Yes, You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher!

Today we want to share with you something special:

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

It may have been a long time since you washed your dishwasher. And while it seems like his dishwasher should wash, the truth is that even appliances designed to make our best dishes shine need to be washed every now and then.

Over time, food scraps, dirt, and soap scum build up in the dishwasher, which can not only leave an unpleasant odor but can also make your appliance run less efficiently.

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No one loves going to a clean dishwasher to find plates and bowls covered in film or detergent residue. The good news? This task is relatively easy and can be accomplished while concentrating on deeper kitchen cleaning jobs. See what you need to do to keep your dishwasher clean.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

When it comes to cleaning your dishwasher, clean it weekly (when used regularly) and schedule a deeper clean at least once a month.

If you notice a slight smell or if your dishes are not as clean as they used to be, it is time to wash the appliance. You may also notice small pieces of food on the filter or an unusual sound each time you open a load of dishes.

Things You'll Need

Distilled white vinegar
Baking soda
Sponge
All-purpose cleaner
Stainless steel cleaner
Warm, soapy water

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Step 1: Clean the Drain

The first step is to get to the drain and clean up any dirt you find. Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher, then check the drain for food or debris.

We recommend wearing rubber gloves for this task; It can be a pretty nasty job, depending on how long it's been since you've cleaned your kitchen appliances. Removing accumulated food scraps will help your dishwasher drain much faster and reduce any film left on dishes.

Step 2: Clean the Filter and Spray Arm

If the filter isn't clean, your dishes won't be either. Leave the bottom rack out to reach the filter and fill the sink with hot, soapy water.

Locate the filter, under the spray arm in the center of the device or in the rear corner, and remove it. Begin soaking it in the sink while running the deep cleaning cycle.

The spray arm can also be susceptible to debris build-up. Remove each arm and rub the small holes at the bottom to clear any clogs and increase water flow during cycles.

Quick tip
If there are particles trapped on the screen or pieces of plastic in your filter, use a soft toothbrush to carefully clean the inside of each corner.

Step 3: Replace the Bottom Rack

Once you've finished removing the filter, you can put the bottom bracket back into the dishwasher while the filter is submerged in the sink.

Include the rack in your deep cleaning cycle to ensure that it is sterilized, that food and debris are removed, and that no detergent or dirt residue is left between the recessed pegs and the dish racks.

This will give you a new surface to place the dishes on during your next full dish cycles after the deep clean is finished.

It is also helpful to gently scrub the silverware holder with a toothbrush to clean stubborn stains and residue before washing with vinegar.

Step 4: Run a Cycle With Vinegar

To thoroughly clean your dishwasher, place a two-cup glass of distilled white vinegar on the top shelf. White vinegar is a true workhorse when it comes to cleaning tasks and is perfect for removing dirt and fighting stubborn odors.

With the glass of vinegar inside, run the dishwasher on a normal heat cycle (no dishes please!), No detergent or soap.

Step 5: Scrub Down the Outside

While you wait for the vinegar cycle to finish, take the opportunity to clean the exterior of the dishwasher. Use an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean stains and dirt from the door, knob, and knobs.

Step 6: Run a Cycle With Baking Soda

Once the vinegar cycle is complete, remove the glass from the top shelf. Now take a cup of baking soda and sprinkle it evenly over the bottom rack of the dishwasher.

Repeat the deep cleaning cycle (again, without detergent) on the hottest water setting. Baking soda not only neutralizes the vinegar smell but also helps remove the remaining dirt and acts as a deodorizer.

Step 7: Keep It Clean

Even the most beautiful kitchen sink for washing dishes does not compare to a dishwasher. When there are hundreds of other tasks to do, a dishwasher can be a time-saving appliance in your home.

The best way to keep your dishwasher working well is to clean it frequently.

Between monthly deep cleanings, keep a rag handy to clean the components, and remember to check the filter weekly for food debris stuck inside.

Maintaining your dishwasher will not only keep it looking its best, but it will also help ensure that your dishes are always clean and shiny.

How to Remove Streaks on Your Dishwasher

If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, a cleaner like Weiman's is a great final step in removing stains and repelling future stains.

It is helpful to thoroughly scrub the exterior of your appliance with a cleaner each time you run a monthly deep cleaning cycle to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt on the surface.

Between scheduled cleanings, stainless steel wipes are a great option for quickly cleaning your device and removing fingerprints, watermarks, or grease.

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Smells in Your Dishwasher

If the vinegar and baking soda cycles still aren't leaving your dishwasher smelling fresh, the problem may be with the drain hose.

Take out your appliance and locate the hose (at the bottom of the back of the dishwasher). For those that are more difficult to remove from the wall, locate the other end of the hose that connects to the drain tube under the kitchen sink. Clean the hose of any clogs or kinks that cause water to pool and create unpleasant odors.

DIY Dishwasher Cleaner Recipe

If your dishwasher is very, very dirty, consider using a household cleaner on the items you already have at home. To start, mix two cups of baking soda with three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide until the mixture thickens and forms a paste.

Put some of the mixtures on the parchment paper and wait about an hour for it to harden. Place it (without the parchment paper) on the bottom rack of your dishwasher and set it on the hottest cycle for an even more powerful clean.