Deep Clean The Dishwasher Every Two Months
According to research by Appliances Direct, dishwashers are one of the appliances we clean the least often. Consumers surveyed by the company admitted to only cleaning their dishwashers three times a year, on average. Wed suggest taking some time every two months to give your dishwasher a really thorough clean.
GHI Tip:Keep limescale and soap scum build-up at bay with this cost-effective solution: pop a cup of white vinegar in the base of the machine and run a normal cycle.
Alternatively, choose a branded dishwasher cleaning product such as Dr Beckmann Service It Deep Clean dishwasher cleaner. This leaves dishwashers sparking clean and mould-free, and seals and filters spotless. If your dishwasher smells less than fresh between cleans, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda on the bottom of the machine before running an empty load.
How To Naturally Clean Your Dishwasher
You don’t have to head to the store to pick up the ingredients you need for cleaning a dishwasherâthey’re likely already in your pantry! These natural dishwasher cleaners do the job well without harsh chemicals or odors.
- White Vinegar: Use white vinegar to clean the tub of your dishwasher. Place a cup in the middle of the top rack and fill it with vinegar. Run a dishwasher cycle on high heat, and wipe dry when done. You can also try this with lemon juice to remove water spots.
- Rubbing Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean the dishwasher exterior. Clean your dishwasher door and handle by adding rubbing alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth and wiping away fingerprints. If your dishwasher has plastic buttons, avoid scrubbing with acidic natural cleaners like vinegar as they can break down the material.
- Baking Soda:Baking soda works wonders as a natural cleaning agent. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher tub before running a hot washing cycle.
Variation For Stainless Steel
For a stainless steel door, it is best to use a stainless steel cleaning product and a microfiber cloth. Follow the product instructions, and always wipe in one directionin the same direction as the grain of the metal.
Another option is to wipe the front of the dishwasher with a solution of mild dish soap mixed with water, followed by a drop of olive oil or baby oil on a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks.
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Why Deep Clean Your Dishwasher
Given how easy it is to buy a new home appliance with the click of mouse, most of us never learn about what we should do to care for our appliances. One simple thing you can do to enhance the function and extend the life of your dishwasher is to deep clean it a few times a year.
Without regular cleaning things like lime, minerals, scale, food particles, grease, grime, and residues from dishwashing cleaners will build up in the dishwashers parts, hindering its function and leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided.
Some signs you need to deep clean your dishwasher include:
- Dishes that just wont come clean or have greasy residue
- Cloudy glasses/wine glasses
- A musty or unpleasant odor
- Buildup on the rubber gasket around the door
- Food buildup in the trap
- Food buildup in the spraying arm
- Rusting inside the machine
- Poor function overall – it doesnt clean like it used to
The good news is, you can take care of all these issues with regular deep cleaning!
How often should you clean your dishwasher? Many manufacturers recommend deep cleaning once a month for optimal performance, or even twice a month if you use your dishwasher a lot or have hard water!. If you dont have the time to do this monthly, then we recommend doing a weekly vinegar rinse and interior wipe down, and committing to a quarterly cleaning. You can also check with your manufacturer for their recommendations.
Scrape Off Food Residues
To stop the filter getting clogged in the first place, make sure you scrape your plates and remove as much food residue from pans and dishes before loading them. Foods like Weetabix and porridge tend to stick to dishes if they’re left sat in the dishwasher for too long before you run it.
Instead, place these dishes in the sink to catch the water when you run the tap. This will help soak off the worst of the breakfast leftovers. Then, add them to the dishwasher just before you start the cycle.
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How To Clean A Dishwasher Drain
Cleaning the dishwasher drain is another important monthly step in the deep-cleaning process. First, put 1 cup of white vinegar in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds so it is slightly warm.
Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil a kettle of water. Just as the boil is dying down, carefully pour the water down the dishwasher drain to help clear out any debris or clogs. Do this slowly, taking care not to get splashed with the hot water.
Tip: If you have a garbage disposal, be sure its also clean and running well. Dishwasher clogs and draining problems can sometimes be traced to a clogged or dirty garbage disposal.
How To Clean Your Dishwasher With Bleach
What about bleach? Bleach might seem like an attractive choice since its one of the most powerful cleaners. But you shouldnt use bleach if your dishwasher has any stainless steel parts inside. If your dishwasher is made with only plastic, then you can certainly use bleach. However, vinegar or baking soda are safer, non-toxic options.
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Professional House Cleaning Services
Clean Nation Company is a full-service cleaning company with over 50 years of experience in the cleaning and janitorial industry. We offer recurring house cleanings, one-time deep cleans, move-in/move-out cleanings, Airbnb cleaning services, post-construction/renovation cleanings, and more. Our high standards, attention to detail, and ongoing employee training are what set us apart from other cleaning companies.
