Have you ever unloaded your dishwasher only to find the dishes still grimy or spotty? If so, it might not be your dishwasher detergent that’s at fault, but the cleanliness of the machine itself. A clean dishwasher not only runs more efficiently but also delivers a cleaning performance that leaves your dishes and utensils squeaky clean.
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To help you keep your dishwasher in great shape, Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair has complied some specific and handy cleaning tips to keep in mind!
1. Clean the Dishwasher Filter Regularly
Many dishwashers come with a removable filter at the bottom. This filter catches food particles and keeps them from redepositing on your dishes. It can become clogged, so you should always clean it.
How to clean dishwasher filters: Remove the bottom rack to get the filter. Usually, you can twist and lift it out, but you can read your user manual for specific instructions. Rinse the filter under warm running water and use a soft brush to scrub away all the leftover food waste. Try not to use harsh brushes or scouring pads because they can damage the filter.
How often to clean dishwasher filters: Aim to clean the filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you use your dishwasher every day.
2. Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms are the ones that distribute water throughout the dishwasher. If they become clogged with pieces of food or mineral deposits, your dishes won’t get properly cleaned.
How to check and clean the spray arms: Remove the spray arms (usually by unscrewing or unclipping them). Use a toothpick or a small piece of wire to clear any blocked holes. Rinse them under warm water. And then, before reattaching, check if all the nozzles are clean with no clogs.
How often to clean spray arms: Do this every few months so your dishwasher stays in great shape.
3. Wipe Down the Door Seals
The rubber seal or gasket around the dishwasher door gives your machine a watertight seal whenever you’re running a wash cycle. But just like any other part of your dishwasher, it can collect grime and food leftovers. As a result, you’re left with lingering odors and even leaks.
Door seal cleaning method: Mix a solution of water and distilled white vinegar. Alternatively, you can also use a mixture of vinegar or citric acid and baking soda. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe around the gasket to remove odors. Pay attention to the folds where particles and debris can hide. For particularly stubborn spots, you can use an old toothbrush, dip it in the solution, and scrub away at the areas that need special attention. After cleaning, dry the gasket with a clean microfiber cloth.
How often to clean door seals: To prevent buildup and avoid a smelly dishwasher, check and clean the door seals monthly.
4. Deep Clean with White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, grease and limescale can build up in your dishwasher’s interior, affecting its performance and smell. Whether your dishwasher has stainless steel interiors or plastic, this method will do the trick:
How to deep clean: Place a dishwasher-safe bowl inside your empty dishwasher with white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot cycle; the vinegar will dissolve grease and get rid of the odors. After the cycle completes, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. Doing this will deodorize and brighten the interior even more.
How often to deep clean: It’s best to deep clean every two to three months.
5. Check and Clean the Drain
Clogs make draining water difficult, which leaves your dishes dirty and smelling unpleasant.
Steps to clean: Find the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove any visible pieces of food with a paper towel or soft cloth. If you want a more thorough cleaning, pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then pour hot water to flush it out.
How often to clean the drain: We recommend cleaning your dishwasher’s drain monthly.
6. Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid
When you don’t use the right detergent, you’ll likely end up with residue buildup. On the other hand, a good rinse aid stops the water used in cleaning from leaving water marks after drying.
Recommendations: Choose dishwasher detergents as they’re specifically designed for the machine. When you pour this into your detergent dispenser, expect better results right away. You should avoid using dish soap because it can create excessive suds that lead to leaks. Make a habit of filling the rinse aid dispenser for better drying and to prevent spots from forming on glassware. Check your dishwasher’s manual for recommended detergent types and rinse aid usage.
7. Run Hot Water Before Starting the Dishwasher
Before running a cleaning cycle, you should run hot water first. Doing this is a great way to make sure that your dishwasher begins cleaning with the prime temperature, which makes your detergent even more effective. This leaves both your dishes and the inside of your dishwasher cleaner.
How to do it: The first thing you should do is run the hot water faucet in your sink until the water is hot to the touch. This helps because the initial fill of the dishwasher will be hot from the start, which will improve your machine’s cleaning.
8. Regular Professional Maintenance
Even if you follow all of these tips and stick to a regular cleaning schedule, professional inspection is absolutely invaluable. So, take off the DIY cap for a second and let the professionals assess and identify problems before they get worse. After all, keeping your appliance clean is only one aspect of taking good care of your dishwasher.
Service scheduling: Consider having professional appliance technicians inspect your dishwasher. They can check for hidden problems, perform deep cleaning, and make sure all components are in good working order. Doing this can extend the machine’s lifespan and make chores even easier for you.
How often to schedule professional maintenance: This is best done at least annually.
When in Doubt, Call the Professionals
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dishwasher might still give you trouble. This could be due to underlying issues that aren’t easily fixed with a simple cleaning. If your dishwasher continues to perform poorly even after you’ve given it a thorough cleaning, it might be time to call the experts. At Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing issues with our dishwasher repair service. We guarantee that your appliance will be running like new once we’re done!
Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair Provides the Best Dishwasher Services in OKC!
Knowing how to properly clean a dishwasher is equally as important as staying on top of maintenance and repairs so you get the best out of your appliance. Visit our website or call us at (405) 622-5961 to learn more about how we can help you.
Remember, we’re always here to keep your dishwasher and other home appliances in prime condition!
