How to Clean a Dishwasher: The Proven Methods – DIY

You just need to know how to clean dishwasher right. That is, if you want a healthy, clean kitchen – and don’t we all? Along with being one of the most useful appliances, as you might guess, the dishwasher is the place where your cutlery and dishes get cleaned, so that you can eat your food safely. At the same time food leftovers, hot water build-ups, grease, dirt and old soap usually accumulate around the dishwasher filter, and even the dishwasher door. They make the cleaning process less efficient, and can eventually lead to your dishwasher breaking down or smelling unpleasantly – and you certainly don’t want that. Keeping the dishwasher clean is the only way to prevent odors and to have effective cleaning of dishes and extending its durability and lifespan, which of course would save you money as well.

The store-bought solutions

Purpose-made dishwasher cleaning products are quite useful. You can follow the instructions on the label, which most have, to deep clean your dishwasher with little hassle. Dishwasher detergents are effective, especially in soft water, and using dishwasher salt and rinse aid is important for optimal performance. Recently more and more people, however, opt for DIY alternatives to commercial cleaning products because they:

  • Cost less
  • Are eco-friendly
  • Lack dangerous chemicals
  • Are often more efficient

It’s absolutely unnecessary to spend tons of cash on harsh chemicals or their eco-friendly alternatives. The best way to clean a dishwasher requires nothing more than common items that you certainly have in your kitchen.

Is there a “best” way to clean a dishwasher?

Bad odor coming from your empty dishwasher is a sign you should clean it as soon as possible. This is especially true if you sense a smelly dishwasher right after the cleaning cycle runs are completed.

Deep clean your dishwasher without hassle?

It sounds easy to clean your dishwasher using commercial cleaning products. Don’t forget that some of these products contain harsh chemicals that might be harm your body. If you are a fan of the old-fashioned DIY way, you won’t need much more than hot water, baking soda and white vinegar.  It’s always a good idea to learn at least one homemade cleaning method that will help you clean a dishwasher up to all the highest industry standards.

Prepare for the deep cleaning

Before you clean your dishwasher, you should make some preparations. Start by removing all dishes from the racks. Then get the top rack out as well. Put it in the sink and clean it separately. Inspect the area around the filter and remove any food residue and potential pieces of broken glass from there to prevent unpleasant odors. Remove the filter to check for clogs.

Add the white vinegar to the empty dishwasher

One cup of white vinegar should be more than enough for your dishwasher cleaning needs. Pour them in a dishwasher safe bowl in the lowest rack, and run a normal wash cycle with a heat dry option on. You don’t need to use any detergent. One cleaning cycle should be enough to shine and clean inside of your dishwasher thoroughly. Note you don’t have to stick to a specific type of vinegar. Diluted apple cider vinegar, even lemon juice, will work just as well as the white vinegar for removing grease, limescale and food build ups.

Time to add the baking soda

Step one is to remove the container you used for the white vinegar. After doing so, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Run the hottest cycle available on your machine. By doing so you will ensure that all nasty smells are removed from your dishwasher.

If you want to opt for the dishwasher cleaner

It’s possible you encounter cases that baking soda and vinegar just won’t work. That might be just so if your dishwasher is simply too dirty. Or if you are unhappy with the results the DIY method produced. You can go for a more radical approach: the store brought cleaning detergents. These work better when it comes to breaking down food build ups, gunk and grease that are stuck to the filter and then get transferred to your dishes and cups. Additionally, it is recommended to clean the spray arms biannually to prevent blockages and ensure effective dishwashing.

  • Start again from the beginning – clean the filter from any grease, food and other build ups. Check if the filter is clogged and unclog if necessary.
  • Place one dishwasher cleaning tablet in the tray. Place an extra tablet on the bottom of the dishwasher if you are battling against a serious build up of food, limescale and grease.
  • Wipe the rubber seal with some bleach if you find mold. Black mold on the seals should be treated before applying the dishwasher cleaner.
  • Run a normal wash cycle, open the dishwasher door and wait for the inside to dry. After that, you can inspect the machine and go through the process again if necessary.

Clean the outside as well

Don’t neglect the outside parts of your appliance either. Most dishwashers have indicators for topping up dishwasher salt and rinse aid, and it’s important to clean the filters found at the bottom of most dishwashers to maintain efficiency and avoid unpleasant odors. Get a damp cloth and wipe the outside surface of the machine. Gently scrub where necessary. If you are not happy with the results, you can wipe again using a clean damp cloth and a window cleaner.

Another way to get the job done

In case:

  • You don’t have the time or energy to clean your dishwasher
  • The task is too overwhelming for you
  • You’d rather invest your time in other matters

You can always opt for calling your local professional cleaners. Get it Cleaned will help you clean your dishwasher and keep it working in the perfect condition possible – and your dishes and cups clean. Our trained cleaners will certainly take care of every little detail of the job.

About the author: Nathaniel Jamesson, a seasoned cleaning consultant, boasts over two decades of expertise in sustainable and efficient cleaning practices. Recognized for his innovative techniques, Nathaniel aids both commercial and residential spaces in achieving pristine environments, promoting health and elevating aesthetics.