HOW TO CLEAN A DISHWASHER THE EASY WAY
A smelly sponge on the bottom of the sink and gunky, greasy residue on your favorite dishes? Don’t worry; we have a solution! Before you reach for the dish soap, let’s tackle the gunk and grime in your dishwasher. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of cleaning your dishwasher, step by step, to ensure it’s gleaming and performing optimally. From the interior to the waterline, the heating element to the filters, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of dishwasher maintenance!
Cleaning a Dishwasher with Vinegar: A Natural Approach
The Power of Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective and affordable solution for cleaning your dishwasher. It contains acetic acid, which kills bacteria and germs, reduces soap scum and limescale, and breaks down food particles and grease. Here’s how to harness the power of vinegar:
- Fill a bowl halfway with white vinegar and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Run a “normal” cycle for about five minutes, then turn it off.
- Let the vinegar sit for up to an hour to deep-clean the surfaces.
- Restart the “normal” cycle with hot water, but without detergent, to rinse away vinegar traces.
- Open the door and inspect if all areas are clean before unloading your dishes.
Caution and Debate
There is a debate about the safety of using vinegar. Some experts warn that its acidity might corrode dishwasher parts over time. However, others counter that equipment should be replaced every five years or so, making the use of vinegar a viable option. As a precaution, always use the recommended amount of vinegar and avoid overusing it during any given cycle.
Cleaning the Inside: Tackling Food and Soap Residue
Accessing the Interior
Depending on your dishwasher model, accessing the interior might require removing the lower spray arm. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to unscrew the central nut and gently remove the arm. Wash it in a sink full of warm, soapy water.
Cleaning Methods
There are two popular methods for cleaning the interior:
- Vinegar Method: Use a damp cloth soaked in white vinegar to wipe away food particles and grease spots.
- Commercial Detergent: Alternatively, use a commercial detergent with descaling properties. Select the method that suits the condition of your interior and your available time. Always remember to rinse all parts properly before reassembling them.
Leading to the Next Step: Cleaning the Waterline
The Importance of a Clean Waterline
A clean waterline is essential for proper sanitation and optimal dishwasher performance. Over time, debris and buildup can accumulate along the waterline, affecting the cleanliness of your dishes.
Manual Scrubbing vs. Chemical Cleaning
You have two main options for cleaning the waterline:
- Manual Scrubbing: Use a small bottle brush to scrub away buildup and reach tight spots. This method ensures you know exactly what cleaning agent is being used and can be very effective.
- Chemical Cleaning: Alternatively, you can use a chemical cleaning agent specifically designed for dishwashers. This option may be more convenient, but always ensure the product is safe for use in your dishwasher.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to remove all dirt and particles from the waterline to prevent contamination on your dishes.
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification Insights
The IICRC, a respected certification organization, recommends running a hot water cycle with detergent to remove food residue and odors. Additionally, studies in 2018 found that adding vinegar during this cycle reduces limescale buildup, improving dishwasher performance.
The Benefits of a Clean Waterline: Analyzing the Results
An analysis in 2019 concluded that regular maintenance, including cleaning the waterline, can increase a dishwasher’s lifespan by up to 25%. This highlights the importance of incorporating waterline cleaning into your dishwasher maintenance routine.
Cleaning the Heating Element: Ensuring Efficient Performance
The heating element plays a crucial role in ensuring the water reaches the optimal temperature for effective cleaning. To maintain your dishwasher’s efficiency:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Remove all racks to access the heating element.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down any debris or dirt around the element.
- For hard-to-reach areas, use a vinegar and water solution with an old toothbrush to scrub gently.
- Rinse with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Regular cleaning of the heating element is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining your dishwasher’s performance and extending its lifespan.
Cleaning the Heating Element: Ensuring Efficient Performance
The heating element plays a vital role in ensuring the water gets hot enough to break down grease and food particles. To maintain your dishwasher’s efficiency:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Remove all racks to access the heating element.
- Wipe down any debris or dirt with a damp cloth.
- Use a vinegar and water solution with an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse with a damp cloth.
Regular cleaning of the heating element is often overlooked but crucial for maintaining your dishwasher’s performance and extending its lifespan.
Tips for Getting Dishes Sparkling Clean
To ensure your dishes come out spotless, consider these tips:
- Pre-rinse dishes, especially those with large food particles.
- Use a scraper or brush to remove excess food before loading.
- Avoid overcrowding and ensure sprayers are not blocked.
- Read and follow specific instructions for different dish types.
- Use a rinse aid product to prevent residue and improve drying.
- Liquid or powder detergent is a matter of preference, as both offer good results.
- Choose the best method for loading dishes, facing up or down, based on your dishwasher’s design.
Deep Cleaning a Dishwasher: A Necessary Step
Deep cleaning your dishwasher every few months is essential for optimal performance and longevity. With the machine empty, you can use vinegar, baking soda, or commercial products to deodorize and remove soap residue. Vinegar and baking soda have antibacterial and abrasive properties, respectively. Commercial products might contain bleach or enzymes for tough stains and odors. Alternatively, use boiling water to create steam and dissolve residue.
Scrub Away Soap Scum: Store-Bought or Homemade Solutions
To tackle soap scum, you can opt for store-bought cleaning products or make your own. Store-bought products usually require an initial empty cycle, followed by the application of the solution. Homemade solutions often involve baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Dissolve baking soda in warm water, add vinegar to the detergent compartment, and sprinkle lemon juice during the final rinse.
Regular Cleaning Maintenance: Keeping Your Dishwasher in Top Shape
Regular cleaning maintenance is key to a well-functioning dishwasher. Semi-annual or annual cleaning goes beyond vinegar cycles and involves inspecting and cleaning inner moving parts. There is a debate about whether this should be a DIY task or left to professional cleaning services. While DIY maintenance can be cost-effective and empowering, professionals have the expertise and tools for a thorough job.
Conclusion: 5 Simple Steps to a Clean Dishwasher
To summarize, here are five simple steps to deep clean your dishwasher and maintain its efficiency:
- Scrape and remove debris from the filter and drain.
- Run a cycle with white vinegar or citric acid to reduce limescale and bacteria.
- Scrub the crevices of the door and roller tracks with a toothbrush.
- Replace the filter if needed, and clean excess residue with a damp cloth.
- Run a hot cycle with detergent to ensure all areas are clean and grease-free.
Remember, balance is key. Avoid over-cleaning with excessive products, as this can damage internal parts. Following these steps every few months will keep your dishwasher in excellent condition for years to come!
Follow us