How To Wash Your Dishwasher
Welcome back to Busy Bee Blogs! We’re CLEANbee, and today we wanted to make something clear. Your dishwasher doesn’t need to be clean because its job is to clean already with soap and water, right? Wrong. You need to clean your dishwasher. It works hard to keep your dishes clean, but when did you last clean them? Over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, and even mold can build up inside, leading to odors and decreased performance. Regular maintenance can help keep your dishwasher running efficiently and your dishes sparkling clean.
Follow these simple steps to clean your dishwasher deep and keep it in top condition.
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies: Before you start, you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- A soft brush or toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
- A toothpick or skewer (for small crevices)
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Filter: Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom.
- Take out the bottom rack and locate the filter.
- Remove the filter (check your manual for necessary instructions).
- Rinse the filter under warm water and scrub it with dish soap and a soft brush to remove grease and trapped food particles.
- Let the filter dry before reinserting it.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior: Use a damp microfiber cloth with dish soap to wipe down your dishwasher’s walls, door, and rubber seals. Pay close attention to areas where grime builds up, such as the door edges and detergent dispenser. Use a toothpick to clean out small crevices where debris may be stuck.
Step 4: Run a Vinegar Wash: White vinegar is excellent for breaking down grease, eliminating odors, and removing hard water buildup.
- Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup with one cup of white vinegar.
- Place the bowl on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle with no detergent or dishes inside.
Step 5: Run a Baking Soda Rinse: Baking soda helps neutralize odors and gives your dishwasher a final freshening up.
- After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short hot water cycle.
Step 6: Clean the Spray Arms and Drain: Clogged spray arms can affect water flow and cleaning efficiency. Check the spray arms for any food particles or mineral buildup.
- Use a toothpick to clear out any debris in the tiny holes.
- Wipe down the spray arms with a damp cloth.
- Check the drain at the bottom for any trapped food or gunk and remove it.
Step 7: Keep Your Dishwasher Fresh Between Washes:
- Scrape off food debris from dishes before loading them.
- To ensure a hot cycle, run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher.
- Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after cycles to prevent mold and odors.
- Clean the filter and wipe down the interior at least once a month.
By following these steps, you’ll extend the life of your dishwasher and ensure it continues to clean effectively.
Need help with deep cleaning other areas of your home? Contact us for professional cleaning services! You can reach us on our website below or by calling (724) 602-2218. Our team is ready to serve you! We hope you enjoyed our blog today and will join us for the next one. See you soon!
If you want a quote for any of our services, fill out our Contact Us form by clicking here.
We do what we say we’re going to do. We are CLEANbee Property Services. See you soon!
