Most people know how to load their dishwasher, but there is much more than just loading dirty dishes into your dishwasher that you need to know in order to keep your machine running at optimal performance. If you want your dishwasher to work properly and last for years to come, then you need to learn how to keep it clean.
Cleaning your dishwasher is not just about spotless dishes, sparkling glasses and crystal clear silverware; it’s also about extending the life of your dishwasher by preventing problems. The key ingredients to an effective deep dishwashing cycle are: Water + Heat + Dish Soap = Clean Dishes! But there are other vital elements to consider in order for your dishwasher to get the job done right – ones that most people don’t really think about or know anything about. We are here to inform you how to keep your dishwasher clean!
The Benefits of a Clean Dishwasher
A dishwasher is actually relatively easy to clean, and once you have your machine all spiffy, it will work for you for years to come (as long as you keep up with the routine maintenance that comes with cleaning your machine on a regular basis). The benefits from cleaning your dishwasher include:
- Efficient Performance – Your dishes will be cleaner when they are done because the water is able to circulate freely through the spray arms and dish racks without any obstructions or issues.
- Cleaner Dishes – There will be less food particles left on your glassware and flatware, which means they will last longer.
- Less Smells – If you have ever neglected to clean your dishwasher for a long period of time, then you know just how much it can start to stink. The dirty water contains decaying food particles that create the rotten egg smell. So when you clean out your dishwasher often enough, there won’t be any stagnant water left over to rot and cause an odour.
- Reduced Energy Consumption – A clean dishwasher uses less energy because its heating element won’t have to work as hard. When it comes down to it, cleaning your dishwasher shouldn’t be difficult or challenging. It’s actually quite easy, especially after learning what kind of products are best for keeping up with the maintenance on your machine.
How To Clean The Dishwasher
This is a guide on how to deep clean your dishwasher. It will remove odours and build up out of the plastic, rubber and metal parts in the dishwasher.Use this guide on any brand of dishwasher that has built up from detergent, food particles, grease etc.
Start by removing all items from the lower rack and running an empty cycle with one cup white vinegar mixed with water (white vinegar is natural degreaser). It also helps break down lime buildup if you have hard water. Run this cycle without any other products so we can focus on just vinegar.
Now it’s time to deep clean the inside of the dishwasher. Remove any filters found at the bottom, you can use a toothbrush or small wire brush to scrub them down. On some models you may have a filter on top under your lower rack that needs to be cleaned as well. If this still does not get it as clean as possible, run another cycle with just vinegar and no dishes in it again.
Remember those pesky hard water stains from calcium build up? Use some CLR or Lime-away to remove those hard water stains easily by putting 2 teaspoons into a full load of dishes on the hottest setting you have. You want the hot water going through all cycles so it can dissolve anything stuck in there and rinse it out completely!
After all this cleaning, it’s time to put everything back together! Put your filters back in, along with any rinsed items on your upper rack. Run another cycle with just water to rinse out everything.
Now open up the door after everything dries, take off the top panel if needed, and wipe down anything plastic inside the dishwasher – including exposed coils that are hot-tapping into the water supply. Wipe around exposed coils to remove dust build up that could be causing arcing or dangerous electrical problems:
If you notice a shiny residue on coils and their exterior (usually black), use the metal cleaner of your choice to remove this residue. If not removed it can cause arcing and short out your dishwasher, causing expensive repairs!
Now take a clean damp rag or sponge and wipe down the rubber gaskets, ceramic parts, and anything else that is exposed in the dishwasher. It might look like nothing dirty will come off, but you’ll be surprised how much comes off after a vinegar wash/ CLR soak.
Using a good stainless steel polish, if available for your model, will help eliminate water spots and make drying even easier:
Be sure to follow these steps at least twice a year, or anytime you think your dishwasher may be plugged up, not cleaning well, or smelling bad. This process should work on any brand of dishwasher and can save you a costly service call – and it will get your dishes cleaner than ever! Should you ever experience a problem with your dishwasher, we are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us!