Are your dishes coming out dingy? Let’s be honest, nobody wants that! The real secret to sparkling dishes? Knowing how to clean a dishwasher! It’s easy to forget, but without regular cleaning, bacteria build up (and we’re talking 54 times more germs than your sink, according to studies – yuck!). This guide offers down-to-earth, expert tips and techniques to effectively clean your dishwasher and get the spotless results you deserve.
In the following video, you’ll learn a step-by-step method to clean your dishwasher using simple household ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. This natural cleaning method is safe, effective, and easy to follow.
Table of Contents
Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher is Essential
Even though your dishwasher is constantly exposed to soap and water, grease, food particles, and minerals from hard water can accumulate over time. Here’s why regular cleaning is crucial:
- Ensures Cleaner Dishes – A buildup of soap scum and grime can leave your dishes looking dirty even after a wash cycle.
- Extends the Appliance’s Lifespan – Regular maintenance keeps your dishwasher running efficiently for years.
- Eliminates Bad Odors – Trapped food and grease can cause unpleasant smells.
- Prevents Clogs and Drainage Issues – A dirty filter and drain can lead to standing water.
Materials You Will Need
Before you start, gather the necessary materials:
Cleaning Ingredients
- Heinz Cleaning Vinegar: Powerful, all-natural cleaning vinegar.
- Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda: Trusted for odor elimination and stain removal.
- Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid: Effective grease-cutting dish soap.
- Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner: Removes mineral buildup and freshens your dishwasher.
Cleaning Tools
- MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Highly absorbent, lint-free, and reusable cleaning cloths.
- OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set: A set of brushes perfect for scrubbing small crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- Full Circle Tenacious C Cleaning Brush: A soft-bristle brush designed for cleaning delicate surfaces like spray arms.
To effectively learn how to clean a dishwasher, start by gathering the right materials and following the outlined steps carefully.
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Step by Step – How to Clean a Dishwasher
Step 1: Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter
- Grip the filter from the bottom and turn it counterclockwise to unlock then rinse under warm water.
- Scrub it using dish soap and a brush. Check for damages and, if okay, install it back by twisting it clockwise.
Step 2: Cleaning the Spray Arms
If the holes in your dishwasher’s spray arms get clogged, water won’t reach all your dishes.
- Removing the spray arms: These can be unscrewed or detached (depending on your dishwasher model).
- Clearing blockages: Use a toothpick to dislodge any food particles or mineral deposits.
- Unclog with a toothpick – Remove food particles or mineral buildup.
- Soaking: Submerge the spray arms in warm water and vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Reattaching: Rinse and reattach the spray arms, making sure they spin freely.
Expert Tip: If clogs persist, consider using a water softener.
Step 3: Cleaning the Door Seal and Gasket
The rubber gasket prevents leaks but can trap grease, detergent residue, and mold.
In this section, we will walk through how to clean a dishwasher effectively to achieve the best results.
- Dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe down the seal
- Scrub with a toothbrush – Get deep into crevices.
- Dry with a towel – Prevents mold regrowth.
Ultimately, being well-versed in how to clean a dishwasher will make your maintenance routine effortless.
Step 4: Cleaning the Dishwasher Interior
The walls and racks of your dishwasher can accumulate soap scum and grease.
- Wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any food particles.
- Sprinkle baking soda on tough stains and scrub.
- Rinse the interior with warm water to remove any residue.
Step 5: Cleaning the Dishwasher Drain
A clogged drain can cause standing water in your dishwasher.
After you learn how to clean a dishwasher, implementing a cleaning cycle can further enhance its cleanliness.
- Use gloves to remove any visible debris.
- Pour in vinegar and baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Flush the drain with boiling water.
Remember, knowing how to clean a dishwasher properly will save you time and effort in the long run.
Step 6: Running a Cleaning Cycle
- Vinegar Cycle – Place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle.
- Baking Soda Cycle – Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle.
- Commercial Cleaner Cycle (optional) – Use a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh.
Top Dishwasher Cleaners for Maximum Performance
Here are some of the best dishwasher cleaners available:
1. Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner (Best Overall)
- Removes limescale, grease, and odor-causing residue.
- Designed for monthly use to maintain optimal dishwasher performance.
- Safe for stainless steel interiors and septic systems.
How to Use: Place one tablet in the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle.
2. Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner (Best for Hard Water)
- Breaks down mineral deposits and limescale from hard water.
- Deep cleans hidden parts of the dishwasher, including spray arms and filters.
- Freshens the appliance with a citrus scent.
How to Use: Empty the dishwasher, place the bottle upside down in the silverware basket, and run a hot cycle.
3. Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner (Best Natural Option)
Uses natural citric acid to remove grease, limescale, and stains.
