How to Clean a Dishwasher
The ironic trade-off of convenience is that a device that cleans for you still needs to be cleaned. That includes automatic dishwashers! Be honest — when was the last time you cleaned yours? Most people are long overdue. This guide outlines the telltale signs and how to clean a dishwasher.
When Should I Clean My Dishwasher?
If you start noticing a funky smell, dishes coming out with streaks, or food still stuck to them, there’s a good chance your dishwasher is due for a clean. Regular maintenance will keep your dishwasher at peak performance and prevent residue buildup.
How Do I Clean My Dishwasher?
Start by gathering your supplies. You will want white vinegar, a toothbrush or a similar small scrub brush, dish soap, a microfiber cloth, rubber gloves, baking soda, and a toothpick.
To clean the dishwasher, start by taking out any removable parts, such as the utensil holder and sliding racks. The difficulty will depend on your specific model. Hand-wash racks and utensil holders, soaking anything that doesn’t come off with a good scrub in warm water and white vinegar for 15–20 minutes before scrubbing again.
Next, locate the filter. If your dishwasher is more than 10 years old, it might have a self-cleaning filter. Lucky you! Otherwise, look in the back corner or near the bottom central spray arms, or check the owner’s manual. Remove the filter, if possible; manually clear any debris; scrub with dish soap; and rinse with clean water (running, if possible). Gently scrub any stubborn grime with baking soda as needed and replace the filter.
Wet your cloth with white vinegar and use it to wipe down the interior parts, such as the floor, walls, door seals, spray arms, detergent dispenser, etc. Scrub any buildup that does not come up easily. If grime has built up in the holes of the spray arms, dislodge it with a toothpick.
Finally, replace the removable parts and place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack in a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl. Run the dishwasher without detergent and with the drying option disabled. Then sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the floor of the dishwasher and rerun it on its hottest setting. When the second cycle finishes, leave the dishwasher open to let everything air out, wiping up any puddles with a dry cloth.
Cleaning your dishwasher should become fairly simple if you stay on top of the upkeep. Although it’s a little more work in the short term, it will help minimize maintenance, and it’s absolutely worth it for sparkling clean dishes.
If you find cleaning overwhelming, consult our annual home cleaning schedule to determine how often areas of your home need attention.
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