When you’re looking for ways to keep your dishwasher clean, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With so many different products and methods out there, it can be hard to know which one is best for your machine. But don’t worry! We’ve got the answers right here.
First things first: If you have a modern dishwasher that cleans itself automatically, then all you need are water and vinegar. Fill up the bottom tray with hot water and pour in some white vinegar or lemon, set the cleaning cycle on and you’re good to go.
If you don’t have a dishwasher that cleans itself, then read on for more tips.
Read more: Best Dishwashers For Less Than $700
Why you should clean your dishwasher?
As you use your dishwasher, the bits of food and smaller food particles get caught in the grates and start to decompose. The buildup from detergent and soap can also lead to bacteria building up on surfaces inside your dishwasher. Having a bacteria farm living inside of the machine that washes the dishes that you eat from doesn’t sound too appetizing, doesn’t it?
How To Clean A Dishwasher
Cleaning a dishwasher is as easy as: fill it with warm water, add some baking soda or white vinegar for an extra cleaning boost (mixing them together before adding will make this easier), turn it on its hottest setting if possible, and let it go through a washing cycle.
After the cycle is finished you should rinse out the dishwasher and then wipe down all of the surfaces with a rag or cloth to remove any remaining residue.
The key to cleaning a dishwasher is to do it as often as possible. If you have hard water, consider using lemon juice in the bottom of the dishwasher instead of vinegar or baking soda.
If you’re cleaning your dishwasher by hand, make sure to start from the top and work your way down. This will prevent any soap scum from building up on the machine as you keep cleaning. Then, add a cup of vinegar and let it sit for an hour before starting the dishwasher. Vinegar will remove hard water deposits from the appliance.
To clean the spray arms, start by pulling out the bottom rack. Spray with water and then remove any food particles. Use a toothbrush to scrub it and put it back in place when you’re done.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Depending on how often you use your dishwasher, clean it at least once a year. If you don’t use it as much or have hard water, then you should try to do so every few months or whenever there is leftover food in the bottom of the appliance.
What should I use for cleaning my dishwasher?
There are a few different ways to clean your dishwasher. Some people like to use hot water and soap, others use the heat cycle and some use white vinegar or baking soda. There is no one way that will work for everyone- so you should experiment with all of these options to see what works best for you!
Are dishwasher cleaning products any good?
You can buy an automatic dishwasher cleaner from the store if you don’t want to mess around with any chemicals. They come in a variety of scents as well, so you can pick one that you like the best. One thing to keep in mind is that if your dishwasher doesn’t clean well, it may be a mechanical issue rather than an issue with the dishwasher detergent.
Do self-cleaning filters actually work?
Some dishwashers will clean themselves automatically by using a self-cleaning filter. They use filters that trap food particles and odors so they don’t end up all over your dishes the next time you run it.
How do I keep my dishwasher from smelling?
A good way to prevent your dishwasher from smelling is to rinse off the dishes before putting them in the machine and if there are any leftovers, cut up or scrape them into smaller pieces before adding them to the trash.
If there already is a noticeable smell or odor, some vinegar or citrus peels can help to remove it. And if you have hard water, running the dishwasher with a cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar can help eliminate odor.