How To Clean A Dishwasher Effectively

Is your dishwasher starting to smell a little funky? Or maybe your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they used to? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Your dishwasher needs regular cleaning, just like any other appliance. A clean dishwasher runs better, smells fresher, and lasts longer.

Quick Answer: To clean your dishwasher, remove the food debris, clean the filter, wash the spray arms, run a cycle with vinegar, and then baking soda. This will eliminate odors, improve cleaning performance, and extend the life of your dishwasher.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Matters

Your dishwasher works hard to clean your dirty dishes, but all that food and grime can build up inside over time. This buildup can cause a few problems:

• Bad Smells: Food particles trapped inside your dishwasher can start to rot and create unpleasant odors.

• Poor Cleaning: Clogged spray arms or a dirty filter can prevent your dishwasher from cleaning your dishes properly.

• Reduced Lifespan: Buildup can damage the dishwasher’s components, leading to costly repairs or even needing to replace it sooner than expected.

Cleaning your dishwasher regularly is a simple way to avoid these problems and keep your appliance running smoothly for years to come.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Ideally, you should clean your dishwasher at least once a month. However, if you use your dishwasher frequently or notice any of the problems mentioned above, you may need to clean it more often.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Dishwasher

Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of fancy supplies to clean your dishwasher. Here’s what you’ll need:

• White Vinegar: This is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that can help remove buildup and kill bacteria.
• Baking Soda: This is another natural cleaner and deodorizer that can help freshen up your dishwasher.
• Dish Soap: You’ll need this for cleaning the dishwasher’s components.
• Scrub Brush or Sponge: Use this to scrub away any stubborn buildup.
• Toothpick or Wire Hanger: These can be helpful for unclogging spray arm holes.
• Gloves (optional): If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear gloves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your dishwasher effectively:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

The first step is to remove any large pieces of food debris from the bottom of the dishwasher. You can usually do this by hand. Pay close attention to the area around the drain.

Step 2: Clean the Dishwasher Filter

The dishwasher filter traps food particles and prevents them from clogging the drain. It’s important to clean this filter regularly to keep your dishwasher running efficiently.

1. Locate the Filter: The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Consult your dishwasher’s manual if you’re not sure where it is.
2. Remove the Filter: Most filters can be removed by twisting or unscrewing them.
3. Rinse the Filter: Rinse the filter under warm running water to remove any loose debris.
4. Scrub the Filter: Use a scrub brush or sponge and dish soap to scrub away any stubborn buildup.
5. Rinse Again: Rinse the filter thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
6. Reinstall the Filter: Reinstall the filter in its original position.

Step 3: Clean the Dishwasher Spray Arms

The spray arms are responsible for spraying water throughout the dishwasher. If the holes in the spray arms are clogged, your dishes won’t get as clean.

1. Remove the Spray Arms: Most spray arms can be removed by unscrewing them or popping them off.
2. Inspect the Spray Arms: Look for any clogs or buildup in the holes.
3. Unclog the Holes: Use a toothpick or wire hanger to unclog any clogged holes.
4. Rinse the Spray Arms: Rinse the spray arms under warm running water to remove any debris.
5. Scrub the Spray Arms (optional): If the spray arms are particularly dirty, you can scrub them with a scrub brush or sponge and dish soap.
6. Rinse Again: Rinse the spray arms thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
7. Reinstall the Spray Arms: Reinstall the spray arms in their original positions.

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner and deodorizer for your dishwasher.

1. Place a Dishwasher-Safe Cup Filled with Vinegar on the Top Rack: Make sure the cup is dishwasher-safe to prevent it from melting or breaking.
2. Run a Hot Water Cycle: Run the dishwasher on its hottest water cycle.

The vinegar will help to dissolve any buildup and kill bacteria inside the dishwasher.

Step 5: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Baking soda is another great natural cleaner and deodorizer for your dishwasher.

1. Sprinkle One Cup of Baking Soda on the Bottom of the Dishwasher: Make sure to cover the entire bottom of the dishwasher.
2. Let it Sit Overnight: Let the baking soda sit overnight to absorb any odors.

Step 6: Run a Short, Hot Water Cycle

The next morning, run a short, hot water cycle to rinse away the baking soda.

Step 7: Clean the Door and Seals

Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher door and seals. These areas can also accumulate food debris and bacteria.

