Have you ever thought about the last time that you clean your dishwasher? Perhaps it has never occurred to you to clean the machine that is washing your dishes. But, you know, isn’t it always flying itself?
It’s true that simply operating through the dishwasher (even with an empty dishwasher) will not provide it with the thorough clean it needs to eliminate the food particles and grease, and undissolved detergent. It’s not just resulting in an unsightly and unpleasant smell; the gunk could cause your dishes to develop the appearance of a film gross!
Before loading your dishwasher, look at whether your dishwasher needs some deep cleaning. If you believe that your dishwasher could use some care, read this article on cleaning your dishwasher with things you already have at home.
Utilizing Vinegar and Baking Soda
The best part about washing your dishes is that the dishwasher works for you. You don’t have to spend your time sitting on the dishwasher floor scrubbing away. Instead, using the appropriate cleaning products can give your dishwasher a spotless clean at the click of a button. You can even use things that you can already find in your kitchen!
Vinegar is a great way to dissolve grease and grime, and baking soda helps eliminate any unpleasant odors and makes your dishwasher fresh and clean. Doing this simple task each month will yield impressive outcomes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cup measuring cup
- 2 cups of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar,
- 1 pound baking soda
- Toothbrush (optional)
Directions
- Make sure that your dishwasher is clean before the deep cleaning.
- Put a glass measuring mug filled with 2 cups of vinegar on the dishwasher’s top shelf.
- It is a normal cycle that requires dish soap and no detergent.
- After the cycle has finished, take the measuring cup out and remove the rack on the bottom. Sprinkle baking soda over the lower part of your dishwasher.
- Make a brief hot-water run without dishwashing detergent or dishes. Instead, use a brush to rid yourself of any stubborn stains. Of course, your dishwasher should be clean and fresh!
How Often Do You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Although it’s not required to thoroughly cleanse your dishwasher each day, or even every week, there are actions you can regularly follow to avoid buildup to the greatest extent possible.
After Each Use
- Adopt the routine of washing any leftover remnants of food left from the dishwashing process.
- Remove the lower rack and search for food remnants in the silverware basket.
- Make use of a towel to clean the food. This will help prevent odors and ugly buildup.
Weekly
- Cleaning your regular dishwasher basis is as important as a regular deep clean. Take these steps every week:
- Clean any residue off the door’s interior, handle, and dishwasher controls using either a moist sponge or dish towel.
- Take the filter off every week by pulling the lower dish rack, exposing the filter located on the bottom of the spray arm’s base. Rinse it with hot water. Use a brush to scrub the plastic and mesh to remove any remaining residue. If it appears new, put it back in its place. Repeat this process every week to avoid film and spots on your kitchen dishes.
For dishwashers made of stainless steel, you can polish the door’s exterior to remove staining and fingerprints using the cleaning agent for stainless steel (I employ Weiman Stainless Steel Cleansers).
Clean your dishwasher every month.
Although these steps can help combat the buildup of extra material, a thorough cleaning is still required every month to get rid of any residue accumulated from places that are difficult to reach.
You may like to read How to Clean Dirty Sheet Pans Simple Solution?
