Dishwashers are super helpful, right? They save you time and effort when cleaning dishes, but just like any appliance, they need a little love and care to keep them working at their best. Over time, food bits, soap residue, and hard water deposits can build up inside, making your dishwasher less efficient and even causing unpleasant odors. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your dishwasher inside so it keeps running smoothly and smelling fresh.
Why You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher Regularly
It’s easy to forget that dishwashers need cleaning, right? After all, they’re used to clean dishes. But just like your washing machine or refrigerator, they can get dirty too. The inside of your dishwasher can trap food particles, grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits. If not cleaned regularly, these can cause a bad smell, poor cleaning performance, or even damage the machine.
Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will help maintain its efficiency, prevent bad smells, and extend its lifespan. Plus, it’ll keep your dishes sparkling clean! So, let’s dive into how you can do it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher running like new. Here’s how you can do it, step by step.
1. Empty Your Dishwasher
Before you start cleaning your dishwasher, make sure it’s empty. You can’t clean your machine properly if there are dishes in the way. Empty your dishwasher completely, removing any plates, glasses, and utensils. This will give you full access to the interior, allowing you to clean every corner of your dishwasher.
Once the dishwasher is empty, you’re ready to dive into the cleaning process. Leaving the dishwasher empty also prevents the cleaning agents (like vinegar or baking soda) from interfering with your dishes and ensures they won’t get dirty again during the cleaning process.
2. Clean the Filter
One of the most important parts of your dishwasher to clean is the filter. The filter helps catch food particles and debris to prevent them from clogging the machine or causing bad odors. Over time, this filter can get dirty and clogged with food scraps, grease, and soap scum.
To clean the filter, first locate it at the bottom of your dishwasher. It’s usually found near the drain. Once you’ve found it, gently remove the filter. Some filters can be easily lifted out, while others may require a little twisting to remove. Be careful not to break or damage it.
Next, rinse the filter under warm running water to remove any food debris. If there’s any stubborn gunk stuck to it, use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub it off. Be sure to clean all the small grooves and crevices where debris can get stuck. After scrubbing, rinse it one more time under warm water to ensure it’s completely clean.
Once the filter is cleaned and free of debris, place it back into its position at the bottom of the dishwasher. A clean filter ensures your dishwasher works efficiently and prevents foul odors from building up.
3. Check the Drain and Spray Arms
The drain and spray arms of your dishwasher can sometimes get clogged with food particles or mineral buildup. This can affect the cleaning performance of your dishwasher and may even cause it to break down over time if not cleaned properly.
Start by checking the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher. Look for any food scraps, small items, or debris that may have fallen into the drain. If you find anything blocking the drain, remove it carefully. You may need to use your fingers or a small tool to fish out any debris. Be sure to get every last bit, as even small food particles can cause issues over time.
Next, inspect the spray arms, which are the rotating parts that spray water onto your dishes. The spray arms can sometimes get clogged with food or mineral deposits, which can affect how evenly they clean. To check for blockages, gently remove the spray arms (if your dishwasher allows you to) and look for any obstructions. You can use a toothpick or small needle to clear any holes or nozzles that are blocked.
After you’ve removed any blockages, wipe the spray arms with a soft cloth to remove any grease or buildup. If your spray arms are removable, be sure to replace them correctly after cleaning.
4. Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar
One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your dishwasher is by using vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that helps break down mineral deposits, soap scum, and grease, leaving your dishwasher fresh and clean.
To clean with vinegar, start by placing a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. You don’t need a lot—just about a cup should do. Close the dishwasher door and run a hot water cycle. You don’t need to add any dishes during this cycle; the vinegar will do the work of cleaning the interior.
Vinegar helps remove any residue from soap, hard water, and food particles that may have built up inside the dishwasher. As the cycle runs, the vinegar will break down these deposits, leaving the inside of the dishwasher sparkling clean.
Once the cycle finishes, open the door and let the dishwasher air out for a few minutes. You’ll notice that the inside is fresher, and any bad odors will have disappeared.
5. Run a Cleaning Cycle with Baking Soda
After running the vinegar cycle, it’s a great idea to run a second cleaning cycle with baking soda. Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that helps freshen up your dishwasher and eliminate any lingering odors.
To clean with baking soda, sprinkle about one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Be sure to cover the entire bottom surface. Close the dishwasher door and run a short, hot water cycle. This time, you don’t need to add any vinegar or other cleaning products. The baking soda will work to freshen up the dishwasher and remove any remaining smells or residues.
Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors and will leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean. Plus, it helps break down any remaining grease or soap scum that the vinegar might have missed.
Once the baking soda cycle finishes, open the door and let the dishwasher air out. You should now have a cleaner and fresher-smelling machine.
