How to Clean and Care for Your Dishwasher at Home?

Your dishwasher, like other appliances in your kitchen, needs regular care to keep running smoothly. Cleaning it often helps it wash your dishes better and last longer. This is because bits of food, grease and soap can build up inside, which can make the dishwasher less clean. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can also cause bad smells and even harm your dishwasher over time.

This article will give you easy tips to keep your dishwasher clean and working well for longer. By doing simple tasks like running a cycle with Cleaning Service Boston once a month, you can maintain your appliance. Wiping the edges and seals with a damp cloth can also prevent leaks and ensure the door closes properly. These tips will not only help your dishwasher run better but also make it a cleaner and more efficient part of your kitchen.

Different Methods to Clean a Dishwasher

Keeping your dishwasher clean is very important for making sure it works well and lasts a long time. Here is a simple guide on how to clean your dishwasher using different methods. Each method helps to keep your dishwasher working well and clean.

Method 1: Dishwasher Manual Cleaning

This method involves cleaning each part of your dishwasher by hand.

Step 1: Clean the Filter

Take out the filter, which is usually under the bottom spray arm. Rinse it under hot water and gently scrub it with a soft brush to get rid of any trapped food or grease. This helps to keep the water flowing well.

Step 2: Clean the Door and Gasket

Wipe the edges of the door and the rubber seal with a damp cloth. This helps to keep the door closing tightly.

Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms

Remove the spray arms and rinse them under water. Use a thin wire or a toothpick to clean the holes where water comes out. This makes sure the water sprays over your dishes properly.

Method 2: How to Clean Dishwasher with Vinegar?

Vinegar is great for removing water stains and cleaning your dishwasher deeply.

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar

Pour white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe cup and put it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.

Step 2: Run a Hot Cycle

Set your dishwasher to run on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will spread out during the cycle, helping to remove grease, smells and buildup.

Method 3: How to Clean Dishwasher with Baking Soda?

Baking soda helps remove smells and light stains.

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda

After a vinegar cycle, scatter a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.

Step 2: Run a Short, Hot Cycle

Run a short cycle with hot water. The baking soda helps to freshen up your dishwasher and make it look brighter.

Method 4: Commercial Dishwasher Cleaners

These are special cleaners made just for dishwashers.

Step 1: Choose a Cleaning Product

Pick a cleaner that is safe and works well for your type of dishwasher.

Step 2: Follow the Instructions

Put the cleaner in the detergent tray or just throw it on the bottom and run a normal cycle as the cleaner says.

Method 5: How to Clean Dishwasher with Lemon Juice?

Lemon juice works like vinegar and makes your dishwasher smell fresh.

Step 1: Prepare Lemon Juice

Squeeze enough lemons to fill a cup.

Step 2: Run a Hot Cycle

Place the cup on the top rack and run a hot cycle, leaving your dishwasher smelling nice and clean.

Method 6: Bleach for Mold Removal (Only for Non-Stainless Steel Interiors)

Use bleach to remove mold and mildew, but only if your dishwasher is not made of stainless steel because bleach can damage it.

Step 1: Add Bleach

Pour one cup of bleach into the bottom of the dishwasher.

Step 2: Run a Normal Cycle

Run a cycle with hot water. The bleach will help kill mold and clean the inside.

You can choose one of these methods or use them together from time to time to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and keeping your dishes clean.

The Right Way to Place Dishes in the Dishwasher

Putting your dishes in the dishwasher the right way is important. It helps make sure all your dishes get clean. Put big items like pots and pans at the back or sides of the bottom rack. This stops them from blocking the water and soap from reaching the other dishes. Put smaller items, like glasses and bowls, on the top rack. This keeps them safe during washing and stops them from getting damaged by the strong water spray from below.

Regularly Clean Spray Arms and Filters

The buildup can also affect how well your dishwasher works. For example, if the spray arms that splash water on the dishes get blocked with food or hard water deposits, they won’t work properly. This means your dishes might not come out clean. Also, the filter that catches food bits can get so clogged that water can’t move freely, making the dishwasher run longer and use more energy. Cleaning the filter and spray arms regularly can make your dishwasher work better.

Easy Guide to Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter

The filter in your dishwasher catches food and dirt. If it gets clogged, your dishes might not get clean. Here’s how to clean the filter:

1. Find the Filter: It’s usually at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove it by turning or unlocking it, as your dishwasher’s instructions say.
2. Rinse and Scrub: Rinse the filter under water. Use a soft brush to gently clean off any stuck food or grease.
3. Put it Back: Once it’s clean, put the filter back just like it was. Make sure it’s locked in place so it works right.

Simple Tips to Prevent Dishwasher

To keep your dishwasher working well, try these tips:

• Rinse Dishes Before Loading: Clean off food from dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. This helps stop clogs and keeps your dishwasher running smoothly.
• Clean the Filter Often: Clean your filter every week or at least once a month. This helps keep the water flowing right and your dishwasher cleaning well.
• Wipe Down Seals: Wipe the door and seals with a damp cloth after each use. This helps stop dirt from building up.

When to Call a Professional?

Sometimes, you might need help from a professional. Here’s when to call one:

• Smells or Mold: If there are bad smells or mold that won’t go away, you might need a professional cleaning.
• Drainage Problems: If your dishwasher isn’t draining right, even after you clean it, there might be a bigger problem.
• Dishes Not Clean: If your dishes are still dirty after washing, something might be wrong with your dishwasher.

Final Thoughts on Dishwasher Care

Using these tips can help your dishwasher work better and last longer. Simple things like how you load it, cleaning the filter and taking care of the dishwasher can make a big difference.

Have you tried these tips? Do you have any other ideas that help keep your dishwasher running well? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help others with their dishwashers!