Aeg dishwasher rusting — used every 2 3 days with clean cycles using limescale remover once a month

Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.

1. Check 1

   Turn the dishwasher off and let accessible surfaces cool. Photograph the spots, then gently wipe one small visible area with a soft damp cloth; do not use a blade, steel wool, scouring pad or chemical rust remover for this identification step.

   Expected result: The mark lifts as a film or powder, or it remains attached and the surface feels rough, pitted, flaked or perforated.

   Next step: If it is a deposit, continue with the salt, hardness and dishwasher-specific cleaning checks. If the metal is damaged or a leak is present, stop cleaning experiments and arrange AEG or qualified service.

   Why this matters

   Why: A wipeable film is more consistent with salt, limescale or another deposit than with a failed stainless surface. Persistent roughness, pits, flaking or a hole is evidence of material damage, not a routine scale deposit.

2. Check 2

   Inspect the accessible tub bottom, filter area, door edge, rack wires and salt-cap area for spilled salt, a loose salt cap, a chipped rack coating or a foreign rusty item. Do not remove panels or reach into the heater or pump housing.

   Expected result: Salt is present outside the reservoir, the cap is not tight, the rack coating is damaged, a rusty item is present, or no external source is visible.

   Next step: Wipe up accessible spilled salt with water and a soft cloth, verify the cap according to the model manual, and remove only a dishwasher-safe foreign item. Treat a chipped coating, pitted tub or unexplained recurring spot as a service issue rather than sanding or coating it yourself.

   Why this matters

   Why: AEG says spilled salt and water-softener problems can leave residues, while damage to a stainless protective layer can allow corrosion. A visible rack or foreign-object source does not prove that the tub itself is rusting.

3. Check 3

   Check the dishwasher water-hardness setting, salt indicator/level and rinse-aid setting against the exact AEG manual and local water hardness. Use salt as directed even when multi-tablets are used, and do not increase descaler frequency beyond the product label or model guidance just because spots are visible.

   Expected result: The hardness setting is unknown or incorrect, salt is empty or spilled, the cap is loose, or the settings and salt system match the manual.

   Next step: Correct only the settings and consumables covered by the exact manual, wipe away salt and run the required empty rinse if salt was spilled. If the residue persists, do not add stronger chemicals; move to the model-specific service boundary.

   Why this matters

   Why: Incorrect softening or low salt can allow limescale and residue; an apparently correct setting makes a persistent metal defect or another source more important to investigate. Monthly cleaning is not itself proof of the cause.

4. Check 4

   If the spot is a removable deposit, run the AEG Machine Care or empty dishwasher-cleaning program with a dishwasher-specific descaler/cleaner exactly as its package and model manual instruct. Leave the door open after the cycle if the manual allows, and inspect the same area after it is dry.

   Expected result: The deposit clears without metal damage, decreases but remains, or returns after the cleaning cycle.

   Next step: If the spot clears, maintain the documented salt, hardness and cleaning routine. If it remains or returns, stop escalating the chemistry and provide photographs, model/PNC information and the cleaning history to AEG service.

   Why this matters

   Why: A cleared deposit supports salt/limescale or grease residue as the immediate cause. A persistent or returning spot is not proof that more descaler is needed; it may reflect an ongoing salt/softener issue, a damaged surface, rack corrosion or another source.

5. Check 5

   Stop using the dishwasher for testing if you find a hole, sharp flaking metal, a loose rack wire, water leaking from the tub or door, smoke, a burning odor or an electrical symptom. Do not coat, sand, puncture, weld or disassemble the tub or heater as a home remedy.

   Expected result: The interior remains intact and dry, or there is structural damage, leakage or another safety symptom.

   Next step: Keep the dishwasher off and arrange AEG or qualified service for structural damage, leakage or any electrical symptom. Provide the model/PNC and photographs rather than ordering a generic liner, rack or heater part.

   Why this matters

   Why: An intact surface can be monitored after correct external care. Structural damage or leakage is outside residue cleaning and can worsen water or electrical risk.