We provide quality house cleaning services you can count on by our trained cleaning PROs. If you are not completely satisfied with an area in your home we have cleaned, just give us a call within 24 hours and we will re-clean it for freeno questions asked! For your protection, all of our cleaners are bonded, insured and background checked before they are hired.
At Clean Nation Company, we are committed to providing the best cleaning services available:
- Woman-owned and operated full-service cleaning company
- Over 50 years of experience in the cleaning industry
- 24/7 cleaning options & support
- Healthy home electrostatic spray disinfection
- Commitment to the highest level of clean
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
How To Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
Step 1: Fill a mixing bowl with hot water and dish soap.
Step 2: Remove the lower dishwasher rack or roll out of the way.
Step 3: Most cylindrical filters are located at the floor of the dishwasher and are removed by twist-lock. Look for arrows indicating which way to twist. Twist, unlock, and lift out. If a flat filter, it can often be easily lifted out. Repeat with top filter or any additional filter, if applicable.
Step 4: Place filter into the mixing bowl with cleaning solution. Soak for five minutes. This will help loosen debris.
Step 5: Using a dish-washing bristle brush or an old toothbrush, scrub away debris and gunk from filter.
Step 6: Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Step 7: Using a sponge or dish rag with hot water and soap, wipe down the opening inside the dishwasher where the filter was removed to get rid of any loose debris.
Step 8: Replace filters in the dishwasher.
If you’re a visual learner, this TikTok cleaning video demonstrates the process. If you’re unable to easily find or remove your dishwasher filter, consult the dishwasher manual before beginning.
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Can I Buy A Dishwasher Cleaner Detergent Instead
Some dish detergent companies sell dishwasher cleaning detergents to make this task more convenient and hands-off. Although these can work, they wont be as effective in removing food, build up and blockages in dishwasher parts, which is why dishwasher manufacturers recommend the regular deep cleaning processes outlined above. Plus, these products are made of very harsh chemicals which are best avoided for your health and the health of your septic system and our shared waterways.
Again, if you dont have the time to do the deep clean as suggested, at least spray down and wipe the inside of your dishwasher a few times a month, clean out the fiter, and run a cup of vinegar through a hot wash cycle once a week until you can take the time to do a deep clean.
How To Deep Clean Your Dishwasher Using Vinegar And Baking Soda
The good news about deep cleaning your dishwasher is the appliance does all the heavy lifting for you. No need to spend time bent over the dishwasher scrubbing away using the right cleaning solutions can give you a clean dishwasher with the push of a button. And you can use items you already have in your pantry!
Vinegar works to break down grease and grime, while baking soda will remove any unpleasant odors and leave your dishwasher smelling bright and clean. Repeating this simple cleaning process monthly can give you major results.
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Check The Spinning Arms
Look in the holes on the spinner arms to make sure theres no debris or crusted food in there. If you discover blocked holes, youll need to remove the arm and scrub them to dislodge the buildup. You may need pliers to do that. Once youve got the spinner off, use tweezers to pull out anything stuck in the holes. You can also insert a toothpick or pipe cleaner to dislodge mineral buildup.
Check The Spray Arms For Blockages
You should also remove the spray arms from time to time and clean them in a solution of washing up liquid and water.
While youre at it, check for blockages such as fruit pips and small food particles that may have got caught in the jets. A neat trick is to run water through the inlet of each arm if it runs through fine, its not blocked!
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Clean The Removable Parts
- Take out the utensil holder and dish racks.
- Spray everything with Branch Basics All-Purpose, clean with a sponge or microfiber, and rinse.
- If theres stubborn, stuck-on food or other grime, soak in a sink full of warm water, 1 tsp. Branch Basics concentrate and 1-2 cups distilled white vinegar for 10-20 minutes. Wipe clean.
How Often Do I Have To Clean My Dishwasher
Not to worry! There’s no need to dedicate all your free time with your head in the machine. Once a month you should do a deep clean including an alkaline wash and drain trap scrub, and once a week you should wipe down the panel and controls. Any time that you notice that the dishwasher is moldy, smelly, or not cleaning as well as it normally does though, the rubber gloves and get in there.
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How Do I Clean Your Dishwasher With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a safe and mild alkali substance that goes a long way in removing persistent residue left by food waste. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher and rinse on a hot-water cycle. Repeat this process when you have especially stubborn stains or smells. For extra cleaning punch, create baking soda bombs by mixing 2 cups of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until it’s a paste-like consistency. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and allow to dry for a few hours. Toss them on the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot-water cycle in an empty machine. For a fresher scent, add a few drops of an essential oil to the mix.
What Is The Most Used Kitchen Appliance In Your Home
We bet that its your dishwasher. You probably think that every time you run a cycle it cleans itself its a dishwasher after all! Unfortunately, this is wrong! Appliances that are meant to clean need to be cleaned as well they dont have a self-clean cycle. For example, your washing machine washes your clothes but you still need to take care of it from time to time. Your dishwasher is the same.
