Mineral buildup, extra food particles and grease can cause your dishwasher to underperform. Here are 4 simple steps to cleaning a dishwasher.
“Cleaning” the dishwasher sounds like an oxymoron, right? Believe it or not, you should clean your dishwasher monthly. While your dishwasher reliably scrubs your daily dishes, it also needs a little cleaning of its own. Mineral buildup, extra food particles and grease can all cause this (mostly) silent workhorse to underperform.
Fortunately, keeping the machine that’s built to clean, clean, is easy!
Step 1: Check the filter
Refer to your dishwasher user manual (paper or online) to confirm if your machine has a filter. If it does, empty and clean the filter first. You can even take a toothpick to thoroughly dig out all the little holes.
Step 2: Choose a way to clean
- Vinegar: Fill a small bowl (that’s dishwasher safe, of course) with white vinegar and place it in the top rack. Run an empty load on the hottest setting. The vinegar will spray around the machine and deodorize as it descales mineral and grease buildup. Note: Don’t mix vinegar and baking soda together, as the two will actually neutralize one another. Learn more about the benefits of cleaning with vinegar here.
- Commercial dishwasher cleaners: Available at most grocery and home supply stores, commercial cleaners cost more than DIY solutions but are convenient and quick to pop in whenever your machine needs a little more sparkle.
- Bleach: For non-stainless-steel machines only. If you have acquired a mold or mildew issue, bleach will disinfect the inside and help kill unwanted bacteria. NEVER mix bleach with other ingredients, including vinegar and baking soda, as certain combinations can produce dangerous fumes.
Step 3: Don't forget the exterior
- Wipe the front panel with hot soapy water. If it’s a stainless-steel finish, follow up with a dab of stainless-steel cleaner. Buff the cleaner with a clean microfibre cloth to make the outside really shine.
- Clean the gasket. The gasket? You know, that soft piece of rubber that creates a waterproof seal between the door and the inside compartment. Gently wash the gasket with hot soapy water, using an old, soft toothbrush if necessary.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 & 4 on a monthly basis
And there you have it. Four super simple steps to a cleaner dishwasher that will continue to take everything you throw at it, and stuff into it, for years and years to come.
