Ensure your appliance stays free from smell and remains efficient with this eco-friendly method.
Even though your dishwasher is incredibly efficient, food particles, grease, and hard water buildup can create clogs and lead to odors, which reduces performance. Luckily, restoring your dishwasher efficiency doesn’t need harsh chemicals. White vinegar, which is likely already in your pantry, can dissolve grime, mildew, and any leftover smells. Here’s how to deep clean your dishwasher in a few easy steps.
Clean Your Dishwasher For Effective Use
Self-cleaning appliances also need some maintenance. Over time filters, spray arms, and crevices accumulate coffee grounds, grease, and soap scum, which can lead to bacteria and mold building up. There is also a chance of hard water clogging jets, which leaves dishes streaky. Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar regularly will tackle these issues, as well as extend the lifespan of your dishwasher while allowing it to run quietly and efficiently.
Remove All Items And Inspect
Check the filter (normally situated at the base of the tub) and rinse it under warm water to help remove any food particles. – Start by taking out the racks and dishes from the dishwasher. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away tough residue. Remove mold or mildew by wiping the edges and the door seal with a damp cloth.
Run a Wash Cycle With Vinegar
For an additional cleansing effect, after the vinegar cycle, pour one cup of baking soda into the tub’s bottom, and then run a short rinse cycle to get rid of unpleasant smells. Run a hot water cycle without any detergent. The vinegar will break down grease, odors, and mineral deposits, helping to clean the dishwasher. Pour two cups of distilled white vinegar into a measuring cup or a dishwasher-safe cup and put it on the top rack.
Clean The Jets And Arms Of The Sprayer
Over time, spray arms can accumulate debris which clogs them rendering them nonfunctional. As per the manual of the dishwasher, remove the arms (which most of them can be twisted off quite simply) and soak them in vinegar water solution for 30 minutes. Before reattaching, wipe the exterior of the arms with a vinegar-dampened cloth. Clear any blocked holes with a toothpick or pipe cleaner.
Wipe Down Interior Surfaces
While the dishwasher is empty, the next step is to clean the interior surfaces. For this, you will need a microfiber cloth dampened in equal parts vinegar and water. Use this cloth to wipe the interior walls, door, and utensil trays. Pay close attention to the crevices around the door seal, as that is a place mold loves to hide. For stainless steel interiors, buff with a dry cloth; otherwise, you may see water spots.
Maintain Freshness
Cleaning and maintaining the dishwasher will ensure there will be no future build-up of grime.
- Monthly Vinegar Rinse: Rinse: Do the same vinegar cycle every 4-6 weeks.
- Scrape Dishes First: Instead of rinsing off dishes, scraping off food scraps will greatly reduce debris.
- Use a Rinse Aid: Put a rinse aid in the dishwasher’s dispenser to help combat hard water.
- Leave the Door Ajar: After each cycle, prop the door open so moisture can easily escape and mildew does not set in.
When to Call a Professional
Thanks to vinegar’s acidity, it is one of the best ingredients for grease and other mineral deposits. Adding a few drops to your routine as a household cleaner ensures that you have spotless dishes, and minimizes the amount on your energy bill, while also leaving the kitchen smelling fresh.
Vinegar’s acidity makes it a powerhouse for dissolving grease and mineral deposits without damaging your dishwasher. By incorporating this simple routine into your household maintenance, you’ll ensure spotless dishes, lower energy bills, and a fresher-smelling kitchen.
Note: Do not use vinegar for dishwashers with a rubber gasket or stainless steel tub. Check with your manufacturer’s instructions first.
