It might be time to give your dishwasher a good cleaning and knowing how to clean a dishwasher can help you a lot in lessening the stress of a funky dishwasher.
Luckily, cleaning a dishwasher is a simple task that can be done with just a few household items.
The first step to cleaning your dishwasher is to remove any debris or food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher.
This can be done by simply wiping down the bottom of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge.
Next, you’ll want to remove the dishwasher’s filter and give it a good cleaning.
Depending on your dishwasher model, the filter may be located at the bottom of the dishwasher or in the back near the spray arm.
Once the filter is removed, rinse it under hot water and use a soft-bristled brush to remove any stubborn debris.
How To Clean A Dishwasher
Keeping your dishwasher clean is essential to ensure it works efficiently and lasts longer.
Here are some tips to help you clean your dishwasher:
Preparation For Cleaning
Before you start cleaning your dishwasher, there are a few things you need to do:
- Remove any dishes and utensils from the dishwasher.
- Check the dishwasher filter and remove any food particles or debris.
- Check the dishwasher spray arm and ensure it is not clogged with debris.
Once you have completed these steps, you can start cleaning your dishwasher.
Cleaning the Interior
To clean the interior of your dishwasher, follow these steps:
- Add one cup of white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will help remove any grease or grime buildup in the dishwasher.
- Once the cycle is complete, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot water cycle. This will help remove any remaining stains or odors.
Cleaning the Exterior
To clean the exterior of your dishwasher, follow these steps:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water to wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher.
- For stainless steel dishwashers, use a stainless steel cleaner to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
- Wipe down the control panel with a damp cloth, being careful not to get any water in the control panel.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher clean and running efficiently.
Cleaning The Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning the dishwasher filter is an essential part of maintaining your dishwasher’s performance.
Over time, food particles and debris can accumulate in the filter, causing your dishwasher to work less efficiently.
Here are the steps to clean your dishwasher filter.
Removing The Filter
- Locate the dishwasher filter. It is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the spray arm.
- Remove the lower dish rack from the dishwasher.
- Lift the filter out of the dishwasher. Depending on your dishwasher model, the filter may be attached to the dishwasher or may simply lift out.
Washing the Filter
- Rinse the filter under hot water to remove any loose debris.
- If the filter is particularly dirty, fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water and add a small amount of degreasing dish soap.
- Soak the filter in the solution for 10-30 minutes. This will help to loosen any stubborn debris.
- Use a soft brush to scrub the inside and outside of the filter to remove all food particles and debris.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly under hot water to remove any soap residue.
- Replace the filter back into the dishwasher, making sure it is securely in place.
By cleaning your dishwasher filter regularly, you can help to ensure that your dishwasher continues to work efficiently and effectively.
Cleaning The Dishwasher Interior
Cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is just as important as cleaning the dishes themselves.
Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum can build up inside the dishwasher, leading to bad odors and poor performance.
Here are two effective methods for cleaning the interior of your dishwasher:
Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning agent that can help remove buildup and odors from your dishwasher.
Here’s how to use it:
- Remove any dishes or debris from the dishwasher.
- Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle possible.
- Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean, damp cloth.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that can help remove stains and odors from your dishwasher.
Here’s how to use it:
- Remove any dishes or debris from the dishwasher.
- Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle possible.
- Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean, damp cloth.
In addition to these methods, it’s important to regularly clean the dishwasher’s filter and spray arms to ensure optimal performance.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher running efficiently and your dishes sparkling clean.
Final Touches
Now that you’ve thoroughly cleaned the interior of your dishwasher, it’s time to focus on the exterior.
Here are a few final touches to make your dishwasher sparkle:
Wiping The Exterior
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of your dishwasher.
For stainless steel dishwashers, you can use a stainless steel cleaner to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
Be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could scratch the surface.
Running A Final Cycle
To ensure that your dishwasher is completely clean and free of any remaining residue or odors, run a final cycle with no dishes in the machine.
Add a cup of white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle possible.
This will help to sanitize the interior and remove any lingering smells.
Once the cycle is complete, leave the dishwasher door open to allow it to air out and dry completely.
This will help to prevent any mold or mildew growth inside the machine.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher in top shape and ensure that it continues to provide you with sparkling clean dishes for years to come.
Key Takeaways
Cleaning your dishwasher is an essential task that should be done regularly to ensure that it functions efficiently and effectively.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- You can clean your dishwasher using simple household items such as vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.
- To clean the interior of your dishwasher, remove any debris, wipe down the interior with a cloth, and run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or baking soda.
- To clean the exterior of your dishwasher, use a sponge and hot, soapy water for plastic fronts and a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel for stainless steel fronts.
- It is important to clean the dishwasher’s filter regularly to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.
- To prevent odors from developing in your dishwasher, run hot water before starting a cycle, scrape food scraps off dishes before loading them, and leave the dishwasher door open when not in use.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your dishwasher will prolong its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
