Winterizing a dishwasher is the process of protecting it from freezing temperatures, trapped water, mold, odors, and damage while the appliance is idle, stored, or installed in a space that may drop below freezing. The safest winterization approach is to clean the machine, drain all water, disconnect the water supply where needed, protect hoses and inlet valves, and, for seasonal or vacant homes, use a manufacturer-approved nontoxic RV antifreeze procedure before leaving the unit unused. LG and Maytag both provide appliance-specific winterization and storage guidance that emphasizes draining residual water, disconnecting the inlet hose, keeping the door open to prevent mold, and running a cleaning cycle before the dishwasher is put back into service.
Why winterization matters
Dishwashers are vulnerable in winter because even a small amount of leftover water in the pump, hoses, or inlet valve can freeze and expand, which can crack plastic components or damage pipes and fittings. LG explicitly warns that residual water in the pump and hoses may freeze and damage the appliance and home plumbing, and that freezing water expands enough to cause physical damage.
This risk is most serious in unheated spaces such as basements, garages, cottages, seasonal homes, and vacant properties. Maytag’s storage guidance says that if a dishwasher is left in a seasonal dwelling or may be exposed to near-freezing temperatures, it should be winterized by authorized service personnel, because improper storage can lead to mold, odors, leaks, and component damage.
Winterization is also about preventing non-freeze problems. If water sits in the machine for weeks or months, it can leave behind odors, mildew, residue, and clogs, so a proper winterization routine protects both the plumbing and the appliance’s cleanliness.
When winterization is needed
You usually need to winterize a dishwasher if it will be left in a space that is not heated consistently, such as a vacation home, cottage, cabin, garage, or basement in a cold climate. LG says winterization is appropriate if the dishwasher is stored in an unheated location like a basement or garage or if you are relocating to a summer home for the winter season.
Maytag similarly says that seasonal dwellings or appliances that may be exposed to near-freezing temperatures need winterization to protect from cold-weather damage. That makes the guidance relevant across the UK, USA, and Canada, especially where properties are left vacant during the winter months.
If the home is occupied and heated normally, full winterization is usually not necessary. In that case, a normal maintenance routine cleaning, checking seals, and keeping the room above freezing is often enough.
Safety before you begin
Before winterizing, turn off the water supply to the home or the dishwasher branch line, and disconnect power at the breaker if the appliance is hardwired or if the manufacturer instructs it. LG’s steps begin with turning off the water supply, and Maytag’s storage guidance says to turn off the dishwasher’s circuit breaker to eliminate electrical shock risk.
Make sure you have the right tools before starting. LG lists a screwdriver, a bucket, and nontoxic RV antifreeze as the basic supplies, while Maytag’s guidance may also call for a wrench, towels, and cleaning materials to remove residual water and debris.
If you are not comfortable disconnecting plumbing or electrical connections, contact a qualified appliance technician or plumber. Winterization is simple in concept, but the safest version depends on proper disconnection and complete drainage.
Step 1: Empty and clean
Start by removing all dishes, racks, and loose debris from the dishwasher. Maytag recommends opening the dishwasher, checking the bottom filter for leftover particles, and wiping down interior surfaces, especially the door seals and spray-arm areas.
Cleaning first matters because food residue becomes harder to remove after the appliance is drained and stored. If grime is left behind, it can harden, create odors, and attract pests or mold while the dishwasher is out of service.
A good cleaning cycle also gives you a fresh starting point when the dishwasher is brought back into use. Maytag recommends running a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner and then a hot cycle with white vinegar on the top rack before sealing the dishwasher for storage.
Step 2: Clean the filter and drain area
The filter should be removed and cleaned carefully, because trapped food particles can create odors and drainage problems. Maytag says to check the bottom filter for leftover particles and clean all interior surfaces before storage.
If there is visible debris near the sump or drain opening, remove it manually so the system can drain fully. A clean drain area reduces the risk of stuck water pockets freezing in the lowest part of the appliance.
This step is especially important if the dishwasher has been used heavily before winter. Any leftover grease or residue can hold moisture and contribute to long-term odor and mold growth if the machine is stored without proper cleaning.
Step 3: Drain residual water
The most important winterization step is to get as much water out of the dishwasher as possible. LG says residual water may remain in the pump and hoses, and that this is the water most likely to freeze and cause damage.
Maytag’s storage guidance also says to drain the appliance completely, and recommends a wet-dry vacuum to remove leftover water from the drain hose if needed. That is a practical extra step when you want to reduce hidden water in the line.
You may need to tilt or position the machine carefully, depending on the model and installation, so that trapped water can run out of the lower parts of the tub and hoses. The goal is not just to empty the visible tub but to remove what the eye cannot easily see.
Step 4: Disconnect the inlet hose
Once the water is off, disconnect the inlet hose from both the water supply and the dishwasher if the appliance is going to sit unused in freezing conditions. LG specifically instructs users to disconnect the inlet hose and set it aside in a bucket.
This reduces the chance of water being trapped in the hose or entering the appliance by accident. It also makes it easier to inspect the hose for wear, cracks, or mineral buildup before the dishwasher is put back into service.
If the dishwasher is built into cabinetry and will remain in place, leaving the hose safely disconnected is still a good protection step when the home will be vacant.
Step 5: Use RV antifreeze if required
If the dishwasher will be exposed to freezing temperatures while not in use, some manufacturers recommend adding nontoxic RV antifreeze to the tub. LG’s winterization instructions say to add half a gallon of nontoxic recreational vehicle antifreeze inside the tub, close the door, and start a cycle so the unit begins draining.
