How to Clean Your Dishwasher
You’ve read the title. You know that we’re discussing how to clean your dishwasher today. I would jump right into it, but I’m sure that a lot of you are scratching your heads right now. “I need to know how to clean my dishwasher?” you’re thinking. “Isn’t it already clean?” The answer, surprisingly perhaps, is no. Over time, even appliances whose primary function is to clean (like dishwashers and laundry machines) become grimy, dirty, and ineffective. Your dishwasher could be clogged with grease, grime, soap scum, and bits of food at this very moment! So if you haven’t cleaned your dishwasher recently (or ever!), use the tips below to get it into tip-top shape.
1. Prepare. First, you’ll need to empty your dishwasher and gather your supplies. Luckily, you should have most of these items on hand already. You’ll need vinegar, soap, an old toothbrush, a sponge, a dry cloth, paper towels, and hot water.
2. Clean the door. Using warm and soapy water, scrub the outside of the door. Use a soft sponge or cloth, not an abrasive scrubbing pad. When you’re finished, wipe it dry. After that, using your toothbrush and the soapy water, scrub around the sides of the door, taking care to get in all those little dips and grooves. Wipe away the grime and rinse clean.
3. Clean the tub. You might notice some leftover food or grime near the drain or in the bottom of the tub. Wipe this away with a paper towel. Then, fill a dishwasher-safe cup with vinegar, place it on the top rack, and run a full cycle using the hottest water possible. If you don’t have vinegar, try dumping a cup of baking soda into the dishwasher or filling the soap compartment with unsweetened lemonade mix (Kool-Aid is a common choice). Afterward, wipe the tub clean.
4. Clean the racks and containers. Finally, remove the dish racks and utensil holder. Scrub them with soapy water and rinse clean. Use your old toothbrush to get in any small, inconvenient nooks and crannies.
5. If you have a filter, clean it as well. Not all dishwashers include a filter, but if yours has one, remove and disassemble it. Scrub each piece individually with your soapy water and toothbrush. Then, carefully reassemble the filter and place it back into the dishwasher.
Your dishwasher should now be sparkling clean, inside and out. Ideally, you should repeat this process once every month or so, or when you notice that your dishes are no longer being thoroughly cleaned after a run through the dishwasher. Also, remember that if you want to keep your dishwasher cleaner for longer, it’s important that you rinse off your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
Happy cleaning!
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