The dishwasher is your kitchen’s premier cleaning appliance, providing your home with a steady supply of clean plates, bowls, utensils, cookware and more. But just like any other kitchen product, your dishwasher requires regular cleaning.
Some homeowners assume that because the dishwasher is used for cleaning, it doesn’t need to be cleaned. However, failing to clean your unit will result in a smelly dishwasher filled with waste that ultimately cannot do its job. Luckily, cleaning a dishwasher is a simple task, and to educate you we’ve provided some helpful information on how to clean your dishwasher in three steps.
1. Clear The Dishwasher Drain
The dishwasher drain is designed to capture all the food particles and waste that’s washed off of your dishes after a cycle, and you’ll want to clear the drain before you wash the entire unit.
The drain is located in the bottom of your appliance, and you’ll need to remove the bottom dish rack for proper access. Simply locate the drain and remove any gunk or food waste that you find. Cleaning the drain is particularly beneficial if you notice bad smells coming from your appliance, as these odors are typically caused by rotten food waste. Moreover, cleaning the drain will improve your dishwasher’s efficiency and drainage capabilities.
2. Wash Cycles With White Vinegar
Once your dishwasher drain is cleared, you can clean the interior of the appliance using white vinegar.
To do this, you should first place one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of the unit. Next, run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. This will help eliminate grime and grease throughout the appliance, while also killing bacteria that can cause musty odors.
3. Rinse Cycle With Baking Soda
After the white vinegar wash cycle, the final step in cleaning your dishwasher is running a rinse cycle using baking soda.
You should measure one cup of baking soda and sprinkle it across the bottom of the dishwasher, then run a hot water rinse cycle. This cycle will remove stains throughout the appliance’s interior and leave it smelling fresh.
Efficient & Effective Dishwashers For Today’s Homes
The only way your dishwasher will work properly is if it’s clean, and dishwasher cleaning is a necessary chore for every homeowner. As long as you have white vinegar and baking soda in your home, cleaning your dishwasher will be a simple task.
Are you looking for a new dishwasher? You can use this online collection of dishwashers to explore your options, or contact a home appliance expert for specialized assistance.