How to Clean a Dishwasher

The dishwasher – truly a great machine. It saves us so much time and effort when it comes to keeping the kitchen clean. It is an indispensable part of many homes. However, did you know that it doesn’t take care of itself when it comes to cleaning? It still requires some tender loving care in order to function properly and keep your dishes sparkling clean.

So, in this post, we will teach you how to clean your dishwasher and keep it in good shape.

If you:

• Haven’t cleaned your dishwasher in a while;
• Want to know how often you should be cleaning it;

Then keep reading! This post is just for you.

What you need

How to clean your dishwasher

That’s right – your dishwasher still needs to be cleaned periodically. Dishwashing tablets and water don’t do a good enough job at sanitising the insides and your machine is constantly bombarded by food waste and moisture, making it the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. So, to prevent them from spreading and becoming a problem, keep your dishwasher clean.

How to clean a dishwasher drain

If the drain is full of food waste and other particles, your dishwasher won’t work effectively. So, start by cleaning the drain.

1. Pull out rack.
   Open your dishwasher and remove the bottom rack.
2. Remove food waste.
   Clean up any food waste and other items you find stuck in the drain.
3. Wipe.
   Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the dishwasher filter

Your dishwasher’s filter is an important component, just like the drain itself. You will need to clean it in order for your dishwasher to function properly.

1. Take out the filter.
   Some filters will have screws that you will need to undo in order to take them out.
2. Create a cleaning mixture.
   In a large bowl or your sink, mix warm water with a couple of squirts of dish soap, combining well to create a soapy solution.
3. Soak the filter.
   Soak the filter in the warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
4. Scrub.
   Remove any stuck food particles by gently scrubbing the filter with an old toothbrush.
5. Rinse.
   Rinse the filter with clean tap water.
6. Put it back.
   Put the filter back in its place before proceeding.

Cleaning the dishwasher spray arms

The spray arm holes can sometimes get clogged by food waste, thus preventing your dishes from getting properly cleaned. So, make sure you wipe them, too.

1. Take out spray arms.
   Start by taking the spray arms out of the dishwasher.
2. Wipe.
   Wipe them clean with a cloth, dipped in white vinegar or warm, soapy water. If they are heavily stained, you can soak them for 10-15 minutes.
3. Scrub.
   Scrub the spray holes with an old toothbrush, removing any stuck-on food waste.
4. Rinse.
   Rinse the spray arms with a damp cloth.
5. Put them back.
   Place the spray arms back where they belong.

How to clean a dishwasher inside

Now that you’ve cleaned the separate parts of your dishwasher, here comes the easy part – cleaning the inside. All you need is white vinegar and baking soda. So, here is how to clean a dishwasher inside:

Clean the dishwasher exterior

To finish cleaning your dishwasher, you should take care of the outside, as well. Fingerprints and grease marks can look unpleasant and stainless steel exteriors are especially susceptible to them. Here is how to clean a dishwasher exterior:

1. Create a cleaning solution.
   Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Wipe the door seal.
   Spray the door seal with the cleaning solution and scrub it clean with an old toothbrush.
3. Spray door.
   Spray the outside of the door and any exterior parts you can reach with the mixture.
4. Wipe clean.
   Wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
5. Dry.
   Dry the surface with a soft, dry cloth to avoid water spots.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

Experts state that you should clean your dishwasher once a month. However, to keep it in the best condition, aim to clean out the filter regularly, if you’re wondering how often you should clean your dishwasher filter, read our detailed guide here.

No time to clean your dishwasher?

If you don’t have the time or desire to handle the cleaning of your dishwasher by yourself, why not turn to the professionals? The experienced and reliable cleaners at Fantastic Services are fully insured, come equipped with everything they need to complete the job and are sure to leave your kitchen spotless! And if skipping the regular clean-up of your dishwasher causes occasional or regular malfunctions, do not hesitate to contact the Fantastic dishwasher engineers which are located anywhere in London.

Booking is easy – simply use our online form to choose a date and time that suits your schedule. Spend your time where it matters – let Fantastic Services handle the hard work!

Takeaways

• You should clean the dishwasher once a month. Aim to clean out the filter weekly.
• You can clean the dishwasher using household ingredients – vinegar, baking soda and dish soap.
• Make sure to clean out the dishwasher drain.
• Avoid using bleach, as it can damage the stainless steel surfaces.

***

Did you find this post helpful? Did you manage to make your dishwasher shine again? Tell us in the comments below!

Image source: shutterstock / New Africa