A Seven-Step Guide to a Squeaky-Clean Dishwasher
At first thought, a dishwasher shouldn’t need regular cleaning. By nature, it cleans dishes with water, and typically washes away all of the day’s meals in a condensed footprint. However, over time, like any other appliance, dishwashers become less efficient and you might even notice your dishes have lost some of their sparkle — which is why it’s so important to keep up with regular cleanings to keep it working at its best.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your dishwasher, maintenance is key. According to Richard Tarrant, senior vice president, business unit dish & laundry care at BSH Home Appliances Corporation, “Over time, bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent and water minerals build up on the dishwasher’s filter and interior walls — and if you let the food build up, it can seriously damage the dishwasher’s filter and pump.”
A lack of cleaning your dishwasher can lead to expensive repairs and even possibly having to replace the whole unit. Since dishwashers use a series of rotating spray arms to disperse water and cleaner, there are several parts that require regular cleaning to ensure they’re working properly, but trust us — it’s less intimidating than it seems.
Since cleaning equals longevity, we put together an easy-to-follow guide to taking care of your dishwasher, so that over the long run, it will take care of you and your dishes.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
“Many manufacturers recommend giving your dishwasher a deep cleaning once a month for optimal performance, or even twice a month if you use your dishwasher a lot or have hard water,” says Marilee Nelson, cofounder of Branch Basics and consumer chemicals expert.
She adds that if a thorough monthly cleaning isn’t doable with your schedule, you can achieve a certain level of clean with a weekly vinegar rinse and interior wipe-down. Cleaning the spray arms every few months is also a good idea to keep them free of clogs and buildup.
Steps for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Cleaning the exterior of your dishwasher is the easy part. All it requires is a damp microfiber cloth with a bit of gentle soap. Just be sure to wipe in the direction of the steel’s grain.
When it comes to cleaning the exterior, Nelson has a surefire process to doing a thorough clean requiring only vinegar and baking soda.
Clean the Removable Parts
Take out the utensil holder and dish racks. Spray everything with a plant-based, all-purpose cleaner, and clean with a sponge or microfiber, then rinse. If there’s stubborn, stuck-on food or other grime, soak in a sink full of warm water, 1 tsp. of a plant-based cleaning concentrate and 1-2 cups distilled white vinegar for 10-20 minutes. Wipe clean.Clean and Unclog the Spraying Arm
Start by taking off the spraying arm on the bottom and/or top (which will probably come out just by screwing it off with your hands). Look for any clogs in the spray holes, which you can remove using a toothpick, sewing needle or quilt pin. Spray down with the cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Set aside.Clean the Filter(s)
Next, remove the filter(s). Some dishwashers have an upper and lower filter and some have just one, by manually unlocking and gently pulling it out. Check the filter base inside the dishwasher for trapped food and remove — and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth if needed.
Spray down the filters with the multiuse cleaner. If the filter is really dirty, let the spray dwell for 5-10 minutes. Next, use your small cleaning brush or toothbrush to scrub away any grease or stuck-on food. Tough stains may require some soaking before a full clean.
Rinse and scrub filters under warm running water, then put the filters back and make sure they’re locked in (if applicable).
(Tarrant adds that you may also want to use a dishwasher descaler if you live in an area with hard water, just to help demineralize your dishwasher.)Clean the Drain Using One of These Two Methods
The drain is the circular piece underneath the bottom sprayer where the water drains out. To clean it, you can remove it with a screwdriver or it may have pieces you can twist and pop out with your hands. Spray it and the basin below with the cleaner, scrub it and screw it or pop it back in.
If for any reason, the drain doesn’t come out or you don’t want to remove it, you can mix 1 cup of slightly warm distilled white vinegar with a scoop of a plant-based oxygen powder, and pour into the drain. Let sit for 10-20 minutes then rinse with a kettle-full of hot water to dislodge any clogs or debris and flush it down the drain.Spray and Wipe Down the Entire Inside of the Dishwasher
With all the parts out, spray down all interior surfaces of the dishwasher with the cleaner. Wipe dry before reassembling anything.Scrub Off the Gasket Around the Door
If you notice any buildup around the rubber gasket in the dishwasher door, clean that off as well. Tougher stains may require some soaking.Run a Full Cycle With Vinegar
Fill a dishwasher-safe mug or measuring cup with about 1 cup distilled white vinegar and place in the center of your dishwasher with no other dishes. Run a full cycle with hot water to complete the cleaning/deodorizing process.
Items you should have to clean your dishwasher
The following are a few great items to have on hand to clean your dishwasher.
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