Cleaning inside automatic dishwashers (ADWs) represents an example of a ‘black box’ problem. The description of the phenomena occurring during a typical wash cycle is not currently well known. This thesis aims to illustrate and expand the in-depth knowledge required to better understand the wash process by analysing the different mechanical and chemical factors involved as well as the interactions between them. Online measurements techniques (Positron Emission Particle Tracking, scanning Fluid Dynamic Gauge or Image Analysis) were combined with statistical and numerical modelling to investigate the evolution over time of the cleaning system.