Dishwashers clean the dirty utensils and vessels. So, it is important for them to remain clean, work effectively, and wash utensils properly. They should be cleaned regularly so that they can function well.
Before starting the cleaning process, adhere to safety norms and wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Check out this guide to learn why it is important to clean a dishwasher and how it can be done.
See also: How to install a dishwasher?
Dishwasher cleaning: Frequency
Check the manual instructions of your dishwasher to understand how often you should clean it. Popular brands recommend washing a dishwasher from inside every month, its gasket, filter, and door. However, this should be done if you use your dishwasher on a regular basis. If you use your dishwasher sparingly, it can be cleaned once in four to six months. However, don’t delay the cleaning process beyond six months.
Dishwasher Cleaning: Importance
Cleaning a dishwasher regularly helps as pre-emptive measures to maintain it. Postponing the cleaning of a dishwasher may lead to problems like building up residues, such as grease, lime, grime, minerals etc., inside the dishwasher. With these deposits, its working would be adversely impacted. This will lead to three problems — your dishwasher may start stinking, vessels with food particles stuck and finally it may stop functioning properly, resulting in expensive repair.
Steps to clean dishwashers
Clean detachable parts
You can start with cleaning the detachable parts, such as the utensil holder and dishwasher racks.
- Rinse these in running water to get rid of any food particles attached.
- If you want to extensively clean the brackets, you may soak these for around 20 to 30 minutes into a bucket of warm water mixed with two cups of white vinegar. Rinse the brackets and put them back.
Cleaning dishwasher’s unit
How do you clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?
In a dishwasher safe cup, take white vinegar and place it inside the dishwasher unit on the top rack. Start running the dishwasher’s hottest cycle and let it clean. Do not opt for the drying cycle. Keep the door of a dishwasher open so that it can dry naturally.
Next, clean the floor of a dishwasher by sprinkling a cup of baking soda inside it and start with the hottest cycle. This will clean the interior and remove foul smell.
While vinegar and baking soda are effective and safe, they should not be used simultaneously. You should start with vinegar and then move to baking soda.
Dishwasher deep cleaning
Bleach is a very good ingredient to deep clean a dishwasher. This will help remove tough stains, fungus, and mildew. However, the dishwasher should not be of stainless steel if you are planning to use bleach for cleaning it. Bleach spoils the stainless-steel tub. You can use bleach in the same way as vinegar. Take a cup of bleach in a dishwasher safe bowl, put it on the top track of the dishwasher. Start its hottest cycle. Once done, do not start the drying cycle, let it dry naturally.
Note, all these methods suggested shouldn’t be used at once.
Cleaning dishwasher’s gasket
There is a gasket on the door of the dishwasher. Start by cleaning the door from inside. With an old toothbrush, or soft cloth, clean around the rubber gasket. Dip the brush in a mixture of vinegar and hot water and apply on the gasket and clean it.
Cleaning dishwasher’s filter
If your dishwasher has a manual filter attached, then follow instructions given by the company and remove the filter. Clean the inside of the filter thoroughly with warm water and scrub it neatly as it has residues and food particles. Once clean, wipe and fix it back to the dishwasher.
Cleaning dishwasher’s drain
The drain is located at the base of the dishwasher. Take a cup of warm white vinegar and add two tablespoons of baking soda to it. Pour this mixture in the drain and leave it for 20 minutes. Pour hot water in the drain. This will unclog and remove all blocks and food particles and clear the drainage.
Cleaning dishwasher’s water spray outlets
During an overall cleaning process, check the jet sprays fixed with the dishwasher for blockages, or any food residues. You can clean these sprays with a pointed needle, or toothpick.
Cleaning dishwasher: Outside
While you have taken pain to clean and deep clean the interiors of a dishwasher, cleaning the outside door of the dishwasher completes the entire process. You can clean by taking a soft cloth and soap solution.
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean a dishwasher from inside?
You can use white vinegar to clean a dishwasher from inside.
What is the best way to clean and deodorise a dishwasher?
Using baking soda is one of the best ways to clean and deodorise a dishwasher.
How do you clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?
You can use bleach to clean a dirty dishwasher. However, the dishwasher should not be of stainless steel.
Is it fine to clean a dishwasher with baking soda?
Yes, you can use baking soda to clean the internal unit, as well as the drain of the dishwasher.
Do dishwashers need cleaning?
Yes, dishwashers need cleaning so that they can work properly.
How do I clean my dishwasher without vinegar?
You can clean a dishwasher with hot soapy water, baking soda, or bleach (with certain conditions).
Can you run vinegar through a dishwasher?
Yes, you may put vinegar in a dishwasher-mug and clean the cabinet.
What makes a dishwasher smell good?
White vinegar’s acidity neutralises the odour in a dishwasher and makes it clean. It smells good.
How can I clean the stainless steel dishwasher?
You can clean the exterior of the stainless-steel dishwasher, using a microfiber towel. You can also use a solution of soap, sponge, and scrub. Use sponge so that the steel doesn’t show scratches. Once done, wipe it with a dry microfiber towel.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
