Every day, your dishwasher puts out a lot of effort to keep your dishes clean, but over time, deposits from hard water, soap residue, grease, and food particles can accumulate. This may result in disagreeable smells, foggy vision, and even decreased cleaning efficiency. The good news is that you can maintain your dishwasher’s functionality for many years with a little regular upkeep.
This tutorial will teach you the best ways to clean your dishwasher, whether it’s with vinegar, baking soda, bleach, or a special dishwashing cleaner.
Step 1: Clean the Dishwasher Filter
The filter is among the most important components of dishwasher maintenance. Your dishwasher won’t drain correctly and can begin to smell if it’s blocked with food particles.
How to clean the dishwasher filter?
- Find the dishwasher’s filter at the bottom.
- Gently twist and take it out.
- Use warm water to rinse the filter.
- To remove oil or adhered debris, use a gentle brush, such as an old toothbrush.
- Before starting your subsequent load, firmly replace the filter.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Interior
Soap scum and food splashes can adhere to interior walls, racks, and door seals. Wipe off the rubber gaskets and inside surfaces with a moist microfiber cloth soaked in warm, soapy water. The door margins should receive special attention because this is where dirt typically collect.
Step 3: Deep Clean With Vinegar
This is one of the easiest and best ways to clean your dishwasher with vinegar, if you’ve ever wondered how to do it. Vinegar eliminates odors, kills bacteria, and breaks down grease.
To clean the dishwasher with vinegar:
- Set a white vinegar-filled dishwasher-safe cup on the upper rack.
- Start a hot water cycle without dishes or detergent.
- The dishwasher’s interior will be sanitized and deodorized by the vinegar.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda
Baking soda is the ideal remedy if the scents from your dishwasher are still there. A common question is: Can baking soda be used to clean your dishwasher? The answer is yes!
How can baking soda be used to clean a dishwasher?
- Apply one cup of baking soda to the dishwasher’s bottom.
- Execute a brief, heated cycle.
- The baking soda will get rid of stains and make the room smell better.
Step 5: Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo
For extra cleaning power, you can combine the two methods.
- First, run a cycle to clean the dishwasher with vinegar.
- Then, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run another short cycle.
This two-step process leaves your dishwasher sparkling clean and odor-free.
Step 6: Clean Dishwasher Without Vinegar (Alternative Methods)
You still have choices if you would rather not use vinegar:
- Use a store-bought dishwashing cleanser. They are intended to dissolve limescale and grease.
- Using lemon juice, do a cycle to help in natural deodorization.
Step 7: Cleaning with Bleach (For Mold and Mildew)
Some inquire as to whether bleach may be used to clean a dishwasher. Yes, but proceed with caution. Bleach can damage stainless steel; thus, it should only be used on dishwashers with plastic interiors.
To use bleach to clean the dishwasher:
- Fill the empty dishwasher with one cup of bleach.
- Execute a brief, heated cycle.
- This eliminates mold, mildew, and offensive smells.
Important: Bleach produces harmful gases when used with vinegar or baking soda.
Final Tips for a Cleaner Dishwasher
- Clean the dishwasher’s filter once a month.
- Run a vinegar or dishwasher cleaner cycle every 4–6 weeks.
- Wipe down the door seals regularly to prevent mold.
- Check spray arms for clogs and clear them with a toothpick if needed.
Need Expert Help?
If you need dishwasher repair in Edmonton or your dishwasher is not properly cleaning dishes, you may need expert help. At Edmonton Appliance Solutions, we have team of experts technicians which offer same day appliance repairing services in Edmonton and surrounding areas.