Your dishwasher is supposed to help you clean and not leave your dishes smelling like they haven’t been washed. If your dishwasher is a problem, it’s time to give it a deep clean. Our professionals know a thing or two about bringing your dishwasher back to life, so check out this complete guide to cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher.
How to clean a dishwasher
There are many commercial dishwasher cleaners on the market. In most cases, place the entire bottle on the rack of an empty dishwasher and run a regular cycle. There’s nothing better than convenience, but using too many harsh detergents can ultimately damage your pipes, and that’s not exactly eco-friendly. If you want to get Full House Cleaning services in your houses, click on our link now.
Another easy solution is to fill a dishwasher-safe container with white vinegar and place it on the bottom rack of an empty dishwasher on a hot cycle. Vinegar will have your dishwasher sparkling again in no time, without harming your pipes or the environment.
How to clean a smelly dishwasher
If your dishwasher smells like sewage, it’s definitely time to clean it. Bad odors are caused by a buildup of dirt in the trap or filter, or potentially a blocked drain. If cleaning your dishwasher using the following methods doesn’t eliminate the smell, it’s time to call a plumber.
How to clean a dishwasher filter
Your dishwasher’s filter prevents food debris from clogging your drains, but it should be cleaned periodically, at least once a month. You will find the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the rotating spray arm. Locate and remove the filter. Filters usually have a simple twist lock and you will see instructions on how to remove it printed on the mechanism. If you are unsure, consult your owner’s manual.
Rinse the filter well and quickly soak it in a cleaning solution such as water and white vinegar or dish soap. Rinse again with hot water to remove any residue before returning the cleaned filter to the dishwasher.
How to clean a dishwasher drain hose
While the filter is soaking in the sink, also check the drain for clogs. The drain is located under the filter connector. Wipe the dishwasher trap with a damp microfiber cloth to clean around the filter housing and collect dirt and debris. Don’t do this with bare hands, as glass shards could remain if something breaks inside the dishwasher.
Next, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This will clean the drain and pipe.
Now you know how to clean the inside of a dishwasher, but how often should you clean it? A lot depends on how often you use it. If you use your dishwasher daily and do not pre-rinse your dishes, you will need to clean the filter and siphon at least once a month. If you use your dishwasher less frequently, or if you scrape and rinse first, you can reduce the frequency of cleaning the filters. Remove the filter occasionally and check for buildup to see how often yours needs to be cleaned.
Dishwasher Cleaning FAQs
How do I clean and deodorize my dishwasher?
Our professionals love white vinegar because it deodorizes and cleans. The strong smell of vinegar, which many people do not like, dissipates very quickly, taking unpleasant odors with it. However, if you prefer not to use vinegar, you can use citric acid. You can purchase citric acid tablets for dishwashers or place 1 to 2 tablespoons of powdered citric acid in the detergent container and run your empty dishwasher on a hot cycle. Just be sure to always use food grade citric acid.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
The best method is the one that works best for you – it’s that simple! Try to use the cleaners you have available so you don’t have to make any special effort to clean your dishwasher. It could be a homemade solution like vinegar, baking soda, or citric acid, or specialized dishwasher cleaning tablets or solutions. Try to avoid anything that contains harsh detergents or chemicals, as repeated use over time can block pipes or damage dishwasher mechanisms.
Can I run the dishwasher empty to clean it?
You should always clean the dishwasher when it is empty, but that is not the same as running a normal cycle without dishes in it. In a pinch, an empty cycle will help keep the dishwasher clean, but it will be much more effective if you put a little cleaning solution inside first.
How to clean a clogged dishwasher?
The first step to fixing a clogged dishwasher is to remove the filter and clean the trap. Many clogs can be removed with baking soda and vinegar (and a little patience). You may need to repeat the treatment several times if the blockage is severe. Flush the drain with very hot water between each treatment. If your dishwasher is still stuck, it’s time to call a plumber.
Best Dishwasher Cleaning Solutions and Methods
There are many household cleaning solutions that work well in dishwashers. So whether you want an inexpensive cleaning solution or are trying to avoid harsh chemicals, you probably already have the ingredients for some homemade cleaners on hand.
How to Clean the Dishwasher Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar
You already know how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar, but you can get even more cleaning power by adding baking soda to the mix. When combined, baking soda and vinegar trigger a chemical reaction that is harmless to humans but devastating to dirt.
To clean your dishwasher, first remove the bottom rack and sprinkle the floor of your washing machine with 1 cup of baking soda. Next, place 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle. The soda and vinegar will combine in the dishwasher and produce a powerful cleaning effect.
How to clean the dishwasher without vinegar
You can also make homemade dishwasher cleaner without vinegar. Citric acid granules make a great all-purpose cleaner, and you can even use a packet of lemonade mix in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a sugar-free packet, as sugar and hot water create a sticky dough. Simply sprinkle citric acid in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot cycle. You can also do this with baking soda. Vinegar creates a chemical reaction that increases its cleaning power, but baking soda alone is a powerful cleaning ingredient.
Is vinegar bad for the dishwasher?
Vinegar is acidic and therefore can be corrosive. This leaves some people worried that it may cause harm. The acetic acid in vinegar can shorten the life of rubber gaskets and hoses. However, by placing the vinegar in a container inside the dishwasher, the components only come into contact with a very dilute solution, reducing the chances of the vinegar causing damage.
How to clean a dishwasher with bleach
If your dishwasher seems particularly dirty, it’s tempting to use bleach. Although bleach kills bacteria and pathogens and can be an effective cleaner, avoid using it on machines with stainless steel parts as it will damage the finish.
To use bleach, place 1 cup in a dishwasher safe container on the top rack and run a hot water cycle.
How to make homemade dishwasher cleaner
If you want to take the next step in terms of frugality, you can make homemade dishwasher tablets to use for every load. They are surprisingly simple!
Will need:
- 1 tablespoon borax
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ tablespoon of salt
- ½ tablespoon food grade citric acid
Mix all the ingredients and add the mixture to the detergent compartment of your dishwasher. You can increase this recipe, but keep the proportions the same.
Don’t confuse baking soda with baking soda. Both are usually sold by the same brands. Baking soda is a mixture of sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate and soda crystals, which improves the effectiveness of many detergents. Look in the laundry section of large grocery stores to find it.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Dishwasher Clean
Cleaning your dishwasher is not the only way to maintain it and keep it running smoothly for many years. It’s better to prevent than to cure! Here are some tips to keep your dishwasher working as it should.
- Rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Remove as much food debris as possible to prevent it from clogging the filter and drain.
- Throw away the trash before the dishwasher. The drains of both are usually connected, so it is helpful to keep them clear.
- Don’t overfill (or underfill) your dishwasher. Save energy by running only full loads, but if you overfill the washer, the water won’t have room to circulate properly.
- Run hot water before turning on your dishwasher. This ensures that the cycle starts instantly with hot water, making it more efficient.
In conclusion
Keeping your dishwasher clean is a small task that will make a big difference. Keep your dishes sparkling clean and you’ll never have to worry about clogs or unpleasant odors from your dishwasher again.