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Domestic Science: How To Deep
Used on a daily basis, our dishwashers are subjected to a near constant barrage of food, soap, and grease. Over time all this grime takes its toll in the form of mildew, hard-water stains, soap scum buildup, and those mysterious bits of goo wedged in crannies and floating on the bottom. Yuck! When that happens, its time to give this workhorse of a machine its own thorough cleaning. Heres how.
Photography by Justine Hand for Remodelista.
Wipe The Exterior Of Your Dishwasher
Now, the finishing touches! Using a slightly damp microfiber cloth, wipe all the exterior surfaces of your appliance. You can use warm soapy water if there are tough grease stains to clean! If your dishwashers exterior is made of stainless steel, wipe it following the grain!
You can do this step as part of your regular cleaning.
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Clean The Drain Using One Of These Two Methods
The drain is the circular piece underneath the bottom sprayer where the water drains out. To clean it, you can remove it with a screwdriver or it may have pieces you can twist and pop out with your hands. Spray it and the basin below with All-Purpose, scrub it, and screw it or pop it back in.
Now, if removing this is too intimidating and/or youd like another option, try using this hot water, vinegar and Oxygen Boost method:
Mix one cup of slightly warm distilled white vinegar with a scoop of Oxygen Boost and pour into the drain. Let sit for 10-20 minutes then rinse with a kettle-full of hot water to dislodge any clogs or debris and flush it down the drain. If this method doesnt work well enough, then we do recommend taking it apart for further inspection and cleaning. You can do this! Use your phones camera to help and check out our video resources at the end of this article.
Why Do I Need To Know How To Deep Clean A Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher is an essential part of home maintenancepreventative care. However, if you neglect this task regularly, youre likely to get a buildup of grease, limescale, and minerals. On top of rotting food in the drains, this residue buildup can cause your dishwasher to function poorly over time. As a result, your glasses will be cloudy, the cutlery will have water spots, and it wont be able to effectively wash away stuck-on food or grease.
Plus, if your dishwasher is neglected for too long, it could lead to expensive repairs. If your dishwasher still has a warranty, you could run the risk of voiding the warranty due to improper maintenance, which includes cleaning.
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How To Deep Clean A Dishwasher
Theres no one way to deep clean a dishwasher, as there are several methods you can choose from, and none of them will break the bank. You probably have the supplies in your pantry right now! However, before you can begin to clean, youll first want to remove all of the removable parts, such as the utensil holder, filter, and drain. Take these pieces and submerge them in hot soapy water with a half cup of vinegar. Leave them submerged until youre ready to put them back in the dishwasher.
Now you can choose your preferred cleaning method:
Cleaning The Dishwasher With Vinegar And Baking Soda
Reassemble your dishwasher filter .
Pour some white distilled vinegar into a small dishwasher-safe bowl.
With a clean rag, dip the rag into the vinegar and wipe down the dishwasher blades and rolling wheels.
If your spinning blades have holes in them,use a straw cleaner like this one to clean them.
Place the bowl with the vinegar into the top rack of your dishwasher, towards the back.
If you have hard water, add an extra bowl of vinegar, but this time put it on the bottom rack, towards the back.
Run your dishwasher on the HOTTEST cycle available with the bowls of vinegar inside.
To help neutralize odors even more, remove vinegar bowls carefully , sprinkle baking soda liberally along the floor of your dishwasher, and run a HOT rinse cycle.
*If your dishwasher is holding onto some super smelly smells, allow the baking soda to sit on your dishwasher floor overnight, and then run a hot wash cycle first thing in the morning.
Allow your dishwasher to fully dry before starting a new load of dirty dishes.
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Firstly You Will Need
White vinegar
- Start off by using the pink stuff cleanser and your electric cleansing brush to go around the edges of the dishwasher and scrub off any stuck on grime. Remember to clean inside the seals too.
- Next remove the drawers and trays and give those a scrub too.
- If you have a cutlery rack, remove it and clean it with hot soapy water.
- Remove the filter and clean this with hot soapy water.
- Use a cloth and hot water and the spray to clean over all the areas you have scrubbed to remove any pink stuff residue. Clean the inside sides and inside the seals as well as the removable trays. If the dishwasher is integrated make sure that you wipe over the control panel.
- Pop the everything back inside and put a cup of vinegar in the dishwasher and set it to the hottest setting and let it run.
- Clean the outside of the dishwasher, including the control panel if it is on the outside.
- When the dishwasher has finished running, remove the glass and refill the salt and the rinse aid.
You are now ready to go with a wonderfully clean dishwasher!
If you work better visually I have embedded my video below so you can watch me clean mine first hand.
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