How to Clean your Dishwasher
Does a dishwasher clean itself while cleaning the dishes? No. Here is why that assumption is wrong and why you really should start cleaning your dishwasher now.
Your dishwasher does its best to provide you with clean dishes every day. But while doing that, grease, soap scum, water minerals and food debris are getting stuck in the filter or the interior walls and leaving the dishwasher dirtier after every washing cycle. Just remember: If the appliance isn’t clean, your dishes won’t be either.
A dirty dishwasher is a perfect breeding ground for germs but it also reduces the life span and the efficiency of the appliance. Soon, your dishwasher might need to get repaired or it can even turn into a threat to your health:
Studies are showing that germs from dishwashers, such as the black yeast-like fungi ,can lead to serious diseases and breathing problems.
Do you need more reasons to start cleaning your dishwasher regularly?! No? Well, then read our instructions carefully to find out how it works!
How should I clean the dishwasher?
You need:
- distilled white vinegar
- baking soda
First of all, pull out the bottom rack of your appliance. Remove the drainage strainer from the bottom of the dishwasher. Have a look if there is anything clogging the holes such as food debris or paper labels that came off a jar while washing. Pull out the bottom rack and remove leftover food that may have fallen into the well with paper towels. You should do this not only once a month but after every dishwasher-cycle if possible.
In the next step, you’ll have to clean the area around the drain. To scrub stuck items away use a soft-bristled brush that you dip into vinegar to clean. Don’t put the vinegar away yet, as you will also need it for the next step:
Fill a bowl with vinegar and put it into the dishwasher – don’t fill it directly into the rinse-aid dispenser. Why not? Vinegar is a strong acid and could easily melt the rubber gaskets in the rinse-aid dispenser. Close the door and run a complete cycle on the hottest setting but without the drying cycle. The vinegar will make sure there is no grease left in your dishwasher.
When the first washing cycle is done, you’ll need to get the baking soda out. Sprinkle it on the inside floor of the dishwasher before you run a quick wash cycle on the hottest setting again. Skip the drying cycle and open the door of your appliance when the rinsing is done so the inside of your appliance can dry properly. Not only will your dishwasher look shiny after that, the baking soda will also take away all the bad odors.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
An average household uses a dishwasher up to 110 times a year – that is more than twice a week. To make sure you keep bacteria out of it, you should clean the dishwasher once a month as explained above. If you stick to this routine, thorough cleaning is only needed once or twice a year.
By following this easy routine, you’ll make sure that your dishwasher will work properly, and it will extend the life span of the appliance. Who knew that a bit of baking soda and vinegar could save you a lot of money, time and troubles!