Similar to washing machines, we would naturally assume that dishwashers do not need to be cleaned as it will also wash itself while cleaning the dishes. Unfortunately, dishwashers still need to be manually cleaned from time to time in order to remove any food and grease residue, detergent leftover and mineral pileups from hard water. […]
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Similar to washing machines, we would naturally assume that dishwashers do not need to be cleaned as it will also wash itself while cleaning the dishes. Unfortunately, dishwashers still need to be manually cleaned from time to time in order to remove any food and grease residue, detergent leftover and mineral pileups from hard water. Otherwise, these dirt and spots will transfer onto your dishes, making the dishwashing less effective. Moreover, this grime can also damage the filter and pump of the dishwasher and you may need to repair the machine pretty soon. Therefore, Sparkling and Beyond will offer an easy guide to clean your dishwashers with different products so that you have different methods to choose. Let’s find out!
This question may depend on the situation of your dishwasher. Generally, dishwashers can be quickly cleaned daily and deep cleaned monthly. Here are some suggestions:
Bleach is NOT suggested to clean the dishwasher. Do not use the bleach to clean your dishwasher If the inside of the machine is made of stainless steel or its certain parts are made of stainless steel. Also, never mix bleach with vinegar as this mixture will generate toxic chlorine gas.
The unpleasant smell from the dishwasher is usually from the food residue. Therefore, it is suggested to clear any food leftover after each dishwashing cycle.
Remember to also take out the bottom rack and check any food leftover in the well. You can remove the food inside the well with a paper towel. Getting rid of food can avoid any odor and food pileups.
Furthermore, if you wish to avoid the smell, you can firstly remove excess food from plates and items you want to wash before putting them into the washer. Also, make sure the labels on the plates or flatware are removed before washing them with the dishwasher.
To clean the door of your dishwasher, use a wet microfiber cloth or sponge to mop the interior of the door, the door edges, the handle, and the controls to remove any grime.
After this, you can tackle the gasket. To do this, you can apply a tender toothbrush to brush away the spots from the rubber seal. Then, mop the seal clean with a wet cloth or paper towel.
The filter inside the dishwasher should also be cleaned regularly. You can find the filter beneath the bottom spray arm and the bottom tack should be pulled out to reach the filter. To clean the filter properly:
Clogged spray arms can cause your dishwasher to not clean as well as it used to.
Unclog dishwasher spray armholes by following these steps:
Dishwasher spray arms should be removed.
To clean out the holes in the spray arms, use wire the same diameter as the holes, such as coat hanger wire.
Spin the arms on the dishwasher to ensure they are easy to turn.
For extreme cases, soak the spray arms in warm water and vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits.
Now it’s time to clean the inside of the dishwasher. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can do the job perfectly. The type of vinegar you need is distilled white vinegar.
Simply pour one cup of vinegar into a bowl that is dishwasher safe and and put the bowl on the top rack of the washer.
After this, run the washer in a normal and hot cycle without a cleaner and dishes.
To make the dishwasher more refreshing, after the previous vinegar cycle, you can spray a cup of baking soda onto the bottom of the dishwasher and let the washer run a short hot cycle.
Citric acid crystals, or Sour Salt, are another good product to clean the dishwasher as they can clean the inside of the dishwasher effectively. You can usually find this cleaner at grocery stores or some drug stores. Here is how you use it to clean the dishwasher:
You can let the plain dishes stay in the dishwasher while cleaning the machine. However, any dish or glass with patterns should be taken out. Moreover, any metal ware should also be removed from the inside of the washer because the treatment of citric acid can tarnish the metal items.
If you have filtered white apple cider vinegar, it can also be used to clean the interior of your washer. Simply pour 2 cups of this vinegar in the dishwasher and run an energy-saving cycle.
This vinegar can effectively clean up the inside space, kill the germs and refresh the interior of the washer.
To keep your dishwasher running smoothly and your dishes clean, appliance experts recommend cleaning your dishwasher’s filter and drain once a month if you run a load daily.
A dishwasher does not have a separate drain as part of your home’s plumbing system. Instead, it drains through the disposal. It includes any food debris that is washed off the plates and bowls during the cleaning cycle. If the disposal drains slowly or is clogged, it can affect the dishwasher too.
As dishwasher detergent is designed specifically to clean dishes without suds or bubbles, you should only use it in your dishwasher.
A cleaner made specifically for dishwashers might work if baking soda and vinegar aren’t enough.
You can use AFRESH® dishwasher cleaner while running a normal load to help remove limescale buildup that can contribute to cloudy glasses and dishes.
If applicable, remove and clean the bottom of the dishwasher’s filter to clear any clogs or obstructions like glass, popcorn kernels, or small pieces of paper. Make sure you check your Use & Care guide for specific instructions on how to remove certain filters.
You can add a second tablet to the bottom of the dishwasher if there is a lot of build-up if you are cleaning without dishes.
Clean dishes by placing one tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher (under the bottom rack) and using your normal detergent in the main detergent tray. Shop affresh® tablets.
Run a normal wash cycle regardless of whether you have dishes or not.
Cleaning tip: The outside of your dishwasher might look dingy, so wipe it down with a damp cloth. To polish stainless steel exteriors, use a cleaner such as this affresh® stainless steel cleaning spray.
We hope these products and methods can make your dishwasher fresh again! If you are interested in more cleaning tips, visit our website to check more cleaning articles. We understand that cleaning is a tough job. After working for the whole day, cleaning the house is probably the last thing you want to do. Don’t worry, we are here to do the job for you! Sparkling and Beyond offer deep cleaning service for the house that has not been professionally cleaned for a while. Our cleaning team can make sure each corner of your house is dust-free so you won’t be troubled by the cleaning chore anymore. Check our website to get a free quote today!
As the admin of Sparkling & Beyond, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for excellence in the cleaning industry. With years of experience in providing top-notch cleaning solutions, I am dedicated to sharing valuable insights and tips to help maintain pristine and healthy living environments. My mission is to ensure every home and office we service sparkles with cleanliness and comfort.
