Your dishwasher is a handy tool that makes cleaning your dirty dishes a breeze. However, did you know that you need to clean your dishwasher too? Food particles, soap scum and grease easily build up inside your dishwasher, resulting in an unpleasant aroma and streaks on your glasses, plates and cutlery.
Without cleaning your dishwasher, a build-up of grime can even damage your dishwasher filter and pump. So, what is the best way to clean a dishwasher and remove all traces of grime? Here, we’ll reveal 8 top steps on how to clean the inside of a dishwasher effectively.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher
Follow these easy steps to learn how to discover how to eliminate all traces of dirt and food from your dishwasher.
1. Use High-Quality Dishwasher Detergents
Prevention against dirt and damage is the most effective way of keeping your dishwasher clean. Using a high-quality dishwasher detergent will help to eliminate any streaks or film on your dishes. If you’re situated in a hard water area, it’s also a good idea to use a softener to stop a build-up of minerals inside of your dishwasher.
2. Clean Regularly
It’s best to clean your dishwasher regularly. After every use, clean bits of food from the bottom of the dishwasher. Once a week, you should wipe it down with a damp cloth or soapy water. Once a month you should perform a deep clean, including wiping down the exterior.
3. Avoid Cleaning with Bleach
Never clean your dishwasher with bleach, particularly if there are parts made of stainless steel. Additionally, avoid mixing bleach with vinegar as this can create a lethal gas. Instead, use a designated dishwasher cleaning product, such as dishwasher tablets, or deep clean with white vinegar.
4. Wipe Plates Before Placing Them Inside
If there’s food left on your plates, give them a wipe down before placing them inside your dishwasher. This prevents food particles from getting trapped, causing a foul smell. When cleaning food out of your dishwasher, make sure that you remove the bottom rack to check for any particles that may have fallen underneath.
5. Wipe Away Grime on The Door
Your dishwasher door can harbour grime so it’s a good idea to wipe this area down once per week. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub this area with soapy water or you can use a damp cloth instead. This will also remove any residue from the door and its edges.
6. Remove the Dishwasher Filter to Rinse
The dishwasher filter is situated under the bottom spray arm. By removing this you can clean it to ensure your dishes receive a good clean when being washed and rinsed. Once you’ve removed it, place it under hot running water and scrub it with an old toothbrush to eliminate any traces of food or grease. Once it’s clean, place it back in the dishwasher. Make sure it’s locked in correctly or your dishwasher may become damaged.
7. Deep Clean with Dishwasher Cleaner
A dishwasher cleanser, such as a dishwasher tablet, can be used to provide a deep clean. Make sure you place it in an empty dishwasher and run it on a regular cycle. Alternatively, you can use a cup of white vinegar instead.
When you clean a dishwasher with vinegar, place the distilled vinegar in a bowl and put it on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle but don’t use any detergent or place any other dishes inside. You can also use a cup of baking soda once this cycle has finished. To do this, simply sprinkle the soda into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot cycle. This will make it smell extra fresh.
8. Clean the Drain Trap
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