You rely on your dishwasher to handle dirty plates, but when did you last clean it? Over time, food particles, grease, and mineral buildup clog filters, produce smells, and even stain your dishes! A little regular maintenance keeps your dishwasher humming and your dishes shining! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to maintaining your dishwasher and keeping it in top form!
How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher?
If you run your dishwasher daily, attempt to give it a good deep clean every month. Soap scum, food bits, and hard water stains have the ability to build up over time and drive performance down in addition to creating smells. Prevent these from happening by cleaning periodically, and your dishwasher will work like it did the day you bought it.
Easy Steps to Clean the Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher is faster and easier than you might think! Either use a natural cleaner with white vinegar or a store-bought product, and both will break down grease, deodorize, and remove grime. Here’s how:
Step #1. Clear Food Debris
Even though you have a disposal system installed, small food particles can still get lodged in crevices, creating odors and clogs. Start by:
- Check the racks, spray arms, and filter area for lodged food debris.
- Clean the rubber door seal, where food particles accumulate.
- Clean with a damp sponge or cloth to dislodge debris.
Step #2. Clean the Filter
Your dishwasher filter prevents food particles from accumulating in the drain, but it needs regular cleaning to stay effective:
- Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher (most twist off easily).
- Rinse it under warm running water to remove any stubborn grime.
- Reinstall the filter securely before moving on.
Step #3. Use a Cleaning Agent
Now that your dishwasher is free of food debris, it’s time to tackle grease, limescale, and any lingering odors. You have two great options for cleaning agents:
- White vinegar: Place a dishwasher-safe cup of vinegar on the top rack.
- Commercial dishwasher cleaner: Follow the package instructions.
Both options serve to break down grime, eliminate odors, and keep your dishwasher in top operating condition.
Step #4. Hot Cycle
Once your cleaner is in place, it’s time to let your dishwasher do the work! The high heat also kills bacteria, leaving your dishwasher sanitized and smelling fresh. Here’s what to do:
- Select the hottest water cycle available to achieve as much grease and residue removal as possible.
- For extra freshness, put a cup of baking soda on the floor after the cycle and run it for a quick rinse.
This final step eliminates odors so your dishwasher stays fresh.
Freshen Up and Keep Your Home Clean!
A sparkling dishwasher = sparkling dishes and a cleaner kitchen. But why stop there? If your home needs a deep, refreshing clean, we can help. From kitchens to lounges, we do the work so you don’t have to have a sparkling home, minus the hassle.
