How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Solutions to Maintaining and Cleaning Your Dishwasher

How to Clean Your Dishwasher and Why It Will Save You Money

November 23, 2022

Your dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in your home and often the most overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Most people incorrectly believe that since it is cleaning the dishes placed inside, there is no need to clean the appliance itself; however, this assumption is not true. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is essential to its upkeep, preventing damage and costly repairs while ensuring it remains in good working order. If you've never cleaned your dishwasher before, you're in the right place; let's take a look at why cleaning this beloved appliance is essential to maintaining its integrity as well as the best cleaning methods to ensure your dishwasher works well for years to come.

Why You Should Clean Your Oven

Although it is one of the most used appliances in the home, many people often overlook their ovens when it comes to regular cleaning. Perhaps this is due to an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality, but whatever the reason, ovens tend to be one of the dirtiest spots in the home. There are many reasons why it's essential to clean your oven regularly, some of which you may not have considered previously but go a long way in keeping your home clean and safe. Let's take a look at a few top reasons why you should clean your oven.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Is Essential

Did you know that more than 80 million homes are equipped with a dishwasher? Of that number, a surprising 20% don't put this handy appliance to use, with many reporting they don't feel that it adequately cleans their dishes. If you count yourself as one of this group, or are thinking about replacing your dishwasher, you may be surprised to hear that your dishwasher may not be broken or poorly made; it could simply be dirty!

Dishwashers remove stuck-on food and grime from your dishes, draining them into a disposal where they are ground up and flushed away. However, people often place items in their dishwashers that they shouldn't, causing the drainage system to clog and lose efficiency, and water cannot properly circulate during the cleaning and rinse cycles. When this happens, you may notice your cups and plates are no longer fully cleaned or a bad odor is emitted from the appliance.

Over time, the clog will continue to worsen, eventually causing your dishwasher to stop working altogether, which can lead to an expensive repair bill. Another reason you may not have considered cleaning your dishwasher is the type of water in your area. Those with hard water or well water are at an increased risk of mineral deposits developing, which can severely limit water flow and your dishwasher's efficiency.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

If you're like thousands of others, there's a good chance you can't remember the last time you cleaned your dishwasher or are now realizing you've never even considered the fact that it should be cleaned. The good news is you can start today by developing a cleaning routine that will keep your dishwasher running well and ensure your dishes are cleaned and sanitized.

It's important to clean your dishwasher (including the drain and filter) at least once a month. There will be times, though, when you need to clean out the drain before the entire appliance is ready for a deep cleaning. Depending on the model, you should be able to just lift them out from the bottom of the appliance, but if you're struggling to figure out how to remove them, you can consult the owner's manual, Google, or YouTube. Once you remove the filter, you can run it under hot water to clean off any food debris and scrub it with dish soap. There's no need to let it dry before placing it back into place, you can just pop it back in, and it's good to go!

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Now that you're ready to clean your dishwasher, you're only a few simple steps away from a sparkling clean appliance! Follow the guide below, and your dishwasher will be clean in no time.

Clean The Drain

We already went over this first step above, but you should always be sure to clean the drain at least once a month. Food regularly gets caught in this area, especially if you're not rinsing the dishes beforehand.

Run A Cleaning Cycle

Ensuring your dishwasher is empty, you can begin running a cleaning cycle. Every model is different and if there is not a specific cleaning cycle option, choose sanitize or the highest setting available. Be sure to run the hot water through your faucet every time before running the dishwasher for the most effective clean. There are different cleaning solution options you can use depending on your preference, and each works to leave your appliance sparkling clean.

Commercial Cleaning Solutions

If you enjoy a commercial clean, there are a few high-quality brands available. Brands like Finish, Affresh, and Plink remove limescale, stains, grime, and grease not only from the inside of your dishwasher but also from the piping. Many of these products include multiple tablets, offering months' worth of cleaning for an affordable price. It is important to note that these brands take care to ensure their solutions contain no environmentally harming ingredients, so you don't have to worry about releasing unwanted chemicals into your home or the environment!

