Cleaning your dishwasher really is a thing. Believe me, I know what you are thinking, why clean something that is supposed to be cleaning something else? I completely see the logic, but the truth is that maintaining a clean dishwasher makes for shiner glasses and a machine that lasts. This post is all about cleaning your dishwasher.
Have you ever wondered why your dishes don’t necessarily look clean when you take them out of the dishwasher? Perhaps you may think that you need to buy a new dishwasher or have your dishwasher repaired. Surprisingly and even better yet, you probably just need to clean your dishwasher.
Cleaning your dishwasher is a cost effective way to prevent having to call a person to repair your dishwasher and definitely cheaper than purchasing a new machine.
This post is all about cleaning your dishwasher.
Table of Contents
Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Way 1: Cleaning Around the Dishwasher
For starters, clean around the dishwasher and the dishwasher door. To begin the process, you can vacuum using an attachment that fits into the small spaces around the appliance.
Next, you can open your dishwasher door, and clean all of the hinges and framing with a water/vinegar spray and a toothbrush.
For the diy cleaning spray, use a 1/2 cup vinegar and a 2/3 cup water combo in a spray bottle. Spray this cleaner around the door jam and use a toothbrush to get all of those hard-to-reach areas.
Furthermore, you will be in shock at how dirty these areas actually are. Just think of all of the food particles that have been splattered there. YUCK!
Way 2: Cleaning Dishwasher Door
So with the surrounding area of the dishwasher, the door is also something to clean as well. Using the wonderful scrub daddy, clean the door with a little Dawn dish soap to remove any food particles.
Additionally, you can spray the diy cleaner into your detergent and rinse aid dispensers. Once you have sprayed the cleaner, scrub those areas with the toothbrush.
Even though those dispensers are for cleaning products, the buildup of those soapy residues just needs a little cleanse once in a while.
Way 3: Cleaning Dishwasher Racks
For cleaning dishwasher racks, you can simply use the vinegar spray and the toothbrush here as well. I just sprayed around the racks and scrubbed any buildup that was present in any of the holes and the bottle sprayers in this top rack.
Also, don’t forget to clean the tracks of the dishwasher racks too. Again, the diy cleaner can be used here as well. You can spray it inside of all of those areas, and you will be surprised at how easily your drawers will move once this is done.
Way 4: Cleaning the Silverware Basket
For many, you probably are well aware of this little organizer for your silverware. For me, I honestly never used these slots until I purchased a new dishwasher.
Even these little spots for all of your silverware need to be cleaned too.
Sounding like a broken record, I am going to say it again, you can use the toothbrush in these areas as well.
Not to gross you out, but sometimes food builds up and is leftover in this basket. As these disgusting little pieces of food add up, the toothbrush and cleaner can get rid of the mess rather effortlessly.
Way 5: Cleaning Dishwasher Filter
Alright, so this is where you really see some remarkable cleaning magic happen. Before you start this process, take a before picture.
Believe me, you are going to want someone to see this dramatic difference. I know it because you will be grossed out beyond belief when you see what is living in your filter.
First, you need to locate your dishwasher filter. For most, the filter is going to be at the bottom of the dishwasher. Normally, you can twist the filter to get it out of the dishwasher.
Shocked at this disgustingness on the left? Me too! How gross is that? What is that really? How does that even happen in a machine that is supposed to clean your dishes? Unfortunately, it does happen and this is now the time to scrub it clean.
With all of that scrubbing, get that trusty toothbrush out and the diy cleaner once again. Spray away and start seeing your clean filter instantly.
Once that is all cleaned off, you can just stick it back in the bottom of the dishwasher and move to the next step.
Way 6: Cleaning a Dishwasher with Vinegar
Now that all of the toothbrush scrubbing is done, you just need to put a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher safe bowl and turn the hot cycle on.
Finally, this is where you can start heading over to the couch and take a break between steps.
Way 7: Cleaning a Dishwasher with Baking Soda
Once your dishwasher finishes the first cycle with vinegar, you can apply the baking soda.
Using a 1/2 cup of baking soda, sprinkle it all over the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a hot cycle again.
Once this cycle is complete, you will have completed all of your steps for cleaning your dishwasher.
Way 8: How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Truth be told, you should do this process once a month, but honestly, once every two months will probably help you maintain a clean dishwasher.
If you really find that you use your dishwasher several times a week, I would try to clean the appliance monthly.
Way 9: What is the Best Dishwasher Detergent?
Above all other detergents, my go-to dishwasher pod is the Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods.
Amazingly, you will actually see results when you use these little magical squares.
Sparkle & Shine
WOW! Your dishwasher is going to look fabulous and so are the next load of dishes.
After you are done, please let me know if you are noticing cleaner dishes after completing this process. I would love to see your before and after results too.
Enjoy your clean dishwasher!
This post is all about cleaning your dishwasher.
& Remember
Start with the Bed,
Juliet
