To maintain a dishwasher for a long time, it is essential to regularly clean and sanitise the appliance. You must know how to deep clean a dishwasher as it directly impacts the efficiency and cleanliness of your dishes. A pristine dishwasher ensures that your dishes come out sparkling clean and free from residue. If you notice your once-gleaming plates are now coming out with stubborn gunk, then it’s a clear indicator that your dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning.
In this guide, we will help you understand how to clean a dirty dishwasher and walk you through the process, ensuring it functions optimally and your dishes shine brightly.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
The first step is to know what cleaning supplies you will need. Gather the following supplies:
- Warm water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber gloves
Step 2: Take Out the Filter, Dishwasher Racks, and Utensil Holders
To access all the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher, start by removing the dishwasher racks, utensil holders, and filter. These parts can often hide grime and debris. Once you have these separate parts, how to clean the dishwasher filter? Put the filer, racks, and utensil holders in a solution of warm water mixed with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. Soak these items for a minimum of half an hour. This soaking will help to dislodge and dissolve the built-up residue.
Step 3: Clear Out All Debris
The next step in how to clean the dishwasher is to examine the interior for any leftover debris. With the dishwasher’s interior now exposed, pay special attention to the spray arms and the side walls, especially the corners at the top and bottom. Check the dishwasher filter and dispenser, and inspect the small holes and slots where water sprays out. If you find any food particles or residue, use a toothbrush and toothpick to clean these areas meticulously.
Step 4: Run the Dishwasher with Vinegar
To clean the dirty dishwasher thoroughly, place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the bottom rack. Next, set your dishwasher to run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will work wonders, breaking down remaining food bits, grease, soap scum, and any lingering grime. This step not only cleans the interior but also helps eliminate unpleasant odours.
Step 5: Run Another Cycle with Baking Soda
After the vinegar cycle, remove the bowl and evenly spread 1 cup of baking soda along the dishwasher’s bottom. Run a short cycle with hot water. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that effectively tackles stains and refreshes the dishwasher’s interior. This second cycle will successfully complete your process of how to deep clean a dishwasher. You will be rewarded with a spotless dishwasher that not only looks clean but also smells wonderfully fresh.
Step 6: Clean the Outer Dishwasher Door
To maintain a dishwasher in good condition, exterior cleaning is equally important as interior cleaning. Depending on your dishwasher’s surface material, choose an appropriate cleaner. Stainless steel dishwashers, for instance, require a cleaner formulated specifically for stainless steel surfaces. Avoid using all-purpose cleaners, which might leave streaks or even damage certain surfaces.
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Conclusion
A clean dishwasher is an essential part of maintaining a well-functioning kitchen. To keep the appliance up and running for an extended period, it is important to know how to clean a dishwasher drain thoroughly and its interior parts. It is advised to deep clean your dishwasher every six months to ensure the system remails fully functional.
For any other dishwasher repairs in Brisbane, contact our team.