Cleaning your dishwasher is an important maintenance task to ensure it continues to work efficiently and doesn't develop unpleasant odours. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean a dishwasher.
2. Why you need to clean your dishwasher
3. How often should you clean your dishwasher?
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Learn How to Clean a Dishwasher
Here’s how to clean a dishwasher.
Materials you'll need:
White vinegar or specialized dishwasher cleaning solution
Baking soda
A soft brush or toothbrush
A cloth or sponge
A small bowl or cup
The Steps
Step 1: Safety First
Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged or the circuit breaker is switched off for safety.
Step 2: Remove the Racks and Utensil Holder
Take out the bottom rack and utensil holder (if removable). These can usually be lifted out of the dishwasher. Check for any debris or food particles on these parts.
Step 3: Clean the Filter
Most dishwashers have a filter that traps food particles. Remove the filter (it's usually at the bottom of the dishwasher) and clean it under running water. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn debris. Replace it once it's clean. If you are not sure how to locate your filter, refer to your onwer’s manual.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior
Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the dishwasher, including the sides, door, and the bottom. Pay special attention to any areas with built-up grime or stains. You can use warm, soapy water for this.
Step 5: Run a Vinegar Wash
Place a cup or bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Then, run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. The vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits, sanitize the interior, and remove any lingering odours.
Step 6: Sprinkle Baking Soda
After the vinegar cycle is done, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, hot water cycle to distribute the baking soda and help with odour removal.
Step 7: Clean the Gaskets and Seals
Wipe down the door gaskets and seals with a cloth or sponge. These areas can accumulate debris and mold, so make sure to thoroughly clean them.
Step 8: Clean the Spray Arms
Inspect the spray arms for any clogs. If you see debris, remove it with a toothpick or a fine brush.
Step 9: Reassemble
Put the filter, racks, and utensil holder back into the dishwasher.
Step 10: Regular Maintenance
To prevent future build-up, clean your dishwasher regularly by removing food debris from dishes before loading them and periodically running a vinegar wash (about once a month). Additionally, you can purchase specialized dishwasher cleaning tablets or solutions to assist with cleaning and deodorizing.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prolong the life of your dishwasher and ensure that it continues to operate efficiently.
2. Why you need to clean your dishwasher
We’ve discussed how to clean a dishwasher, and here is a section explaining why you should do it.
Cleaning your dishwasher is essential for several reasons:
Preventing Odours: Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum can accumulate in your dishwasher. These residues can produce unpleasant odours that can transfer to your dishes. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these odours, ensuring your dishes come out fresh and clean.
Maintaining Efficiency: A dirty dishwasher can lead to reduced cleaning efficiency. If the spray arms, filter, or nozzles are clogged with debris, your dishwasher may not effectively clean your dishes. Cleaning these components ensures optimal water flow and distribution, leading to better cleaning results.
Preventing Mold and Mildew: Dishwashers create a warm, humid environment, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew, particularly in hidden areas like door gaskets and seals. Cleaning helps prevent these issues, which can be both unsightly and potentially harmful to your health.
Avoiding Hard Water Buildup: Minerals in hard water can leave deposits on the dishwasher's interior surfaces and components, like the heating element. These deposits can reduce the dishwasher's efficiency and longevity. Regular cleaning with vinegar can help dissolve these mineral deposits.
Extending Appliance Lifespan: Routine maintenance, including cleaning, can extend the life of your dishwasher. A well-maintained dishwasher is less likely to suffer from mechanical failures, which can be costly to repair or replace.
Maintaining Hygiene: Dishwashers can harbour bacteria, especially in the filter, gaskets, and seals. Cleaning helps eliminate these bacteria and ensures that your dishes are hygienically cleaned.
Improving Dish Appearance: A clean dishwasher helps ensure that your dishes, glasses, and utensils come out looking spotless. Dirty interiors can leave residue on your dishes, making them look less appealing.
Regular dishwasher cleaning is crucial not only for maintaining the appliance's efficiency but also for ensuring your dishes are hygienically cleaned, odour-free, and free from mineral deposits and mold. It's a simple yet effective way to extend the life of your dishwasher and keep your kitchen appliances in top condition.
Regular dishwasher cleaning is crucial.
3. How often should you clean your dishwasher?
It's a good idea to perform basic maintenance on your dishwasher on a monthly basis.
We know how to clean a dishwasher; it includes cleaning the filter, checking for debris in the spray arms, and wiping down the interior. This regular upkeep can help prevent the buildup of food particles and soap scum.
Every three months or so, you should perform a more thorough cleaning of your dishwasher. This involves cleaning the filter, wiping down the interior, and running cycles with vinegar or specialized dishwasher cleaner to dissolve mineral deposits and eliminate odours.
If you notice unpleasant odours coming from your dishwasher, it's a sign that it needs cleaning. Odours can develop from mold, mildew, and food debris. In this case, you should clean it immediately, and then consider more regular maintenance to prevent future odours.
If you live in an area with very hard water, you might need to clean your dishwasher more frequently. Hard water can lead to mineral deposits, so you may need to run a vinegar or citric acid cycle more often.
Mineral deposits can reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher. They can block the spray arms and clog the nozzles, leading to poor water distribution and decreased cleaning performance.
The minerals in hard water can leave white, chalky residue on your dishes, glassware, and the interior of your dishwasher. This residue is often difficult to remove and can lead to dull, spotty, or cloudy-looking dishes.
Consider installing a water softener for your entire home or a point-of-use water softener specifically for your dishwasher. Softened water contains fewer minerals, reducing the formation of deposits and the need for frequent cleaning.
A clean dishwasher equals clean dishes!
Let us help with all dishwasher and water softener needs!
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WaterSmart is a locally owned and operated full-service plumbing and water softener company that has been in business for almost 30 years.
We know plumbing and our expert master plumbers can fix any plumbing issue that you have and any installation that you need, including water softeners and dishwashers.
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