1. Wipe Down the Door: Wipe down the inside and outside of the dishwasher door with a damp cloth and dish soap.
2. Clean the Seals: Use a scrub brush or sponge to clean the rubber seals around the door. This will help to prevent leaks.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the door and seals with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly.

Step 8: Wipe Down the Exterior

Finally, wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. This will help to keep your dishwasher looking its best.

Tips for Preventing Dishwasher Buildup

Here are a few tips for preventing dishwasher buildup in the first place:

• Scrape Dishes Before Loading: This will help to prevent food particles from entering the dishwasher.
• Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Using too much detergent can leave a residue on your dishes and in your dishwasher. Follow the instructions on the detergent package.
• Run Hot Water Before Starting: Running hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher will help to ensure that the water in the dishwasher is hot enough to clean your dishes properly.
• Leave the Door Ajar After Running: Leaving the door ajar after running the dishwasher will help to prevent moisture buildup and mildew growth.

Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Problems

Even with regular cleaning, you may occasionally experience problems with your dishwasher. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Dishes Not Getting Clean: This could be due to a clogged filter, clogged spray arms, or low water pressure. Make sure to clean the filter and spray arms regularly. You may also need to check your water pressure.
• Dishwasher Not Draining: This could be due to a clogged drain hose or a problem with the drain pump. Check the drain hose for any kinks or clogs. You may also need to clean or replace the drain pump.
• Dishwasher Leaking: This could be due to a damaged door seal or a loose connection. Check the door seal for any cracks or tears. You may also need to tighten any loose connections.
• Dishwasher Smelling Bad: This is usually due to food particles trapped inside the dishwasher. Make sure to clean the dishwasher regularly, including the filter, spray arms, and door seals.

Different Types of Dishwasher Cleaners

While vinegar and baking soda are great natural options, there are also several commercially available dishwasher cleaners you can use. These cleaners often contain stronger chemicals that can help to remove stubborn buildup.

• Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets: These tablets are easy to use – simply place one in the dishwasher and run a cycle.
• Dishwasher Cleaning Liquids: These liquids are poured into the detergent dispenser and run through a cycle.
• Dishwasher Cleaning Gels: These gels are similar to liquids but may be more effective at removing stubborn buildup.

When using commercial dishwasher cleaners, always follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Natural vs. Commercial Dishwasher Cleaners

Both natural and commercial dishwasher cleaners have their pros and cons.

Natural Cleaners (Vinegar and Baking Soda):

• Pros:

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Inexpensive
  • Safe for use around children and pets

• Cons:

  • May not be as effective at removing stubborn buildup
  • May require more frequent cleaning

Commercial Cleaners:

• Pros:

  • More effective at removing stubborn buildup
  • May require less frequent cleaning

• Cons:

  • May contain harsh chemicals
  • Can be more expensive
  • May not be environmentally friendly

Ultimately, the best type of dishwasher cleaner for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

FAQ About Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Here are some frequently asked questions about cleaning your dishwasher:

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

A: While bleach can kill bacteria, it’s not recommended for cleaning dishwashers. Bleach can damage the dishwasher’s components and may react with other cleaning products.

Q: How do I clean the hard water stains in my dishwasher?

A: Vinegar is effective at removing hard water stains. Run a cycle with vinegar as described above. You can also use a commercially available hard water stain remover.

Q: My dishwasher smells like mildew. What should I do?

A: Clean the dishwasher thoroughly, paying special attention to the door seals. Leave the door ajar after running the dishwasher to prevent moisture buildup.

Q: How do I clean the detergent dispenser?

A: Wipe the detergent dispenser with a damp cloth and dish soap. Make sure to remove any buildup or residue.

Q: Can I put lemon juice in my dishwasher?

A: Yes, lemon juice can be used as a natural cleaner and deodorizer for your dishwasher. Add about a cup of lemon juice to the dishwasher and run a cycle.

Q: How often should I replace my dishwasher filter?

A: Dishwasher filters should be replaced every few years, or more often if they become damaged or clogged.

Conclusion

Cleaning your dishwasher regularly is a simple and effective way to keep it running efficiently, prevent odors, and extend its lifespan. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your dishwasher clean and functioning properly for years to come. So, grab your vinegar, baking soda, and scrub brush, and give your dishwasher the love it deserves!