especially with hard water Help prevent spots and haziness on glasses and cutlery Extend your dishwasher’s life by preventing mineral damage. Signs that you need to use softener salt You might need to use dishwasher softener salt if: You live in a hard water area. (Local water authorities can tell you your hardness level) You see white marks, cloudiness or film on dishes after a cycle Your dishwasher has a salt indicator light or warning light Your dishwasher manual specifies a softener salt compartment. If your water is quite soft (very low mineral content), you might not need salt — check your manual and local water quality to be sure. How to use dishwasher softener salt Step 1: Locate the salt compartment — usually beneath the bottom rack in dishwashers with a softener dispenser   Step 2: Open the cap and carefully pour the softener salt into the reservoir  Step 3: Fill the salt compartment – Be careful not to overfill and always follow usage instructions Step 4: Start a wash cycle soon after filling to rinse away any excess salt. During the cycle, the dishwasher’s built-in water softener uses the salt to reduce hard water minerals, helping prevent limescale build-up and improve washing results Important: Do not use regular table salt or other salts not designed for dishwasher softeners — additives and fine grains can damage the softener system.  Using the right softener salt regularly can make a real difference — especially in areas with hard tap water. Over time, regular use can prolong the life of your dishwasher by preventing limescale buildup. This can prevent performance issues, potentially saving on repairs or premature replacement. Dishwasher softener salt plays a vital role in keeping your dishwasher running efficiently. For machines designed with a dedicated salt dispenser, it’s a simple but essential step toward better cleaning results and long-term appliance care. Buy dishwasher softener salt from Statewide Appliance Spares For the best results, we recommend: Aktivo Softener Salt 2kg A concentrated dishwasher softener salt designed to protect your machine and help with hard water performance. Aktivo range is environmentally friendly and septic safe. Power of 4 Water Softener Salt for Dishwasher 5kg Effectively removes lime from hard water and helps deliver spot-free results. The Power Of 4 range is designed with high performance, eco-friendly ingredients to deliver outstanding results. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! All the latest tips on the Statewide blog Visit the Statewide blog where you can find our guides DIY fixes for a dishwasher that is not cleaning properly and expert tips for superior dishwasher performance and savings.