Cleaning your dishwasher is a crucial part of maintaining it properly. If left unchecked, your dishwasher can grow mold and mildew, exposing all of the dishes you put in it to harmful bacteria. If your dishwasher is starting to smell or isn't draining properly, it's probably time for a thorough cleaning. The local Fort Worth appliance repair experts from Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth have compiled a handy guide to the nine simple steps to clean a dishwasher.
By cleaning your dishwasher, you'll improve its performance, reliability, and longevity. All those food particles and smelly dishwashers can build up residue, grime, and stains inside your dishwasher. Over time, it produces foul odors and bacteria that need to be cleaned. We'll help you overcome those tough stains and grease inside your dishwasher, so you can get back to tackling that pile of dishes. Keep reading to learn how to keep your dishwasher sparkling clean, just like your dishes.
How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher Effectively
Step 1: Empty and Inspection
The first step in the 'How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher' guide is to inspect and empty the dishwasher. It would be nigh impossible to do the work with a bunch of dishes in the unit, so take them and the top and bottom racks out. Then you'll want to inspect the interior for any signs of food debris, broken glass, or any other obstructions in the bottom of your dishwasher. Use a paper towel or hand towel to remove any visible debris around the drain and filter area. This will help prevent any future clogs.
Step 2: Filters
If you are looking for a quick guide on how to clean a dishwasher filter, you've come to the right place. The next step in our deep cleaning guide is to clean the filters at the bottom of the dishwasher. It is usually located beneath the spray arm. If you turn it counterclockwise, it should lift out of your dishwasher easily. Place a sink strainer in and give it a thorough rinse to remove food particles. If you have any tough, built-up grime or limescale on the filter, soak it in warm, soapy water and use a soft toothbrush to scrub the mesh and plastic components gently.
For dishwashers with a non-removable filter, simply use a damp cloth and warm water to remove the food particles. A toothbrush can be helpful in clearing the filter. Your manufacturer may have a guide for this in your manual.
Step 3: Spray Arms
Inside the dishwasher are spray arms. They are a major part of what gets your dishes sparkling clean. The spray arms powerfully spray water onto your dishes, effectively eliminating stubborn grease and stains. These can become clogged with hard water, food particles, and soap scum. You can remove these from your dishwasher and rinse them out under water. Another option is to use a toothpick or an old toothbrush to clear any blocked holes. If your dishwasher's spray arms are non-removable, inspect them and use a cloth to wipe them down.
Step 4: The Door
The door of your dishwasher controls your wash cycles and ensures a proper seal is maintained. Use a damp cloth to wipe down and clean the inside of your dishwasher door. This includes the gaskets and the control panel. For tough grime, mix one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water, and a small amount of dish soap together. This should thoroughly clean the dishwasher door.
Step 5: Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is such a handy thing. Not only is it awesome for cooking, but it is also great for cleaning. We recommend using a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup on the top or bottom rack. Fill it with a cup of vinegar or two. Now run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar and without dishwasher detergent to help dissolve grease, oil, mineral deposits, and reduce odors. Running a dishwasher with vinegar inside is key to deep cleaning your dishwasher. However, dishwashers with multiple rubber parts can be negatively impacted by the acidity.
Step 6: Baking Soda Time
While vinegar and baking soda are often used together to break up pesky clogs, performing a baking soda cycle after your vinegar cycle will deodorize and brighten the interior of your dishwasher. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of your dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. To clean a dirty dishwasher, baking soda will give you a perfectly clean look.
Step 7: Tablets for a Deeper Clean
Running the dishwasher with dishwasher cleaner tablets will lead to a deeper clean and cleaner dishes. There is no particular dishwasher cleaner that we recommend, but it's a good idea to check your manual to see if any are suggested. Unlike our other steps, this one can be done with dishes inside. Use a dishwasher cleaning tablet in conjunction with regular detergent for clean dishes and a clean interior. Simply run a normal wash cycle and let the tablet do the work. For really stuck-on and tough grime, you can always run an empty cycle and place two tablets inside.
Step 8: Exterior Cleaning
We are almost at the end of our guide on how to clean a dishwasher. The next step is to clean the outside. Whether you have a stainless steel dishwasher or not, we'll make sure you learn how to clean the exterior. For non-stainless models, you can use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning detergent. You'll want to wipe down the control panel, handle, and door. For stainless steel finishes, it is recommended to use a dedicated cleaner and wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaking, giving your dishwasher a fresh look. Always avoid abrasive cleaning solutions that can damage the outside of the dishwasher.
Bonus Step 9: Sanitization Cycle
Our final step in this guide on how to clean a dishwasher is a bonus step you can take to sanitize your unit. Some dishwashers have sanitization cycles; if that's the case, go ahead and run that cycle to clear your dishwasher of harmful bacteria and persistent odors. For everyone else, you can clean your dishwasher with bleach. Similar to the vinegar step, use a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of bleach and place it in the top rack. Now you run a hot cycle. Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners. So do this step at a different time if you've been following along. Avoid using bleach if your product has stainless steel parts.
For all Your Dishwasher Repair Needs, There is Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth: Call Us Today!
Now that you know how to clean your dishwasher, we hope it has resolved any potential issues you may have had. If it hasn't, you can trust the experts at Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth for a reliable dishwasher repair. Fort Worth appliance experts have years of experience providing quality repairs for dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, dryers, washers, and more. Our repair services are available in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas of Azle, Cleburne, Haltom City, Lake Worth, Richland Hills, Saginaw, and White Settlement. Contact us today to discover more about our exceptional appliance services.