- Non-toxic and safe for homes with children and pets.
- Leaves a fresh lemon scent.
How to Use: Pour the packet contents into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle with hot water.
4. Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner & Disinfectant (Best for Deep Cleaning)
- Kills bacteria and mold while removing grease and buildup.
- Helps prevent clogging in filters and spray arms.
- Safe for all dishwasher interiors.
How to Use: Pour into the detergent compartment and run an empty dishwasher on a hot cycle.
Preventative Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean
Keeping up with regular maintenance is essential when learning how to clean a dishwasher effectively. By following these simple steps, you can prevent buildup, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of your appliance.
Routine Maintenance
Consistent care is key to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring your dishwasher runs efficiently. Here’s how:
- Clean the filter regularly to prevent food particles from clogging the drain.
- Run a vinegar cycle monthly to break down grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits.
- Check spray arms and seals for trapped debris or damage that may impact performance.
Following these steps is an important part of understanding how to clean a dishwasher and maintain its efficiency.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many homeowners make mistakes that can shorten the life of their dishwashers. Here’s what to avoid:
- Never use bleach in a stainless steel dishwasher—it can damage the finish.
- Don’t skip routine cleaning—it’s much easier to prevent buildup than to remove heavy grime later.
By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, your dishwasher will stay clean, odor-free, and efficient for years to come!
FAQs
1. Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes, lemon juice has antibacterial properties, but vinegar is better for breaking down mineral buildup.
2. What is the best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
Firstly, wipe out the racks and filters, preferably by washing them with warm soapy water. Thereafter, run an empty dishwasher cycle only using white vinegar. Already choose to sprinkle the bottom with baking soda. A trusted approach on how to clean a dishwasher correctly.
3. How do I deep clean my dishwasher?
Once you have removed all the racks and filters, take them through warm, soapy water. Then just to finish an empty wash with white vinegar sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom and run another cycle. Thus you will be learning how to clean a dishwasher, doing it the natural way, and providing the best way to clean using steps without the help of a professional.
4. How do I keep my dishwasher smelling fresh?
To keep your dishwasher smelling fresh, you usually need to leave the door open after running a cycle and clean out the filter with vinegar once a week to get rid of any build-up and odors caused by food particles in the machine. This routine is just an example of how to clean a dishwasher so that it won’t smell.
5. How to clean a dirty dishwasher
Examine for hidden molds along the gasket and clean the drain of any debris. Then, sprinkle baking soda into the interior and let it sit overnight as it breaks tough grime apart. This truly describes how to clean a dishwasher.
6. How can I prevent mold in my dishwasher?
These measures not only work well to keep mold away but are also an excellent primer on how to clean a dishwasher: Remember to wipe the inside of the dishwasher dry after each use to prevent mold, regularly clean the gasket and strainer to remove residue, and carry out a monthly cleaning cycle using your preferred cleaner.
7. What’s the best way to clean a stainless steel dishwasher exterior?
Vinegar or a cleaner designed just for stainless steel is to be used on a microfiber cloth which must be moistened. Clean only in the direction of the grain for a clear finish. By following these steps, you’ll see exactly how to clean a dishwasher to maintain its sleek appearance
8. My dishwasher is leaving a white residue on dishes—why?
The white residue on dishes is mostly due to either hard water deposits or poorly dissolved excess detergent. In this case, try running an empty cycle with white vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup and follow up with a baking soda rinse. This is a way to effectively clean a dishwasher.
9. How often should I deep clean my dishwasher?
At least once every month, go through an intensive cleaning of your dishwasher so that it works optimally. Frequent cleaning keeps it running well without being clogged by food particles, grease, and soap scum.
10. How to Clean a Dishwasher with White Vinegar?
When it comes to odor, grime buildup, and insects, white vinegar has always been the best among all-natural cleaners. When cleaning your dishwasher with white vinegar, the first step is to ensure it is empty. Then put a bowl of one cup of white vinegar on the top rack of the appliance to run a hot cycle. After that cycle, wipe down with a microfiber cloth for even fresher results: Heinz Cleaning Vinegar is highly recommended. This process is a proven guide on how to clean a dishwasher naturally
11. How to clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?
Place 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a hot cycle. After that, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom and run a short, hot cycle to remove odors and residue.
12. What can you run through a dishwasher to clean it?
You can run an empty cycle with natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda to freshen up your dishwasher. Simply place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack, run a hot cycle, then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle to boost cleaning power. This method is a proven way to understand how to clean a dishwasher effectively.
Schedule a regular dishwasher cleaning in your calendar to keep it running smoothly
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Keeping your appliances and household items clean is essential for maintaining their efficiency and longevity. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out other expert cleaning tutorials:
How to Clean a Front Load Washer – 1st Ultimate Guide