Home Cleaning Solutions

If you prefer to stay away from commercial cleaners, you can choose to make your own homemade cleaning solution. There are many different "recipes" out there, but these are a few of the best, delivering an excellent clean without added chemicals.

White Vinegar - White vinegar naturally kills germs and prevents mold from developing inside your appliance. Place one cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run the cleaning cycle for a fresh, clean result you'll adore.

Baking Soda - Baking soda is excellent for stain removal and brightening dull surfaces. Sprinkle about one cup along the bottom of your dishwasher and run an additional short hot water cycle. Once complete, your dishwasher will look brand new!

Wipe Down The Interior

While the cleaning cycle will remove stuck-on grease and grime, you'll still need to give your dishwasher a good wipe-down once it's complete. If you look closely, you'll notice the area around the door is most likely pretty dirty since it seals once the appliance is closed, stopping it from receiving regular cleans. You can take an antibacterial wipe, damp rag, or paper towel and thoroughly wipe down these spots, being sure to get into every nook and cranny to remove any lingering odors.

Don't Forget The Exterior

Your dishwasher isn't fully cleaned until you've wiped down the exterior as well, so be sure to give it a good scrubbing before you're done. Chances are you probably clean the outside on a regular basis as you wipe down your kitchen, so this shouldn't take long at all; just be sure to use material-appropriate cleaners so you don't damage the finish.

Commonly Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Needs To Be Cleaned?

There are a few ways to tell if it's time to clean your dishwasher, including food particles collecting in the drain and bad odors emanating from inside the machine. However, even if you don't notice these clues, you should continue to regularly clean your appliance to ensure it remains in good working order.

Do I Really Need To Clean My Dishwasher?

Yes, cleaning your dishwasher is an essential part of its routine upkeep and helps remove stuck-on grease, grime, mineral deposits, and food. It also ensures your appliance works properly and extends its life, saving you money in the long run!

How Often Should I Clean My Dishwasher?

You should clean your dishwasher every month, using either the built-in cleaning cycle or a cleaning solution and the hottest cycle setting available.

Can A Dirty Dishwasher Stop Working?

Yes, if your dishwasher isn't cleaned routinely, it can become clogged and stop working correctly. If you notice your dishes aren't getting as clean as they once did or there isn't adequate water flow, you should clean your dishwasher immediately.

Can A Dirty Dishwasher Make My Family Sick?

When your dishwasher is dirty, it stops it from cleaning your dishes correctly and draining away food and grime. Over time, it can develop bacteria that may be harmful to your family. While becoming sick from a dirty dishwasher is uncommon, having sanitized and clean dishes for your family to eat off of is important and can help keep them happy and healthy.

What If I Clean My Dishwasher And It Still Doesn't Work Properly

If you've cleaned your dishwasher and it still isn't working properly, you should call a handyman to come and assess the situation. There are different reasons your appliance may stop working, and it's always best to leave the situation to the professionals.

Why Should I Run Hot Water Before Using The Dishwasher?

One of the best ways to get an effective clean from your dishwasher is to run hot water through your faucet before starting a cycle. This insider tip ensures your dishwasher starts cleaning with the hottest water available, which saves time and helps get your dishes sparkling clean!

Cleaning your dishwasher is an easy way to ensure your dishes are clean and sanitary and keep it from developing odors and bacteria. Whether you choose to use a commercial product or one you make yourself, monthly cleansing will keep your beloved dishwasher running correctly for years to come!

Hire a Professional Cleaning Company

For those in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas, Luxoclean offers unmatched cleaning services performed by local expert cleaners that leave your home looking and smelling incredible. Our exceptional services include:

When cleanliness matters, turn to Luxoclean for the highest quality results from cleaners you can trust!

How to Clean Your Dishwasher