If you notice stains and odor in your dishwasher, it's probably time to clean it. The dishwasher does cleaning work for you, so it, too, requires cleaning at regular intervals to keep germs and mold away. There are multiple ways to clean the machine: vinegar, baking soda, and Bleach. However, in this article, we primarily focus on cleaning the dishwasher with Bleach. Bleach can help kill the bacteria and mold if used correctly and can also sanitize the machine. However, if not used properly, it can cause damage to the features and appearance of the dishwasher.
This blog will help you understand whether you can put Bleach in your dishwasher and when it is safe or unsafe to use Bleach. You will also understand how to use Bleach in the dishwasher.
Is Bleach an Effective and Safe Way to Clean the Dishwasher?
Bleach is considered a strong cleanser to kill the bacteria, mold and mildew effectively. However, it is not always the best option to put Bleach in the dishwasher due to its corrosive nature. Rather, it is suggested that an automatic dishwasher detergent with Bleach be used.
It is completely safe to put Bleach in the dishwasher if the machine parts are not made of stainless steel. If the dishwasher is not stainless steel, it is safe to deep clean the internal parts and get rid of rigid stains, mold, and mildew.
When is It Unsafe to Use Bleach in the Dishwasher?
Using Bleach in the dishwasher can cause severe damage, if you use Bleach at the same time when you clean the machine with vinegar and baking soda.
It is unsafe to use Bleach when your dishwasher has stainless steel parts or is entirely made of stainless steel.
The Tips to Consider When Using Bleach for Dishwasher
Wear Safety gear
Make sure to wear hand gloves and put on a face mask before starting the cleaning process. Bleach can cause severe damage to your skin, nose, eyes, and mouth. Therefore, stand at a distance from the cleaning area.
Take Care of Safety Measures
It is strictly advised not to mix the liquid Bleach with other home or food products like vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol. When Bleach is mixed with home products, it can release risky, noxious fumes. Mixing Bleach with cold or warm water is recommended.
What Should Be the Frequency of Cleaning the Dishwasher?
The frequency depends on the brand and the usage. Most brands recommend monthly cleaning, which includes the interior, door, gasket, and filter. If you use the dishwasher occasionally, you can clean it after every six months. If you are confused regarding the cleaning frequency, better clean it monthly.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Bleach in a Dishwasher
Fill the Spray Bottle With Water
Grab a spray bottle, take some lukewarm water in the bottle. Make sure not to mix Bleach with hot boiling water as it can produce dangerous gas. The best way to check the water temperature is to touch it with your finger.
Add Bleach to the Bottle
Measure and pour 3/4th of a teaspoon or approx 1.64 ml of Bleach in the top of the spray bottle. Once added, shake the bottle to ensure the solution is mixed together perfectly. Now, the solution is ready for use for internal & external parts of the dishwasher.
Take Out Dishes From the Dishwasher
Check out if there’s any food stuck inside the unit or door seal and clean it before starting the cleaning process of the dishwasher. Scrape off any food particles stuck on the dishes for smooth cleaning.
Clean the Holes From the Spinning Arms
The spinning arms are located at the bottom of the dishwasher. The water comes out from the holes on the arms. When these holes get clogged, the dishwasher doesn’t work properly. These clogs can be cleaned easily either with a thin wire or with a thin pin.
Dismantle Removable Parts of Your Dishwasher
Take out the different removable parts of the dishwasher. Open the door of the dishwasher and remove the panel to reach inside. Once the door panel is removed, it's easy to remove the racks. If there’s a spray arm in your dishwasher, unscrew them and lift the arms out. Remove food particles stuck on the spray arm using a toothbrush and soapy water.
Clean the Dishwasher Door
If the side or lip of your dishwasher is dirty, clean it with Bleach and water solution.
Spray on the door and plastic lip. Wash the dirt by cleaning it with a dry cotton cloth or use a toothbrush to reach the smaller points where the dirt gets accumulated.
Clean the Inside of the Dishwasher
Spray the Bleach & water solution inside the dishwasher and let it sit there for 10 minutes. Then wipe out with a dry cotton cloth, in a circulation motion for 2 to 3 times.
Wash the Gasket and Door Seal
The next step is to clean the door gasket and seal it. A door gasket is a thin seal fixed around the door to prevent water from leaking from the dishwasher during the running cycle of the dishwasher.
Take Out the Filter (if Removable)
If you smell an unpleasant smell from the dishwasher, it could be due to the dirty filter that accumulates food particles. To wash the filter, remove the plastic guard over it and rinse it with water and detergent to remove the accumulated food and dirt particles. Afterward, remove the filter basket and keep it in a bowl of soapy water. Let it remain there for 30 minutes. Wash it with plain water and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Wash the Drain of the Dishwasher
Make sure to clean the drain thoroughly because it accumulates the food particles that go down the drain and cause blockage. The gathered food particles can be easily removed with a soft toothbrush.
Clean the Exterior of the Dishwasher
The look of the dishwasher becomes dull by time due to multiple fingerprints, dirt and stain. To maintain the appearance of the dishwasher, clean it with a wet towel dipped in warm water.
| Important | Do not clean the exterior parts with bleach solution. It will affect the finishing of the dishwasher. You can use a solution of mild warm water and detergent to wipe down the control panel. |
Conclusion
Whether you should use Bleach to clean the dishwasher or not is a subjective question. It requires a detailed analysis of the steps, tips and the safety consideration. Once you have understood all the aspects clearly, start the cleaning process for a fresh and hygienic dishwasher.
