When was the last time you were able to thoroughly clean and maintain the inside of your dishwasher? Find out what steps to follow to keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape!
Even if it seems like you don't need to keep the interior of the dishwasher clean, it can be crucial. The main reason for this is the deposits that collect in hard-to-reach areas of the household appliance after each wash cycle. These are food residues as well as limescale deposits and residue from dishwasher tablets, which can impair its function over time. If you get greasy or cloudy glasses and other dishes after washing, this indicates inefficient operation. Therefore, it would make sense to take the right care measures and take better care of the inside of your faithful household helper. Below you will find some simple ways to do this using common household products.
How and how often to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
So that there are no unpleasant smells orMold inside the dishwashercleanliness is required and the device can actually fulfill its function. This is one of the main requirements when it comes to the longevity of such intensively used large household appliances. Although the manufacturer's instructions recommend cleaning the dishwasher every 6 months, monthly maintenance would be better. This is particularly true for machines that are used daily and whose filters and other internal components are constantly exposed to contamination.
Luckily, this cleaning task doesn't have to be a difficult process as there are tried-and-tested methods and effective home remedies like vinegar and baking soda. These also help you avoid commercially available chemical-based cleaning agents, other than dishwashing detergent. However, it is also important to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's specific requirements depending on the make and model.
It is therefore best to read the operating instructions first before using your dishwasherclean inside. In this way, you minimize the risk of damage when replacing individual parts such as spray arms, seals andClean dishwasher filters. Otherwise, the following steps can make the cleaning process easier.
Proceed step by step and clean the inside of the dishwasher properly
When it comes to modern home appliances, for most of them you don't need any special tools to dismantle the internal parts. However, it is advisable to still check this before cleaning. In addition, there are somebasic steps, which allow you to avoid possible errors. However, the instructions listed here are exemplary and contain certain cleaning techniques and methods that you do not necessarily have to use every time.
You can therefore carry out some of these procedures regularly, while others are only necessary if there are specific problems and impaired function. For example, try to use acidic cleaning solutions less often, as these could be harmful to sensitive seals and surfaces. You can use cleaning tools and home remedies such as kitchen sponges, dishwashing detergent, baking soda, distilled white vinegar, old toothbrushes, toothpicks and clean microfiber cloths.
This is how you can first quickly and thoroughly clean the inside of your dishwasher
- First, make sure all removable components such as the sink basket and shelves are removed. You can clean these first with warm water and detergent.
- Then continue with the spray arms by removing them as well and treating them with a kitchen sponge and dishwashing detergent. If the spray nozzles are clogged, you can use a toothpick to remove the residue.
- Next, you can remove the dishwasher filter, which is located at the bottom, and rinse it thoroughly under running water just as diligently. Since food particles and other muddy residues usually stick to them, you should wear rubber gloves when washing up.
- Once you've rinsed the screens, filter, and remaining removable parts, you can also wipe down the interior with soapy water and a kitchen sponge. Don't forget elements such as the door seals, the area under the door and other rubber or plastic parts. Use the toothbrush to also scrub the dishwasher tablet holder.
- Now wipe everything you cleaned with dish soap with a clean cloth and let the inside dry before moving on to the next steps.
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Use home remedies to disinfect the interior of a dishwasher
- The next step is to assemble all the internal parts and put them in their places in the dishwasher.
- If you also want to clean the outside of the device, you should simply use warm soapy water on plastic walls and doors. If the surfaces are made of stainless steel, a cleaning solution of vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio would be sufficient. However, be sure to wipe them with a clean cloth after cleaning.
- When cleaning the inside of the dishwasher, you can first place a bowl of vinegar or citric acid on the bottom.
- Then let the machine run an empty cycle without plates or cutlery. The citric or acetic acid ensures that no germs or mold form in the interior.
- After this procedure, you should leave the dishwasher door open or wipe the interior with a dry and clean microfiber cloth. Use this cleaning method occasionally, but not too frequently, to avoid damaging rubber seals from the acid. Use the toothbrush to remove any debris stuck to it.
Combine baking soda with vinegar to remove odors, grease and limescale and clean the inside of the dishwasher
- To prevent the appearance of grease deposits, mold, rust stains, odors or limescale build-up, you should allow the interior to dry after each wash cycle. Otherwise, using baking soda helps to effectively remove such residues.
- However, if you are dealing with hard water, you can use a homemade cleaning solution made from vinegar and baking soda.
- First, repeat the empty rinse step by placing a bowl of vinegar on the top shelf. In this case, about 1/4 cup of baking soda needs to be added to the vinegar. You can also sprinkle the stuff on the bottom of the device and get rid of unpleasant smells after a short cleaning cycle.
- After that, set the dishwasher to a high temperature program and let it do an empty rinse with the cleaning solution.
- If there are stubborn residues, use the toothbrush again to scrub them off and wipe the interior with a clean cloth.
- Carry out this procedure every 3 months to prevent limescale deposits and other annoying contamination.
- Also, don't neglect the regular use of dishwasher salt, as it prevents hard water buildup in drain and filter systems.
Also read:Dryer smells musty: Why it stinks and how you can successfully remove the smell!
