Clean Dishwasher, Sparkling Dishes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your dishwasher clean is essential for ensuring your dishes get the best possible wash. A buildup of dirt, food particles, and mineral deposits can not only cause unpleasant odours, but it can also hinder your dishwasher's cleaning ability. Cleaning your dishwasher regularly is an easy habit to adopt, and there are a couple of effective methods to choose from.
How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are a reliable and inexpensive team for cleaning your dishwasher and fighting odours. Follow these steps for a naturally clean result:
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher
Before starting any cleaning process, remove all dishes, cutlery, and any loose racks from the dishwasher.
Step 2: Clear the Filter
Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher and carefully remove it. Wash away any debris with warm, soapy water, being sure to clear any clogs. Some filters are not removable – for these, simply clear away what you can and consult your dishwasher manual for detailed instructions.
Step 3: Use White Vinegar
Place a dishwasher-safe container filled with two cups (500 mL) of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Choose a hot water cycle with the heated dry option turned off and let the dishwasher run. You shouldn't use detergent during this cycle.
Step 4: Baking Soda Sprinkle
Once the vinegar cycle completes, evenly sprinkle roughly one cup (250 mL) of baking soda across the dishwasher's bottom. Run a short cycle on the hottest water setting. Your dishwasher should now be clean and free of unpleasant smells.
Cleaning tip: White vinegar is ideal due to its lack of colour, preventing potential staining. Diluted apple cider vinegar may also be used if preferred.
How to Clean With Dishwasher Cleaner
To tackle heavy buildup effectively, consider using Affresh dishwasher cleaner, a commercial cleaner formulated specifically for dishwashers. Here's the process:
Step 1: Prep and Load
Just as with the vinegar method, clear the dishwasher, clean the filter and check your manual if removal isn't possible. Place the cleaning product in the dishwasher as instructed on the packaging – this could be in the detergent dispenser or on the bottom of the unit.
Step 2: Place dishwasher cleaner tablet
When cleaning without dishes, insert one tablet into the detergent tray. For heavy buildup, consider adding a second tablet to the bottom of the dishwasher.
When cleaning with dishes, place one tablet under the bottom rack of the dishwasher and use your regular detergent in the main detergent tray. Shop affresh® tablets and other cleaners.
Step 3: Choose Your Cycle
Select a normal wash cycle. Some dishwasher cleaning products are formulated to work alongside standard detergent so you can even wash a load of dishes while cleaning! Always refer to the specific cleaner's instructions. Learn more about how long dishwashers run based on the cycle you select.
Cleaning tip: Is your dishwasher looking a bit dingy? Just grab a damp cloth and give it a wipe down. To polish stainless steel exteriors, use a cleaner like this affresh® starter pack.
Maintaining a Clean Dishwasher
Regular maintenance is key to preventing future headaches. To keep your dishwasher running effectively, follow this simple cleaning schedule:
Check After Each Use: Remove visible food or debris from the drain area after each cycle.
Monthly Deep Clean: Use either the vinegar/baking soda method or a commercial cleaner. Hard water areas may benefit from more frequent cleaning.
Exterior Care: A simple wipe down with a damp cloth keeps your dishwasher looking good. To remove fingerprint smudges on stainless steel, try affresh® dishwasher cleaner.
Special Circumstances: If you've cooked something that leaves an unusually greasy film on pans or cookware, an extra dishwasher clean after can prevent that residue from being redeposited on future loads.
Shop affresh® dishwasher cleaner
More guides to care for your dishwasher
-
Dishwasher Not Cleaning If your dishwasher is not cleaning well, there are a few possible reasons to consider. Use this guide to help. -
Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Unclog Unclogging your dishwasher drain is easy with our troubleshooting guide. Try our fix-it tips, or if all else fails, schedule a service appointment. -
How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter: Step-by-Step Guide Regularly cleaning your dishwasher filter will prevent buildup and clogs. Learn the proper way to remove, clean, and replace the dishwasher filter.
Appliance IQ
Want more answers to your kitchen and laundry questions?
