Dishwasher Cleaning Made Easy: Methods And Step By Step Guide

If you don’t clean your dishwasher, you’re putting your food’s hygiene at risk. Dishwasher cleaning is not difficult, yet it is one of the most ignored household chores.

Over time, food stains, grease, and food particles collect in the dishwasher’s side corners and filters. To avoid germs or bacterial growth, they must be cleaned regularly.

If you want to know how to keep your dishwasher clean and glossy in a simple and practical way, then search no more! We’ll touch every aspect today to make dishwasher cleaning a breeze for you.

How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is best for cleaning. The following steps will guide you on how to clean the dishwasher with vinegar:

• Add white vinegar to a dishwasher bowl and place it on the top rack of the machine.
• Run your dishwasher on the hottest setting—it will allow the vinegar to remove odor and sticky stains from the walls of the machine.
• For a longer-lasting sparkle, spray the inside of your machine frequently with vinegar in between washes.

How to Clean a Dishwasher using Baking Soda

Baking soda is a safe choice for cleaning food stains as it is a mild alkali substance. Are you curious about how to clean the dishwasher with baking soda? Just follow these steps and see its wonders:

• At the bottom of your dishwasher, sprinkle one cup of baking soda and run a hot water cycle.
• Repeat the same process if the stains are too stubborn and smelly.
• Create “dishwasher cleaning bombs” in a bowl by mixing 2 cups of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide; this is a suitable remedy for deep cleaning a dishwasher.
• Add a spoonful of the mixture onto parchment paper and set it aside to dry for a few hours.
• Then put it in the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot-water cycle.
• You may add a few drops of essential oil to the mix for a fresher fragrance.

How to Clean a Dishwasher with Bleach

You may also want to know how to clean the dishwasher with bleach, especially if you consider it a super cleansing agent. Here are the simple steps to follow:

• Make sure the dishwasher is empty and that no utensils are left in it.
• Fill the dishwasher-friendly bowl with one cup of bleach and place it on the upper rack of your machine.
• Run a full wash cycle, and you are all done.
• Allow your machine to air dry instead of using a drying cycle.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter:

Most people find it difficult to clean the dishwasher filter due to its location at the back of the machine. Most models require complete removal of the bottom rack to reach the filter. The following steps will guide you on how to clean the dishwasher filter yourself:

• If your dishwasher has a removable filter, then remove it gently by twisting it.
• Place it under hot running water and rinse thoroughly to remove food particles and other debris.
• Use a damp cloth, a sponge, or a toothbrush to wipe out the area beneath and inside the filter.
• Once you are done, fix the clean dishwasher filter back into place.

How to use Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets

Dishwasher cleaning tablets are quite simple to use. They remove limescale and mineral build-up from a dishwasher.

Let’s dive into how to use them:

• Place the tablet in the main dishwasher bowl and close it.
• Use only one tablet, no matter how dirty your dishes are.
• Make sure that all the items are dishwasher safe (carefully read the manufacturer’s guidelines)
• Run your dishwasher on its normal setting, and you are all done

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

It is recommended to clean your dishwasher filter and drain once a month, especially if you run a load every day. It will help in running the dishwasher efficiently and keeping your dishes clean. You can have a long gap between cleanings, depending on how frequently you use your dishwasher.

Final Words

In a nutshell, dishwasher cleaning is as significant as other housekeeping activities. Always remember that filthy contamination on dishwashers is unhygienic and reduces the efficiency of the appliance.

If you want to avoid food accumulation in the drain, rinse your dishes well before placing them in the dishwasher.

We hope you have a thorough understanding of the various ways to clean your dishwasher. Any one of these ways will work just as effectively. Your preference should depend on the materials easily available to you.