How to Clean Your Dishwasher
A dishwasher is one of the best appliances in your kitchen, one that delivers convenience and water-saving benefits in spades. But like many household appliances, it can lose its efficiency without proper care. It may even start to smell!
Knowing how to clean your dishwasher is the key to keeping it running smoothly and getting sparkling clean dishes every time.
Thorough cleaning of your dishwasher tackles the residue buildup, food particles and grease that can accumulate in the filter, spray arms and rubber seals. With simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and dish soap, plus some regular maintenance, you can make a big difference. A clean dishwasher performs better and lasts longer, saving you time and money.
Why You Need to Clean a Dishwasher Regularly
Knowing how to clean your dishwasher, and doing it regularly, is key to keeping it working at its best. Over time food particles, detergent residue and grease can build up in the various components of the dishwasher, causing bad smells, clogged parts and reduced efficiency.
A neglected dishwasher will struggle to perform a thorough cleaning cycle when you need it, and leave behind residue or soap scum. By giving your appliance a good clean including using a white vinegar and baking soda rinse, you can prevent these problems, improve its performance and effectively put off the premature need for a dishwasher replacement.
Regular maintenance doesn’t just keep your dishwasher clean; it also extends its lifespan so it can continue giving you perfectly clean dishes now and well into the future.
Grab These Before You Clean Your Dishwasher
It goes without saying, but before you start cleaning your dishwasher, gather all the tools and supplies you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the process easier and quicker. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda to remove odours and residue build up
- Distilled white vinegar to break down grease and grime
- Dish soap or dishwasher detergent to scrub tough spots
- An old toothbrush or soft toothbrush to clean tight spaces
- A damp cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces (both the dishwasher’s exterior and interior)
- A dishwasher-safe container to hold the vinegar during a cleaning cycle
- Soapy hot water to soak removable parts
- Paper towel to clean up any potential mess
With these in hand, you’re ready to get started and be on your way to a thoroughly clean dishwasher.
How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to clean your dishwasher. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a pain. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to get it running smoothly and smelling fresh:
- Start with an empty dishwasher. Be sure to remove the bottom rack to access the dishwasher filter.
- Clean the filter with hot soapy water to remove grease and food particles.
- Wipe down the rubber seals and dishwasher door with a damp microfibre cloth.
- Scrub the spray arms with an old toothbrush to remove residue build-up.
- Place your dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. Place one cup of white vinegar in it and run a hot cycle.
- After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom rack and run a short cycle for a clean finish.
This will get your dishwasher clean, odour-free and working like new!
The Importance of a Deep Clean for Tough Residue
When we talk about how to clean your dishwasher, it’s important to understand the importance of deep cleaning to remove stubborn residue, grease and grime.
For a deep clean start by focusing on the stainless steel interior, spray arms and detergent dispenser. Use hot soapy water and a soft toothbrush to scrub away food bits and soap scum from hard-to-reach areas. If tough stains are a little too persistent, use a mix of citric acid and warm water – this will break down grime. Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals and filter thoroughly to remove grease and food particles.
With a little effort and elbow grease, you’ll get your dishwasher sparkling clean and in peak working condition in no time!
Pro Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean
Keeping your dishwasher in top shape is easier with regular maintenance and a few pro tips. Here’s how to keep it clean and running smoothly:
- Avoid overloading your dishwasher so water and detergent can reach every dish.
- Use the right detergent and don’t add too much which can cause residue build up.
- Check and clean the spray arms regularly to keep them clear of blockages.
- Wipe down the rubber seals and dishwasher door with a damp cloth to prevent grime and grease.
- Use a rinse aid to reduce detergent residue and improve drying.
Follow these tips and your dishwasher will be clean and running like new for years to come.
Need to Replace Your Dishwasher? Call a Licensed Plumber
You may eventually come to the point where all the “how to clean your dishwasher” instructions in the world can’t improve the performance of your dishwasher. It may have simply come to the end of its natural lifespan and needs replacing. In this situation, it’s a job best left to a licensed plumber.
Professional plumbers will make sure they’ve secured all connections to avoid leaks and drainage issues that can damage your appliance or home. They also ensure all work complies with local regulations so you can be sure everything is done safely and correctly.
Why shouldn’t you DIY? Improper installation can cause water damage, poor dishwasher performance or even void your warranty.
A licensed plumber has the skills to deal with complex plumbing systems and will have your dishwasher running smoothly from day one. It’s a smart investment in your appliance’s long-term performance and reliability.
Keep Your Dishwasher Clean and Running Like New
Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will keep it running efficiently, odour-free and ready to deliver sparkling clean dishes. Simple tasks like cleaning the filter, spray arms and rubber seals along with a vinegar and baking soda deep clean will make all the difference. Maintenance will extend the life of your dishwasher and save you from residue build-up and bad odours.
Whether you’re tackling tough grime or just giving it a quick tidy, a bit of effort goes a long way in knowing how to clean your dishwasher. Keep your appliance in top shape and you’ll get sparkling results every time.
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