5 tips for cleaning a dishwasher
We’re a cleaning company and really get into all of the different types of ways in which to spruce up a home. We also try to understand all of the different types of appliance cleanings that might come up from a customer’s request for a deep clean.
Dishwasher’s are one of those appliances that seem complex as they have many parts. From the dishwasher’s filter, to the bottom rack, the spray arms, the door seals, and the exterior. Lots of components to hit.
But, if the time is taken, you (or MaidxChange) can clean your dishwasher and get cleaner dishes, a less smelly dishwasher, and a sparkly appliance.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
The frequency of cleaning your dishwasher varies according to how often you use it. It’s broadly recommended that you rinse out the filter in your dishwasher at least once per month. There are quick washings that can be taken as well, using household items you probably have on hand. However, a deeper cleanse is essential at the end of each year. For a lucky few, there are some dishwashers that wash themselves. But for most of us, the chore is manual and takes time and know how. It’s not uncommon for people to neglect cleaning up their kitchen appliances, and of all of those appliances the dishwasher is the one most neglected.
So how do you know it’s time to clean the dishwasher?
The key here, as with a lot of appliances is time. How old is the machine? Has it been cleaned since you got it? How often do you clean it? Additionally, how often does it get used?
Over time, food particles, grease, undissolved detergent, and water minerals accumulate inside a dishwasher’s filter, spray arms, and interior walls. This build up can affect how the dishwasher functions and impair the performance of cleaning dirty dishes, glasses, and utensils.
Beyond how long it’s been since the last dishwasher cleaning, you know it’s time to get into the machine and take action when you smell a sour odor coming from the machine. Again,these smells are most likely caused by food particles stuck in the filter, dishwasher drain, or other parts of the machine. A smelly dishwasher is a dirty dishwasher.
You may also notice that your plates and glassware are spotted or have streaky stains on them. When the machine isn’t getting dishes clean, it’s time to clean your dishwasher. Regularly cleaning will result in a better smelling and more effective functioning dishwasher.
Let’s get dirty dishes cleaner and your smelly dishwasher smelling fresh!
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
No expensive cleaning equipment is required for cleaning the dishwasher. And, most of what you need are items that can be found around the house. Here’s a short list of supplies:
- vinegar (see our article on cleaning with vinegar and baking soda)
- baking soda
- old toothbrush
- paper towel
- damp cloth
- lemons
- toothpicks
- soft cloth for exterior stainless steel
That’s about it. These are easy to find in your home and when put to use can help to transform your dishwasher into a better functioning machine.
Step Two: Clean the Spray Arms
If the washer is not spraying well then then there may be several culprits creating problems. Often times, the spraying arms may get stuck under a dish and not spin properly. Obviously this is remedied by not overloading the dishwasher and making sure there is clearance between the spray arms and the plate-ware.
More common though, the holes on the back spray arm backs may contain food residue or hard water build up over time. Cleaning the spray arms can be handled by using toothpicks to unplug the holes. A mirror might help seeing the holes easier if they are on the underside of the machine. Move methodically through each arm and hole to loosen or remove any blockages. I can just see a whole new meme genre popping up on YouTube of the therapeutic process of spray arm cleaning.
If toothpicks aren’t your thing or aren’t handy, a soft washcloth and warm water can work for removing buildup, food, or any other kind of blockage. For extra efficacy and a deep clean, dip the wash cloth into some white vinegar and wipe the spray holes gently to help dissolve dirt and debris.
If you wanted to stop here and forgo the rest of the steps, you could run the empty dishwasher on a short cycle (or a normal cycle) to flush the loosened particles out.
Or, you could move on to step three, which is a bit more technical but helps!
Step Three: Clean the Filter
It’s important for a dishwasher filter to be cleaned regularly. Simply, filters clog or get overloaded. A clogged filter can lead to pooling in the dishwasher’s cycles and poor drainage will mean that there will be food, grease, and detergent debris on your dishes and glassware. If you notice water pooling into the washer every cycle, chances are it’s clogging and the filter won ‘t properly drain. If we don’t check our dishwasher filters regularly it will keep crumbs from our dishes and crumbs.
Dishwasher filters keep food out of your freshly washed dishes. Some filtering is self-cleaning, although most need cleaning manually. To clean, first remove the bottom rack. Locate the cylindrical filter and, on most dishwasher models, you will need to turn the filter counter clockwise to lift it out. You will probably notice leftover food or food particles lining the filter. It will no doubt be pretty gross! There may also be a flat filter that lays over the bottom part of the machine. That is a course filter which keeps out large food chunks.
Next, you might want to run your fingers around the inside of the dishwasher drain to feel for any debris. After that, the filters can be cleaned using soapy water, a soft sponge, and warm water.
Replace the filters in reverse order. First the coarse filter and then the fine mesh cylindrical filter. Slide in the bottom rack and you’re all done!
This is such an easy maintenance tip that you can and probably should do it twice a month. It will leave your dishwasher function optimally!
Step Four: Disinfect and Deodorize
We’ve unclogged the spray arms, cleaned out the dishwasher filter of any left over food debris, and now it’s time to make your dishwasher smell and look great on the inside. We’ll use the machine’s own cleaning power but throw in our DIY power duo vinegar and baking soda.
This will take two steps but is well worth it. First, in an empty dishwasher, fill one cup with vinegar and put it on the top rack. The vinegar will act as a disinfectant. Run the dishwasher for a full heat cycle.
When that is complete, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom rack and again run a full cycle cleaning. The hot water, baking soda, and rinse cycle agitation will work to get the dishwasher clean and smelling fresh!
Step Five: Clean the Exterior
The last step is to clean the dishwasher’s exterior. There are a few ways to finish the job. One is to use an all purpose cleaner and a paper towel to polish up the exterior. We are also fans of soapy hot water and a cotton rag as well.
Start at the top of the dishwasher door and work your way down. Don’t forget to get the buttons and handle area at the top of the dishwashing machine. It’s good to remember to also clean the rubber lining that is the seal between the dishwasher door and the inside of the machine. Wipe the lining with warm soapy water and rinse clean. Lastly, clean the stainless steel of the dishwasher’s exterior with an all purpose cleaning product to make it shine.
Keep it Clean
We often forget to clean this appliance, but if done on a daily basis, the machine can be made to work like new and the exterior can be made to look new! In most cases, all that’s needed is hot water, some on hand cleaning supplies, and the awareness that the dishwasher needs to be maintained regularly. Cutting through the grease build up and food particles and residue becomes easier as you clean your dishwasher more frequently. That can save time and get your dishes and glassware cleaner!
DIY is great, but if you’d like for MaidxChange to clean your dishwasher and get it smelling fresh, don’t hesitate to ask us! We’ll get in there as part of a deep cleaning. You’ll love the difference!
Book a cleaning now!
