Dishwashers are notorious for washing dishes, but what about the state of your dishwasher as a whole? Many homeowners forget about how dirty a dishwasher can get. Not only does it affect how clean your kitchen is, but it can also make your dishes dirty, even after a wash. Read more on how to clean your dishwasher so that it operates effectively while also making sure it's cleaning your dishes.
Why Regular Dishwasher Cleaning is Important
Cleaning the kitchen is more than just putting dishes away. Even though dishwashers do most of that job, it's your job to make sure the actual unit gets cleaned, too. If you don't have regular dishwasher cleanings done, you can risk a ton of buildup of old food, minerals, grime, grease, and more. Dishwashers can get pretty gross, and if they do end up getting to that point, it's counterintuitive to use them to make your dishes clean. Plus, a dirty dishwasher can start to smell unpleasant, creating an uninviting kitchen environment.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
So now that you know cleaning your dishwasher needs to be done, how often should you do it? Busy Bee Cleaning Company suggests that you clean out your dishwasher at least once a month. Of course, if you tend to cook a lot and use multiple dishes, you may want to increase the frequency. Once you get a deep cleaning routine down, you can prevent hard water buildup and mold.
Dishwasher Cleaning Steps to Take
So, no need to search "how to clean a dishwashing machine" in Google. We're here to help walk you through the step-by-step process. Read below.
Gather Your Supplies
Believe it or not, cleaning out a dishwasher properly takes more than a simple washcloth. There are so many corners and small places that germs build up and get dirty, so it's important to have all hands on deck. Your supplies should include baking soda, white vinegar, dishwasher cleaning tablets or liquid, a soft brush or toothbrush, microfiber cloth, and rubber gloves. With all these tools, you should be able to clean your dishwasher machine so that the next time you run a load, you don't have to worry about the germs.
Start with Removable Parts
What's the easiest part, in our opinion, is to take apart the pieces that are removable first. These are usually the dishwasher racks and utensil holders. They can be the best things to clean because they're so easy to remove and put in the sink. Once you have them out of the machine, run them under warm water and wipe away any food particles. Sometimes, if there are tough stains, you can let these pieces sit in hot water with dish soap and let them soak. This can loosen up any sort of grime that's caked on. Also, adding two cups of white vinegar for 20 minutes before rinsing can help too.
Clean the Inside
Now, you'll need to get down on your hands and knees or grab a step stool because you'll be working on the inside of the dishwasher. This area obviously sees the most germs and food build-up. To properly clean this, you'll need to place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle to dissolve grease and grime. Then, sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. This step will deodorize and remove any leftover residues. Try not to use the baking soda and vinegar together because they can cancel each other out.
Clean the Gasket and Door
Bring out that handy toothbrush! To clean the door and gasket, you'll need your cleaning solution and a soft brush tool to gently scrub all the hard-to-reach places, including the rubber gasket on the inside of the door. By doing this, you'll be able to get out and sanitize the areas that create a lot of mildew or mold. Don't forget to always check the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific cleaning recommendations.
Check the Filter
Checking the filter of a dishwasher is super important. Not only because it can make sure your dishwasher is clean, but it helps clean out your dishes correctly, too. The best way to clean out the filter is to rinse the filter under warm water and use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn food particles. Be sure it's securely locked back in place before running the dishwasher again.
See If The Drain Needs Unclogging
Mix one cup of warm vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the dishwasher drain and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Follow with a slow pour of boiling water to clear any clogs.
Wipe Down the Outside
Wipe down the exterior with warm, soapy water using a microfiber cloth. For stainless steel models, use a stainless-steel cleaner or glass cleaner to avoid streaks.
Any Other Smells Left?
If necessary, use toothpicks to inspect the spray arms for blocked jets. If odors persist, repeat the interior cleaning process. To get your dishwasher and most of your kitchen smelling fresh, we recommend using lemon juice and baking soda. This can help your machine's overall hygiene and potentially increase its longevity.
Summary
Overall, if your dishwasher isn't washing dishes well or is starting to smell, you're long overdue for a cleaning. If you feel cleaning out your dishwasher is too much work, or you need to clean out the washing machine, reach out to professionals like Busy Bee Cleaning Company. We have dealt with our fair share of dishwasher machines and know exactly what to do to make it look pristine. For more cleaning tips or to book a professional cleaning service, contact Busy Bee Cleaning Company today!