6. Wipe Down the Interior
Once your dishwasher has completed the cleaning cycles with vinegar and baking soda, it’s time to wipe down the interior. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the inside of the dishwasher, including the walls, door, and rubber seals around the door.
Start with the door and edges. This area can trap food particles, grease, and water. Make sure to pay special attention to the rubber seals, as food and moisture can get trapped there, leading to mold and odors. Wipe these areas gently but thoroughly to remove any buildup.
After you’ve wiped down the door and walls, check the area around the drain again to make sure it’s completely clean. Sometimes, small bits of food can get stuck in hard-to-reach areas, so it’s important to double-check.
Finally, dry the inside of the dishwasher with a clean towel to prevent moisture from lingering, which could lead to mold growth or bad smells.
7. Clean the Exterior of the Dishwasher
While you’re already deep cleaning the inside of your dishwasher, don’t forget about the outside! The exterior of your dishwasher can accumulate fingerprints, grease, and grime, so it’s important to keep it looking clean too.
Use a soft cloth and a mild dish soap solution to wipe down the exterior of your dishwasher. Be gentle, especially around the control panel. If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, you can use a stainless steel cleaner to remove fingerprints and smudges, leaving it shiny and streak-free.
Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher handle, as this is a high-touch area that can get dirty quickly. If you have any stains or tough spots on the outside, use a non-abrasive cleaner to gently scrub them away.
By cleaning both the inside and outside of your dishwasher, you’ll keep it looking and working like new.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Cleaning your dishwasher isn’t something you should only do when it starts smelling or showing signs of poor performance. Regular cleaning will help keep your dishwasher running smoothly for longer. So, how often should you clean it?
Monthly: At a minimum, you should clean your dishwasher once a month. This includes cleaning the filter, checking the drain, and running the vinegar and baking soda cycles. Doing this regularly will prevent most problems from building up.
Every 3-6 Months: Give the interior a more thorough cleaning every 3 to 6 months. This includes deep cleaning the spray arms, inspecting the hoses, and wiping the entire inside with a mild cleaner.
Whenever You Notice a Problem: If you start noticing bad smells, dishes not getting clean, or a buildup of grime, it’s a good idea to clean your dishwasher right away. Addressing the problem early will save you from bigger issues later on.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your dishwasher. If you use it daily, monthly cleaning should be your goal. If it’s used less frequently, cleaning it every couple of months should be sufficient.
Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Smelling Fresh and Clean
Now that you know how to clean your dishwasher, here are some extra tips to keep it smelling fresh and running well.
Use the Right Detergent: Using too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent can cause buildup in your dishwasher. Be sure to use a high-quality detergent and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount to use.
Leave the Door Open After Use: After the dishwasher has finished running, leave the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. This helps prevent mold and mildew from developing inside.
Use Dishwasher Cleaner: There are specially designed dishwasher cleaners available in stores. These can help break down grease and mineral deposits and are a great addition to your cleaning routine.
Clean the Door Seals: The rubber seals around the door can trap water and food particles. Make sure to wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth to prevent mold and odors from forming.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your dishwasher stays clean, fresh, and works efficiently for a long time.
I hope this article helped you learn how to clean your dishwasher inside and keep it running at its best. With just a little time and effort, your dishwasher will stay fresh, clean, and ready to tackle your dishes. Regular cleaning will also help extend its life and improve its performance. Happy cleaning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda together in a dishwasher?
Yes, it is safe. Both vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning agents that work well together to clean and freshen up your dishwasher. Just make sure to run the cycles separately.
Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?
While bleach can be used to disinfect, it’s not recommended for regular cleaning. It can damage certain parts of the dishwasher and isn’t as effective at removing mineral deposits or grease as vinegar and baking soda.
Do I need to clean the dishwasher filter every time?
It’s a good idea to clean the filter every month or whenever you notice food buildup. This will help prevent odors and ensure your dishwasher is working efficiently.
Is it normal for my dishwasher to smell?
A slight odor can be normal if the dishwasher isn’t cleaned regularly. However, a strong or foul smell means it’s time for a deep clean, especially around the filter, spray arms, and door seals.
Can I clean my dishwasher without vinegar?
Yes, you can clean your dishwasher without vinegar. Baking soda alone can help freshen it up, or you can use a commercial dishwasher cleaner. However, vinegar is very effective for removing mineral buildup.
Do I need to clean the spray arms regularly?
It’s a good idea to check the spray arms every few months for blockages. If you notice poor cleaning performance, check the spray arms for clogs.
Is it okay to run the dishwasher without any dishes to clean it?
Yes, running the dishwasher without dishes in it during a cleaning cycle is the best way to clean the interior effectively. This allows the cleaning agents to work without interference.
Can I clean my dishwasher with dish soap?
It’s not recommended to use dish soap to clean the inside of your dishwasher as it can create too much foam. Stick with vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial dishwasher cleaner for the best results.
