How to Clean a Dishwasher
You may think that the dishwasher cleans itself while washing the dishes. But is it? Like a fridge, an oven, or other appliances that come in contact with food, it needs periodical cleaning, otherwise, it may become inefficient and perhaps a bit icky.In this article, you will learn when it’s time to clean your dishwasher and how to do it using natural substances that won’t harm your health or the environment. As a bonus, our professional cleaners in London have added some tips to help you do a better job.
How Do You Know Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning
Ideally, you would clean your dishwasher’s filters and drain every month and do a thorough cleaning every 6 months. But if you’ve skipped it for some time, the following signs may point to a dirty machine:
- Your dishes look cloudy after a washing cycle – when you open the dishwasher and find a pile of smelly plates coated in food or a grey murk instead of the sparkling clean dishes you’ve expected, it’s time for cleaning. The racks and filters have probably gathered food residues, and the dishwasher struggles to do its job. You may also deal with hard water forming calcar and clogging the holes in the spray arms.
- Something doesn’t smell right in your kitchen – if the fishy smell you’ve been sensing doesn’t come from the trash, check the dishwasher. The residue inside, if not removed periodically, starts to decompose. Since the machine keeps running hot water and detergent over them, the smell is not strong, but it can, in time, become unpleasant.
- There’s water everywhere – if the drain is clogged, you may find water on the bottom of the dishwasher or overflowing in the sink. Sometimes, cleaning the filter basket is all you need to do. But if the problem persists, this may be a more serious problem that requires the assistance of an expert.
Get Set Clean Expert Tip:Set a reminder on your phone to clean your dishwasher periodically. This way, you will preserve perfect cleanliness and extend the lifespan of your appliance.
What Supplies Do You Need to Clean a Dishwasher
From our experience as a professional cleaning team, we know that dealing with large appliances can be messy, so gather your supplies before you start so you don’t need to run to the store once you’ve started scrubbing.Here is a list of what you will need:
- White vinegar
- Baking Soda
- 1 Cloth
- 1 Toothbrush
- Toothpicks
- Dish soap
- 1 Dry Cloth
How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Follow these steps to remove all the grime and keep your dishwasher working like new every day of the week.
Remove and Clean the Filter
Every week, make sure that your filter is clean. For most dishwashing models, the filter sits below the bottom spray arm, but if you cannot find it, check the user’s manual.
- Turn the filter until it becomes loose and you can easily remove it.
- Rinse it under hot water.
- Use a toothbrush to remove food residue or grease from its mesh surface.
- Thoroughly rinse the filter under cold water.
- Reattach it to the dishwasher.
Clear Out All the Gunk and Debris Inside the Dishwasher
Food debris gathers around the racks, spraying arms, and the machine’s internal parts. Once a month, remove the racks and proceed at scrubbing the gunk.
- Wipe the interior with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and dish soap.
- With the toothbrush, remove the dirt caught in crevices.
- Where the toothbrush is too large to fit, use a toothbrush.
- Wipe again with clean water until the interior is clean.
- Separately, wash the racks and accessories with warm water and soap.
- Place everything back inside.
Get Set Clean Expert Tip:The more you postpone dishwasher cleaning and maintenance, the more difficult this task becomes. Include it in your weekly domestic cleaning routine and make your work easier.
Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar
While you can opt for a store-bought dishwasher cleaner that will quickly remove grease and sanitise your appliance, vinegar and baking soda are cheaper, greener, and just as effective.
- Choose a dishwasher-safe bowl and fill it with white vinegar.
- Place it inside the dishwasher. Do not add other dishes.
- Let the machine run a hot water cycle to wash out any residues of grease or debris.
Get Set Clean Tip: Even if it is a miracle substance, occasionally used by our London professional cleaning team for kitchen cleaning, you shouldn’t overuse vinegar. It is an acidic compound that can dry the rubber parts in your expensive dishwasher. You can use it for cleaning in the hot water cycle, but do not spray it on the machine’s interior or as an alternative for dishwasher detergent.
Run a Short Water Cycle with Baking Soda
You are almost ready. Remove the bowl from the dishwasher and sprinkle some baking soda on its bottom. Select a short cycle and let it rinse the machine again. It will eliminate stains and absorb smells, leaving you with an impeccable appliance that smells clean.
Get Set Clean Tip: Do not use bleach to clean your dishwasher. The vinegar combined with baking soda and hot water has antibacterial properties and will disinfect your machine. If you worry this isn’t enough, buy a sanitiser specially designed for dishwashers.
Wipe the Exterior
To keep your dishwashing machine looking like new, every time you clean your kitchen, wipe its exterior with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean one.
How to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean for Longer?
To keep your dishwashing machine in mint condition for longer, scrape the food off your plates. But don’t rinse them, as this may trick your appliance into thinking they are cleaner than they are. As a result, it will activate a shorter cycle with poorer results.Also, don’t forget to wipe your dishwasher periodically to prevent the grease in the kitchen from settling on it.
If you need help with professional kitchen cleaning, our cleaners in London are ready to help.
