Like any appliance, periodic cleaning and maintenance will help make a dishwasher more efficient. Over time, food particles and grease, as well as non-dissolved detergents and water minerals, could accumulate on the filter of the dishwasher and the interior walls. They may be able to block those spray arms. In addition, the fact that dirty dishwashers can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Also, if your dishes are not being cleaned, but they may be getting dirty after a wash in a dirty dishwasher likely to show up as streaks and films on your glassware, dinnerware, and flatware.
It’s the first thing to do is loading your dishwasher correctly (we do not recommend washing your dishes before you rinse them) however, keeping your dishwasher clean and keeping your dishwasher clean is also essential. If you’re concerned that your dishwasher needs an overhaul, then you’re in the right spot. It’s the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab offers six dishwashers that are full-sized, as well as a team that has tried hundreds of dishwasher detergents, dishwashers, along dishwasher detergents.
Here, our experts in cleaning discuss the best ways to clean your dishwasher, regardless of whether you’re facing bad odors, a buildup of residue, or even grease-stained fingerprints on the exterior door. From cleaning and removing the filter to running the cycle using vinegar, we have the answers to all your queries and also the reasons why you shouldn’t utilize bleach.
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How frequently should your dishwasher be cleaned?
A majority of people run a washing cycle every month; however, the frequency of washing your dishwasher could be different if you use an entire cycle less or more frequently. If you can run a load daily, here are the tasks to take care of each day, week, and month:
- Every day or at the end of every load: Clean visible pieces of food from the filter and from the dish’s bottom.
- Weekly: Wipe the edges of the gasket and door to remove any dirt, then remove the filters and wash them.
- Every month, deep-clean the inside by using a cycle of cleaning.
- If needed, wipe the edges, outside, and the interior of spots, drips, and film.
The proper way to clean your dishwashing machine:
Follow these guidelines to ensure that your dishwasher is working at its best possible way no matter if it requires an immediate freshening or a thorough cleaning.
Every day, dispose away any remaining food.
Food left over in the base of your dishwasher is the source of the majority of odor issues. After every cycle of dishwashing, remove the bottom rack and inspect for any remnants from food items, papers, or other objects that may have become trapped in your filter or on the screen. Get it out using your fingers or a towel to avoid any further accumulation.
Professional tip: Remove any food residue from dishes, silverware, bowls, and other objects before putting them in the dishwasher. If you don’t intend to start a cycle right away, then rinse them in the sink or use a rinse-only cycle to avoid undesirable smells. Be sure to remove any labels or stickers that are on the jars you’re reusing before you put the items in the dishwasher.
Every week, clean the door and its gasket.
There may be greasy remnants or splatters that have settled on the interior of the door or the top of the dishwasher, the edges of the door, handles or the control buttons. Clean these areas quickly with a moist sponge or microfiber cloth.
In the case of the gasket as well as the dispensers, gently scrub the dirt off the rubber seal around the door with an old soft toothbrush, dipped in warm and sudsy water or an all-purpose mild cleaner. Utilizing a damp cloth or paper towel, clean the dispensers to get rid of any traces of detergent that haven’t dissolved.
Weekly dishwasher filter cleaning is recommended.
The filter is located beneath the lower spray arm, and you’ll have to remove the lower rack in order to access it. If you’re not sure of the best way to get it out, refer to the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for more information.
- Remove the filter and unlock and rinse it with hot running water.
- Utilizing a soft toothbrush, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the mesh screen and the plastic frame to get rid of any dirt or grease that has accumulated within the cracks. Rinse it off.
- Secure the filter to its original position.
A tip from an expert: Never use your dishwasher if the filter is not properly secured, since it could cause significant damage to the machine and could even void the warranty.
Every month, run a cleaning cycle.
Each month, it is important to clean up to get rid of any minerals, particles, or detergent residue that may be hiding in the machine’s internal parts or spray arms. Dishwasher cleaners like Good Housekeeping Seal Star Cascade is a simple solution, since they are made of surfactants which dissolve and clear the food particles that have been trapped and the grease. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.
Expert Tip: Make sure to read the directions prior to making use of every commercial detergent for your dishwasher. The majority of them require a dishwasher to be emptied. However, some can be used in a cycle with detergent and dishes to facilitate cleaning.
When necessary, give your dishwasher’s exterior a polish.
Fingerprints can make surfaces appear dull and grimy; however, they stand out negatively when it comes to stainless-steel appliances. This is the reason we suggest making use of a stainless steel cleaner specifically designed for cleaning equipment, such as GH Seal Star Weiman, for shining up the door of your dishwasher and providing it with a protective surface. The cleaner doesn’t just give you a shiny, streak-free finish however, it also contains ingredients that help to repel any future smudges and dirt.
The Expert’s Tip is to stay clear of pads or cleaners that contain abrasives, which can scratch and damage the exterior of your dishwasher. Always clean and wash stainless steel along the grain of the metal to prevent streaks.
Can you use vinegar to clean your dishwasher completely?
If you decide to go the DIY method to combat the buildup and residue, start with vinegar and the dishwasher that is empty.
- To wash your dishwasher using vinegar, put the dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup of white distilled vinegar on top of the rack. Then, run a pots-and pans or a hot (hot) cycle, without dishwashing detergent or dishes.
- For cleaning your dishwasher, you can use baking soda and vinegar for extra freshening after you have run your vinegar through, put baking soda on the lower part of the dishwasher, and run a quick or fast cycle.
Can you use bleach to clean your dishwasher?
Bleach or bleach-containing cleaners are not suggested, particularly if your dishwasher has a stainless-steel interior. Certain detergents have bleach; however, the purpose is to clean coffee and tea stains from dishes and cups. Don’t mix bleach and vinegar, as the combination could result in the creation of potentially deadly chlorine gas.
