How to Clean Your Dishwasher For Stunning Dishes

No matter how much you hate it, your dishwasher needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and maintain the sparkling dishes you cherish. While this task may seem intimidating at first glance, it doesn’t need to be.

Starting now, it is essential to clean your dishwasher filter regularly. Locate it below the spray arm on the bottom of your machine and unscrew it.

Clean the Drain and Filter

Maintaining your dishwasher drain and filter can help your dishes look and smell refreshed. Not cleaning your drain can lead to clogs that make dishes grittier, while not regularly cleaning the filter reduces machine efficiency and leaves dishes with lingering odors.

It’s essential to follow the instructions in your user manual and be alert for signs that it’s time for drain and filter cleaning. Dishes that feel gritty, a clogged drain, or unpleasant odors may all be indications that it’s time for a checkup.

The drain and filter are located at the bottom of a dishwasher and usually cylindrical in shape. Since each brand of dishwasher has slightly different instructions for cleaning these parts, consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions on how to take care of these components.

To remove the filter from a dishwasher, twist it open and pull it out with ease. Alternatively, use a soft-bristled brush to help get the filter out of the way.

Once the filter has been taken off, you should wash it with soap and hot water in your sink to get rid of any food particles that have built up and become stuck to the filter.

For optimal performance, it is recommended to clean your filter at least once a month – although some models require cleaning every two or three weeks. The process is quick and effortless; you can even schedule it into your phone or personal calendar so you remember when it’s time for a cleaning.

Before using your dishwasher, inspect its drain hose to make sure it’s not clogged with food debris or other obstructions that could make draining less efficient. If so, unplug the machine and let the water run freely to clear out any obstructions.

Once you’re finished, carefully wipe down your drain hose with a paper towel or clean cloth to eliminate any food scraps or dirt. Once done, return it to the bottom of your dishwasher and start using it again.

Unscrew the Fan

Your dishwasher’s fan may be small in stature, but it does an impressive job of keeping dishes free from water stains and other impurities. To keep it in top condition, unscrew the thing from the bottom and give it a thorough wipe down with a dry cloth before reinstalling.

In addition to the fan itself, you can take advantage of the powerful aerator to keep your dishes sparkling. You’ll be glad you did!

You can also get your hands on some fun items to make your dishwasher shine.

Pay special attention to the exhaust fan in your bathroom, especially since most have washable filters that trap grease and dust that make your kitchen one of the busiest rooms in your house.

The best part is that most of these tasks can be accomplished with minimal fuss and maximum fun. Your efforts will be rewarded with sparkling clean utensils, less time in the kitchen, as well as a contented family!

Clean the Interior

Though you may not think of cleaning your dishwasher as often as you vacuum, the dust and debris that buildup in a vacuum can cause it to clog. Food scraps, soap scum and grease from cooking can also clog the machine if left unchecked. It’s recommended that you clean your dishwasher every four to six weeks or whenever it starts looking dirty so that you get the most out of this hardworking appliance and keep dishes sparkling and odor-free.

A dirty dishwasher can leave your dishes smelling and looking disheveled, not to mention making them difficult to wash. Fortunately, cleaning a dirty dishwasher is only a few simple steps that take minutes or less and won’t damage the dishes in any way.

Use a solution of white vinegar and baking soda to refresh the interior of your dishwasher. The natural abrasive properties of baking soda will break up any lingering food odors and work to remove hard water stains from stainless steel appliances, while white vinegar wipes away dirt or hard water spots.

Vinegar and baking soda is an effective way to freshen your dishwasher without using harsh chemicals. Simply spray inside of your appliance with one cup of vinegar mixed with one cup of baking soda before running a cycle on high heat; this will dissolve any built-up grime or stains, leaving your appliance brighter and smelling better than ever before.

Maintaining your dishwasher’s cleanliness can also prevent it from developing unpleasant odors and clogging its filter – a problem which may require costly repairs. Beko recommends inspecting your filter at least once every week for optimal effectiveness.

If you notice any buildup, soak both the metal tray (micro filter) and plastic coarse filter in hot, soapy water for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse well. Next, flush out your filters with water to remove any residue and put them back into place.

Once you’re finished cleaning the interior of your dishwasher, take a few minutes to scrub its door and gasket. This step is especially essential for stainless steel appliances since fingerprints and other smudges can cause them to appear dull if not cleaned recently. Whether using cloth or sponge, be sure to get into all grooves of the rubber seal as well as crevices around the door, taking care not to damage buttons.

Clean the Exterior

No matter if your dishwasher is plastic or stainless steel, regularly wiping down its exterior panel is important to keep it looking glossy and prevent fingerprints and smudges from accumulating on its front or handle.

Plastic models can benefit from a solution of hot water and soap; for stainless steel models, use vinegar or store-bought cleaner to remove dirt, grime and stains. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may damage the finish on your dishwasher.

Cleaning the spray arms of your dishwasher is a wise idea if you’ve noticed that it’s not spraying properly. Check for gunk in the holes on the arm, and unclog them if necessary.

If the spray arms have any grease splatters on them or appear to be chipping or breaking away from their base, you might need to replace them. Alternatively, try painting them with a clear sealant made specifically for wire racks.

You can also spray the outside of your dishwasher with Weimans(r) Stainless Steel Cleaner to give it a shiny sheen. It’s non-abrasive and easily applied using either damp cloth or paper towel; just remember to rub in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.

The dishwasher filter traps food particles and prevents them from recirculating through your machine, but it can become clogged with time. Regularly cleaning this part of your appliance helps avoid odors and water buildup inside it.

To clean the filter, take it out of the dishwasher and thoroughly rinse it with water. Additionally, you can use a soft toothbrush to scrub both mesh screen and plastic frame to eliminate any food debris or other residue that has built up there.

If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, try using a drain cleaner to clear out the line or garbage disposal. Doing this will eliminate many of the unpleasant odors and tastes that accumulate inside of it.

You should also clean the dishwasher’s gasket and door. You can do this by wiping them down with a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water, or mix one gallon of water with half a cup of ammonia and use a sponge for wiping down. Be sure to wear rubber gloves while performing these tasks.