You rely on your dishwasher to do the dirty work and you expect your dishes to be enough to eat off. Cleaning your dishwasher on a regular basis is essential to ensure your dishes are clean and sanitized.
Before you can start cleaning, make sure your dishwasher is empty.
What many homeowners don’t know is your dishwasher has a filter that should be cleaned. Finish dishwashing has an excellent step-by-step process of how to clean the dishwasher filter. Before you get started on the filter, make sure you have a soft brush or old toothbrush and a microfiber cloth.
Once you’ve cleared and adequately cleaned the filter, you’ll be ready to use a dishwasher cleaner. Most dishwashing cleaners are in tablet form. The directions specify whether the tablet should be placed at the bottom of the dishwasher or in the capsule release compartment. No matter where the placement is, it is extremely important that you do not use additional soap or detergent during this cleaning process. You will run the cleaning tablet on a normal cycle. Disable the heated drying cycle; this isn’t needed for the cleaning process.
Before you run the cleaning cycle, look inside the dishwasher to determine whether or not you need to manually scrub removeable parts like the spray arms and the seals.
For the outside of the dishwasher, you can use a damp cloth or stainless steel cleaner. Be sure to pay attention to the control panel since that is usually the spot everyone touches.
The majority of dishwasher cleaners recommend a monthly cleaning. Consider setting a monthly reminder on your digital calendar so you do not forget.
If you are unsure about timing, signs that a dishwasher needs a deep clean are: lingering odors, cloudy or spotty dishes, poor drainage, stuck-on food particles, and/or slow or no heating.
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 to 12 years but that is if it is properly maintained. Neglected filters or spray arms are common failure points along with mineral buildup due to hard water. If you’re experiencing a malfunction, reference the manufacturer guide for troubleshooting recommendations. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, consider calling a handyman.
Taking the time to properly take care of your dishwasher will ensure you have clean dishes and your dishwasher isn’t harboring gross leftovers.