Is your dishwasher gathering grime, food particles, and debris? A dirty dishwasher, if left as it is, can get dirtier and result in spot formation on the glassware. It is advisable to clean them once a month, or more frequently if you run a larger number of cycles. This will prevent mineral and detergent buildup in the machine and also keep it odourless. Not to mention, cleaning your dishwasher eliminates bacteria and mould that can reduce the efficiency of the machine.
There are numerous ways to clean a dishwasher, such as using vinegar, baking soda, and lime. They remove the gunk from the washer and keep it clean, shiny, and odourless.
Why is It Important to Clean a Dishwasher?
Cleaning a dishwasher ensures the unit is working properly. If the machine is left uncleaned for long, residue such as mineral, grime, grease, limescale, and food debris can build up. This can make the unit ineffective, and after a certain period, it won’t clean the dishes as it used to.
The poor performance of the dishwasher can lead to costly repairs that can be avoided with regular cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, it will lead to a foul smell that will linger on your dishes for days.
Easy Steps to Clean a Dishwasher Effectively
Here are easy steps to clean a dishwasher to keep your unit performing optimally -
Clean the Exterior
To clean the plastic exterior of the dishwasher, use hot, soapy water and wipe it using a sponge. If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, consider a non-ammonia glass cleaner or a cleaner specifically formulated for stainless steel appliances. It can help you get rid of grime, smudges, and even fingerprints. Spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe the stainless steel areas. This is because directly spraying cleaner on the dishwasher’s exterior can damage the electronic control due to moisture.
Here are some precautions that must be exercised when cleaning the dishwasher -
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Never use bleach-based cleaners, wipes, scouring pads, or metal scrubbers that may be abrasive on a stainless steel surface.
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Use a rag to clean the seal between the dishwasher door and the tub. This will remove any residue buildup, which can lead to mould growth and cause odour if not cleaned. Residue buildup can also affect the sealing of the door.
Clean the Filter and Spray Arm
A manual dishwasher filter requires regular maintenance to ensure efficient operation. These filters replace the noisy grinders usually found in self-cleaning dishwasher filters, which shred the remnants of food and flush them away. As its sole job is to trap the debris and food scraps, it must be cleaned regularly.
Remove the filter system and pull out the bottom of the dishwasher once in a couple of months. There are interlocking parts which enable you to take apart the filter. Also, check the spray arm for blockages every few months. This simple maintenance routine keeps your dishwasher functioning properly. To clean the filter -
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Wash each piece using a sponge or the faucet’s spray. You can also use a small brush to remove the food particles that get stuck in the mesh.
Once you’re done with the filter, consider checking the spray arm too, and here’s how to do it -
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The spray can be lifted off with a gentle pull.
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Rinse it under running water and check for clogged holes, and clear it using a toothpick or a wooden skewer.
Also, some spray arms feature an opening underneath that directs water towards the filter to help it clean. Check for the opening and ensure to clear it before reassembling the filter and the spray arm.
Once Cleaned, Sanitize and Deodorize
Discolouration and odours can build up over time throughout a dishwasher’s interior. Hence, it is recommended to use citric acid-based dishwasher cleaner monthly. This helps to remove odour and discolouration. But if the discolouration remains because of hard water, consider using a dishwasher cleaner specifically made to get rid of hard water stains.
To use the cleaner -
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Put it in the detergent dispenser.
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Run a normal cycle.
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Keep the dishwasher empty.
If you live in an area with extreme hard water, try using regeneration salt in the washer’s water-softening system. This will help prevent mineral buildup and reduce spotting, while ensuring the dishwasher is free from stains, dirt, and grime.
Ways to Clean a Dishwasher
Here are some effective ways to clean a dishwasher, using ingredients available in homes and nearby stores -
Vinegar and Baking Soda
To use vinegar and baking soda, clean the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove any debris or food particles. If the filter is removable, remove it and clear the clogs. Then mix 2 cups of white vinegar in a glass container and place it in the lower rack, and run a normal cycle. Ensure to keep the heat-dry option turned off.
After the first cycle, add a cup of baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. This removes the foul odour and keeps the unit clean.
Dishwasher Cleaner
Dishwasher cleaners are available in the form of a tablet. They are formulated to remove mineral and limescale buildup that makes the glassware cloudy. You can use it while washing the dishes, as it helps to descale the glassware and dishes.
If you’re using the dishwasher cleaner with dishes, place 1 tablet at the bottom of the dishwasher and use normal detergent. However, if you’re cleaning without dishes, place 1 tablet in the detergent tray and a second one at the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, run a normal cycle.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, when mixed with vinegar, is also considered an effective cleaner. You can make a mixture by adding vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil, pouring the mixture into a spraying bottle and spraying it all over the dishwasher. Once done, run a hot cycle for a clean and good-smelling unit.
Citric Acid
Lemon, oranges, and grapefruits are a perfect source of citric acid. It cleans and sanitises the dishwasher. Cut the fruits and place each one on the top rack, bottom rack, and tub of the dishwasher. This will clean the washer and leave it smelling good.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
It is usually advised to clean once per month, but the frequency of cleaning should depend on the number of cycles you run. If you use the dishwasher every day, here are a few tips to do daily, weekly, and monthly -
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Daily: Get rid of leftover food stuck inside the filter well and the bottom of the dishwasher.
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Weekly: Wipe the edges of the door and gasket to clean any debris, and remove the filter too, to clean it.
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Monthly: Deep clean the dishwasher from inside with a cleaning cycle.
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Need-based: Check for spots, drips, films, etc., and wipe them off with a clean cloth.
But remember, when cleaning, it is advisable to consider the interior, exterior, door, gasket, and filter. Also, if you prewash your dishes or use them occasionally, you may not need to clean them often. If you’re not sure how often you must clean the unit, start by cleaning it as your monthly chore. Once you understand how dirty the washer gets, adjust your cleaning routine.
