The dishwasher is one of those items that we tend to forget about because it self-cleans while it’s running, right? Well, not exactly. While it does rinse itself out, food and debris is often left behind.
To ensure your dishwasher is in top condition and cleaning your dishes to its full potential, view our tips below.
Here are a few items you will want to have on hand before you get started:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Rags
- Toothbrush
- Toothpicks
1 – After running a cycle (either empty, or after washing a load of dishes), empty the dishwasher including the racks and utensil holder.
2 – Test the arms in the bottom of the dishwasher that spin around to make sure they are moving freely. Use a toothpick to check the small holes to ensure they are open. Carefully remove any debris.
3 – Wipe down the floor of the dishwasher and inspect the drain area for any debris. There is typically a plastic grate around the drain, under the spinning arm. If debris is lodged here, the dishwasher may not drain properly. You can use a baking soda paste (water and baking soda), or warm, soapy water for this job. Also check under the bottom of the dishwasher door. This area can collect debris as well.
4 – Use the baking soda paste and a toothbrush to clean around the drain area well. Non water soluble Items often collect here that were mistakenly on dishes or cups that were placed in the dishwasher.
5 – Gently wipe around the black seal of the dishwasher. This usually resembles weather stripping and can get grimy with use, resulting in a dishwasher that doesn’t seal well. A little vinegar and lemon juice can help remove crusty spots that don’t wipe off easily.
6 – Inspect the utensil holder for debris or damage. You can wash them off with soapy water as needed. For areas on the trays that may be showing signs of rust, you can purchase a sealant / rust deterrent to fill in the spot and match your existing trays. They typically come in a small bottle that resembles Wite-Out and can be found in white, ivory and gray colors at your local hardware store.
7 – If you live in an area with hard water that leaves film or deposits on your dishes as well as inside your dishwasher, you can minimize this issue by running an empty cycle and using distilled vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher (use approximately 2 cups of vinegar). Stop the cycle about mid-way through so the vinegar can sit in the bottom for 15 – 20 minutes. Then finish the cycle.
8 – For any mildew issues, try using 1/2 cup bleach in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a full cycle (empty). Remember not to combine vinegar and bleach at the same time however, as this can be too strong. Also, if your dishwasher is stainless steel on the inside, it is not advised to use bleach.
We hope this helps get your dishwasher – and your dishes – sparkling clean! If you need help getting the rest of your house in shape, contact us for a free estimate!