We've got a Bosch and it is excellent. I used to use the 5 in 1 tablets but changed to value tablets and add rinse aid and salt and haven't noticed any deteriation in the wash.

I only use the long wash if there are very dirty pans, casserole dishes etc. Can get away with the express wash for plates, cutlery and glasses.

Used to have a Whirlpool one but the Bosch is LOADS better.

Wow! I think I hit a nerve with this subject

I started off putting rinse aid and salt in but someone on here said I shouldn't be using those with the 5-in-one tablets. So I stopped. Then I started using Finish Extra Posho-stuff and it dud help. But we seem to be back to square one again. Tis a Diplomat it seems (built in) - never heard of it before.

Still I scrubbed the interior and all the arms and the filter, put it through a hot hot wash and it does seem better now. So....I only have to do that once a day and all will be well

Live in a very hard water area (think going through a kettle every six months)

put both salt and rinse aid in, and DW cleaner in once a month, clean filter every week (or rather DH does)

Everything comes clean, unless the salt or rinse aid is running out, then you can tell the difference.

mines a zanussi. DH has taken to barely loading it to get stuff clean. Which is not what it should be ffs. Batsard thing. But still easier to leave stuff in for days than don a pair of marigolds

I spent ages on Which? before we got our dishwasher - then bought one from IKEA (whirlpool) cause it was easier to get it as part of the kitchen

I do use the tablet advice I got from there though. Apparently, Finish Max in 1 are the best dishwasher tablets ever, closely followed by Tesco Value ones if you are using a separate salt and rinse aid (the value tablets don't include these)

I use the Finish Dishwasher cleaner once a month too and empty out the drain at the same time.

Everything is always clean and we've never had a problem...

Don't know if it's been mentioned, but the connector from the second self to the thing that powers the arm would sometimes not connect to the arm if the tray was slid in funnily, which caused the vomit-like stuff in our dishwasher!

bleurgh. I distrust dishwashers

We have this problem every so often, mostly it's in relation to weetabix/stuffing sneaking in there though, or a misplaced item which stops the arms spinning.

It used to do a crappy wash every so often even without these non dishwash-union agreed issues, and after much trial and error I found the Fairy dishwash tabs seemed to cure it- it hasn't misbehaved since.

Perhaps it's the dishwashing equivalent of skin cream- you have to find the right one to suit your dishwasher's personal needs

Mine is indesit and shit

My parents was more effective and lasted 15/20 yrs no problems its like new fangled washing machines, now they are all enviromentally friendly and waste less water they arent quite as effective/quick

I just use own brand cleaner - same as I just use own brand tablets, salt & rinse aid. I live a v. hard water area so do make sure I add the extras like the salt and rinse aid. Plus put through a cleaner every few months.