A dishwasher is a useful appliance that saves you time and effort when it comes to cleaning dishes. However, like any appliance, it needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it working efficiently. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to clean your dishwasher, how often to do it, and how to keep it clean for longer.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
Reasons why cleaning your dishwasher is important
You may believe that your dishwasher is already clean since it’s used to clean dishes, but that’s not always the case. Over time, residue, stains, and grease can accumulate on the inside of the dishwasher, leaving it less effective at cleaning your dishes. Additionally, a dirty dishwasher can cause unpleasant odors, mold, bacteria, and even clogs, which can damage the appliance itself. Therefore, it’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly to prevent these problems and ensure that it’s working efficiently.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
You should clean your dishwasher at least once a month to keep it in good condition. However, depending on how often you use it and how heavily soiled your dishes are, you may need to clean it more often. It’s also a good idea to deep clean your dishwasher every six months to remove any buildup that might have accumulated over time.
Signs that your dishwasher needs cleaning
Some signs that your dishwasher needs cleaning include a foul smell coming from it, water not draining correctly, dishes not coming out clean even after running the dishwasher, and visible buildup or stains inside the dishwasher. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to give your dishwasher a good cleaning.
What are the best methods to clean your dishwasher?
Cleaning the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda
One effective method for cleaning your dishwasher is by using white vinegar and baking soda. Start by emptying your dishwasher and removing any leftover food particles from the bottom and around the drain. Then, fill a cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run it on a hot water cycle. This method will help remove any stains, residue, and buildup that have accumulated inside your dishwasher over time.
Using a dishwasher cleaner
You can also use a dishwasher cleaner that’s specifically designed to remove limescale, grease, and other buildup from your dishwasher. Follow the instructions on the cleaner and run your dishwasher on a hot cycle. This method is quick and easy and will leave your dishwasher sparkling clean.
Manually cleaning the dishwasher
If you prefer to clean your dishwasher manually, start by removing the bottom and top racks. Soak them in hot, soapy water and scrub them clean with a toothbrush or sponge. Next, use a toothbrush to clean around the edges, corners, and door of the dishwasher. Pay special attention to the dishwasher filter, which can become clogged with food particles and debris, and clean it thoroughly. Finally, run your dishwasher on a hot cycle to rinse away any remaining dirt or detergent.
How to keep your dishwasher clean longer?
Cleaning the dishwasher filter
The dishwasher filter is an important component that helps prevent food particles and debris from clogging your dishwasher’s pump or spray arm. To keep your dishwasher working efficiently, it’s important to clean it regularly. To do this, remove the filter from the dishwasher and rinse it under running water to remove any dirt or debris. If the filter is clogged or damaged, replace it with a new one.
Keeping the dishwasher door clean
The dishwasher door can also accumulate dirt and grime over time, which can cause it to smell or look dirty. To keep it clean, wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. You can also use a vinegar and water solution to remove any odors or stains.
Using the dishwasher with care
To prevent your dishwasher from becoming dirty or damaged, it’s important to use it with care. This means not overloading it with dishes, rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, and using the appropriate amount of detergent for each load. It’s also a good idea to run your dishwasher on a regular basis to prevent any buildup from accumulating and causing problems.
How to remove stains and buildup from your dishwasher?
Cleaning the bottom and top rack of the dishwasher
The bottom and top racks of your dishwasher are often where most stains and buildup accumulate, as they’re in direct contact with dishes and food particles. To remove these stains and buildup, remove the racks from the dishwasher and soak them in hot, soapy water for at least 15 minutes. Scrub them clean with a toothbrush or sponge and rinse them thoroughly before placing them back into the dishwasher.
Using vinegar and baking soda to remove stains and buildup
White vinegar and baking soda are powerful cleaning agents that can help remove stains and buildup from inside your dishwasher. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and add one cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run your dishwasher on a hot water cycle to remove any buildup and leave your dishwasher looking and smelling fresh.
Cleaning the dishwasher with a toothbrush
If there are any stubborn stains or buildup that won’t come off with vinegar and baking soda, use a toothbrush to scrub them away. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid scratching the inside of your dishwasher. Be sure to clean around the spray arm, the edges, and the corners of the dishwasher to ensure that all dirt and buildup has been removed.
What are some additional tips to keep your dishwasher cleaner?
Using the hot water cycle
Running your dishwasher on a hot water cycle will help kill any bacteria or germs inside the dishwasher and prevent any clogs from forming. It’s a good idea to do this once every few weeks to keep your dishwasher working efficiently.
Using dishwasher-safe materials
Using dishwasher-safe materials like plastic, glass, and stainless steel will help prevent any damage or scratches to your dishwasher. Avoid using materials that are not dishwasher-safe, such as wood or cast iron, as they can leave residue or cause damage to the machine.
Regularly running the dishwasher
To prevent any buildup or residue from accumulating in your dishwasher, it’s important to run it on a regular basis. Even if you don’t have a full load of dishes, running the dishwasher every few days will help keep it clean and prevent any odors from forming.
With these tips and methods, you can keep your dishwasher clean and running efficiently. Cleaning your dishwasher regularly not only extends its lifespan but also ensures that your dishes come out clean and sanitized every time.