The purpose of the antifreeze is not to “wash” the dishwasher but to protect internal components and drain paths from residual freeze damage. LG instructs users to turn off the unit or breaker as soon as water is moving through the drain, which indicates the protective liquid has begun circulating where it needs to go.
Use only RV or marine antifreeze that is explicitly nontoxic and appropriate for this purpose. Never use automotive antifreeze in a dishwasher, because that type is not meant for appliance or potable-water-adjacent systems.
Step 6: Run a short drain cycle
After adding antifreeze, start a cycle so the dishwasher can move the liquid into the pump and drain areas. LG says the cycle should start with the unit draining, and then you should turn off the dishwasher or breaker once you hear water moving through the drain.
The idea is to coat the vulnerable internal lines and leave a protective layer in the lowest points of the appliance. Some winterization guidance from appliance service sources suggests that a short drain or cancel-drain function can help move the antifreeze through the pump and hose path.
Do not try to run a full normal cycle with dishes in the unit during winterization. LG specifically notes that dishes should not be placed inside the dishwasher during the winterization cycle.
Step 7: Leave the door open
After winterization, keep the door propped open. LG says this helps prevent odors and mold from forming while the appliance sits unused.
This is a simple but important step because a sealed, damp dishwasher is a perfect environment for stale odors and mildew. Maytag also emphasizes thorough drying and cleanliness before storage to protect the appliance from mold growth.
If the machine is still installed in a kitchen rather than stored off-site, propping the door slightly open also helps air circulation in cold conditions. That keeps the tub drier and reduces moisture-related damage while the home is empty.
Step 8: Keep power and water off if vacant
If you are leaving the home for the winter, LG says to keep the inlet hoses disconnected, leave the power cord unplugged, and turn off the circuit breaker until you return. That prevents accidental operation and protects the unit if freezing occurs while no one is there.
Maytag also recommends turning off the circuit breaker during storage to eliminate electrical shock risk. This is especially relevant when the dishwasher is being left in a seasonal property or a home that may not be heated regularly.
For UK, USA, and Canada households, this advice is especially useful in cottages, vacation homes, and rental properties that go unoccupied over the winter.
Step 9: Clean and protect exterior parts
The outside of the dishwasher should be wiped down before storage or winterization. Maytag recommends using a damp cloth or sponge to clean interior and exterior surfaces, while also focusing on the door seals and spray-arm areas.
If the dishwasher will be moved or stored, protect the finish with moving blankets or towels so it does not get scratched or dented. Maytag’s storage guidance says moving blankets can help protect the dishwasher exterior from damage.
This is also a good time to inspect the underside, hoses, and fittings for leaks or corrosion. Fixing those issues before winter storage is easier than discovering them when the dishwasher is needed again.
Bringing it back in spring
When you are ready to use the dishwasher again, the appliance should be reconnected and flushed before normal operation. LG says that after winterization, you should run a complete wash cycle with detergent before using the machine again, and no dishes should be placed inside that cycle.
This first cycle removes any remaining antifreeze and verifies that the water supply, draining, and electrical systems are all functioning correctly. If the machine was stored for a long time, it is also wise to check for odors, leaks, or stiffness in the hoses before putting it back into regular use.
Maytag’s storage guidance also supports thorough cleaning and drying before storage, which makes the restart process easier and reduces the chance of mold or residue issues when the dishwasher comes back online.
UK, USA, and Canada considerations
In the UK, winterization is most relevant for holiday homes, garages, basements, or places where heating may be turned down or off for long periods. The main concern is not only freeze damage but also trapped moisture and stale odors in damp, cold spaces.
In the USA, winterization matters especially in colder states and in seasonal homes that are empty for months. LG’s and Maytag’s guidance fits well because it covers both vacancy and low-temperature exposure, which are common winter risks in American homes.
In Canada, colder winters make pipe and residual-water protection especially important. The combination of freezing temperatures and long seasonal absences means Canadian households should be especially careful about draining, disconnecting, and, where recommended, using RV antifreeze.
Winterization checklist
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is assuming a dishwasher has drained itself completely just because the visible tub looks dry. LG warns that residual water may remain in the pump and hoses, which is exactly the water that can freeze and cause hidden damage.
Another mistake is forgetting the inlet hose or leaving the water supply on. If the hose or valve remains connected, water can be trapped in places that are hard to dry out later. LG and Maytag both emphasize disconnecting and draining the system properly.
A third mistake is sealing the machine closed after storage. Maytag and LG both stress leaving the door open to reduce mold and odors, which means a closed, damp dishwasher is the wrong way to store it.
FAQs
Do I need to winterize my dishwasher every winter?
Only if the appliance is in a space that may freeze or the home will be vacant for an extended period. LG and Maytag frame winterization as especially important for seasonal or unheated locations.
Can I just turn the dishwasher off and leave it?
Not if freezing temperatures are possible. You need to drain residual water and disconnect the water supply to avoid freeze damage.
Is RV antifreeze necessary?
Sometimes. LG recommends half a gallon of nontoxic RV antifreeze as part of its winterization process for dishwashers that may be exposed to freezing temperatures.
Should I run the dishwasher after winterizing it?
Yes, but only with detergent and no dishes when you are ready to use it again. LG says to run a complete wash cycle before normal use after winterization.
Can I winterize a built-in dishwasher myself?
Yes, in many cases, but if plumbing or electrical connections are difficult or you are unsure, hire a professional. Maytag notes that seasonal storage and near-freezing exposure may warrant authorized service personnel.
What is the most important step?
Draining all residual water is the most important step, because leftover water is what freezes and causes the damage in the first place.
