How To Clean a Dishwasher

The humble kitchen dishwasher. It saves you a heap of time and more water than you might think. A clean dishwasher means sparkling dishes and a fresh kitchen. But it doesn’t take long for it to become a dirty dishwasher.

Over time dishwashers can build up food particles, soap scum and grime which not only makes the machine look dirty but affects its performance. Therefore, knowing how to clean a dishwasher in an effective way is essential. Thankfully, you can do it with a bunch of items you’ve already probably got at home.

If you’ve noticed your dishwasher isn’t cleaning as well as it used to or there’s a smell after a cycle it might be time for a deep clean. From the interior to the dishwasher’s exterior, let’s find out how to go about it.

Regular cleaning of your dishwasher is about more than just looks – it has many practical benefits that make life easier. Here are the top reasons why you should regularly clean your dishwasher:

• Better performance: A clean dishwasher runs more efficiently, so your dishes always come out spotless.
• Longer life: Regular maintenance prevents wear and tear so your appliance will last longer.
• No more smells: Cleaning removes food particles and grime that result in unpleasant smells.
• Energy saver: A well-maintained dishwasher uses less energy so you save on your bills.
• No blockages: A dishwasher filter and spray arm clean improves general water flow, meaning no blockages and breakdowns.

A sparkling clean dishwasher doesn’t just look good – it makes your machine work better and last longer!

The first step in cleaning your dishwasher is easy: completely empty out the appliance.

We’re not just talking about the dishes, utensils and leftover food particles. We’re talking the top and bottom dishwasher racks, and the silverware basket too. This will give you better access to the inside of the machine so you can reach the tricky areas like the spray arms and detergent dispenser. These parts are often the source of blockages and dishwasher detergent residue. Finally, check for any remaining food bits at the bottom.

An empty dishwasher is essential for deep cleaning, so don’t skip this step! You’ll be ready to deep clean in no time.

Just as you would do for your air conditioning system, cleaning the filter is essential to keep your dishwasher running smoothly too. Most dishwashers have a removable filter underneath the bottom rack which can collect food particles, grease and dish soap residue over time.

To clean it simply twist the filter out and wash it in warm soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush or old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn grime. This will remove the build-up that creates a smelly dishwasher or circulates dirty water during a cleaning cycle. Make sure you completely clear the filter of any debris before putting it back in the dishwasher.

Regularly cleaning the filter will have your dishwasher working efficiently and your dishes spotless.

The rubber seals and spray arms in your dishwasher can collect food scraps, soap scum and grime – all of which affect the machine’s cleaning power.

Grab a damp cloth or soft toothbrush and wipe around the rubber seals on the dishwasher door. This area can collect hidden debris so take your time and make sure it’s clear of build up. Next, check each spray arm; these are essential for water distribution. Use a toothpick or old toothbrush to clear any blocked holes. This will allow water to flow freely and improve your dishwasher’s performance.

Wiping these down is a quick and easy task that makes a big difference to the dishwashing cycle.

Distilled white vinegar and baking soda are a winning combination to deep clean a dishwasher.

If you haven’t done so already, put the top rack of your dishwasher back in and place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on it. Run the hottest cycle to break down grease, grime and detergent residue likely affecting your machine’s performance. Once the vinegar cycle is done, sprinkle a layer of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. The baking soda will deodorise and tackle any remaining dirt.

This natural method will leave your dishwasher sparkling clean and odour-free.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior and Door

As much as the stainless steel interiors of dishwashers need a thorough clean, don’t forget that the outside needs some love too!

Over time, the dishwasher door and exterior can collect fingerprints, smudges and splashes of dirty water. To keep it looking its best, use a damp microfiber cloth and some warm soapy water to wipe down the whole surface. Pay attention to the edges and handle as these areas tend to collect grime.

If your dishwasher has a stainless steel finish use a stainless steel cleaner for a streak-free shine. Also don’t forget the rubber seal around the door. Wipe it carefully to remove soap scum and particles of food.

Cleaning the dishwasher exterior will keep your kitchen tidy and the appliance in near-mint condition.

Step 6: Keep A Regular Dishwasher Cleaning Schedule

Of course, getting your dishwasher in top condition is one thing. To keep it in top condition, you need to stick to a regular maintenance schedule. While deep cleaning with vinegar and baking soda every few months is important, regular maintenance will prevent grime, soap scum and food build up.

• Clean the filter at least once a month to avoid blockages and odours.
• Wipe down the rubber seals, spray arms and detergent dispenser regularly to keep them free of grime.
• Run an empty cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner like Finish Dishwasher Cleaner every now and then to keep your machine fresh and efficient.

With a routine in place, your dishwasher will be clean, efficient and will give you spotless dishes every time.

When Your Dishwasher Reaches The End Of Its Life

You’ll likely end up coming to a point where your dishwasher stops performing to its expected standard, and even the most thorough deep clean won’t restore its performance. It might even stop working completely. At this point, you’ll need to consider upgrading your dishwasher.

Now, you might be thinking, “Shouldn’t I just get it professionally serviced or repaired?” In many cases, dishwasher installation will become the more cost-effective option in the long term so many plumbers will recommend that over a repair.

Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New

A little bit of regular maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your dishwasher cleaner for longer.

By following these simple steps – cleaning the filter, wiping down the seals and using household items like vinegar and baking soda – you’ll avoid odours, grime build-up and poor performance. In the end, a well-maintained dishwasher will last longer and give you sparkling clean dishes every time.

Add these tips to your routine and you’ll never have to deal with a smelly dishwasher or dirty water. So make cleaning a habit and enjoy a fresh efficient dishwasher.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.