An appliance has a dispensing device that is configured for self-cleaning. In one embodiment, a flow regulator is fluidly connected to the dispensing device. The flow regulator has a first state in which a washing fluid is dispensed into the dispensing device and a second state in which the washing fluid is evacuated therefrom. To facilitate cleaning, the washing fluid flows through a spray device that is configured to direct the washing fluid onto a peripheral wall of a compartment in which an additive for the dispensing device can be disposed.