How to clean a dishwasher
Miscellaneous / / July 31, 2021
Manufacturers advise cleaning the machine about once a month. But this is a general recommendation. You may need to wash your device more or less often. It depends on how you are used to using the device.
Please note that the machine gets dirty faster if:
- you turn it on once a day or more;
- forget to leave the door open after washing (in this case, the internal elements of the machine dry longer and mold may appear on them);
- your water is too hard, but you forget to add special softening salt for the dishwasher to the compartment provided for this;
- load very dirty dishes - with burnt food, frozen fat, dried pieces of dough;
- start the wash at a low water temperature (for example, to save electricity);
- accustomed to using only gentle detergents that are simply not able to wash off serious dirt;
- put utensils that are not suitable for dishwashing into the chamber, such as disposable or wooden ones.
However, even under such harsh operating conditions, the machine is able to stay clean for a long time. It is possible to determine that it is time to rinse it by quite certain signs.
How to know when it's time to clean your dishwasher
Here are some of the main symptoms:
- Unpleasant odor from the cooking compartment.
- Substandard washing dishes: on plates, pots, cups, as a result, whitish stains from water or oily deposits remain.
- Food particles are observed inside the chamber or on dishes taken out of the chamber.
- Rust and mineral deposits are visible on the inner surfaces of the tank.
- A permanent deposit is visible on the filter and water spray blades.
- You notice that the water is draining more slowly than usual, or that it starts to leak.
If any of these signs appear, the machine clearly needs a comprehensive cleaning. Act consistently.
How to clean dishwasher baskets
Baskets are those lattice trays on which the dishes are placed. They can collect food debris, especially in the form of long fibers, and fat.
What is needed
- Latex gloves.
- Microfiber soft cloths.
- Sponge for dish washing.
- An old soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Detergent solution. The easiest way to make it is to dissolve a couple tablespoons of dish soap in a liter of warm water.
- Pure water.
What to do
Remove baskets from their runners, if possible, and soak for a few minutes in the detergent solution. Non-removable elements will have to be washed directly in the machine, pulling them out as much as possible.
Remove all large food debris. Then use a sponge to thoroughly wipe the grates on all sides. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach spots in the bends of the baskets.
Rinse the baskets with clean water. Wipe with tissues to remove excess moisture. Replace parts if removed.
How to clean your dishwasher filters
Some manufacturers recommend cleaning these items after each dishwashing. The fact is that the filter system retains food particles in itself in order not to give them clog the drain. If this debris is not disposed of in time, it decomposes and can cause an unpleasant odor. In addition, dirty filters make it difficult to drain the water from the machine.
What is needed
- Latex gloves.
- Microfiber soft cloths.
- Screwdriver - optional.
- Sponge.
- Dishwashing liquid.
What to do
Unplug the dishwasher and close the water supply valve.
Pull out the strainer. It is usually located on the bottom of the dishwasher, next to the water sprinkler blades.
If you have a modern dishwasher, it will be easy to remove the filter: just pull it up a little or unscrew it. In more old models may need to use a screwdriver.
Inspect the filter for contamination. Remove the largest food debris and other debris, such as pieces of plastic dishes.
Rinse the part under warm running water. If there is a lot of grease on the parts, use a sponge and means for dish washing.
Blot a clean filter with an absorbent cloth to remove excess moisture and replace it. Make sure that the marking arrows on the bottom of the dishwasher and on one side of the part point to each other after installation.
How to clean dishwasher nozzles
Sprayers, or spray arms, ensure the flow and even distribution of water inside the dishwasher chamber. If they are clogged, the dishes will be washed poorly: streaks and greasy marks will remain on it.
What is needed
- Latex gloves.
- Tweezers or toothpicks.
- Microfiber cloths.
- Sponge.
What to do
Carefully inspect the holes (nozzles) of the spray arms from which the water comes out for contamination.
If you see dirt or food debris, try removing it with tweezers or a toothpick. But never push debris into the nozzles!
If the parts are heavily soiled, remove the lower and upper nozzles as directed in the machine manual. Most often, the upper blade is unscrewed, and the lower blade can be removed by simply gently pulling it up.
Rinse the parts under warm running water, using a sponge if necessary. Then wipe the blades with tissues and reinstall.
How to clean dishwasher seals and blind spots
Grease, food debris and other debris accumulate not only on filters and open surfaces of the device, but also in hard-to-reach places. For example, on rubber gaskets between the door and the body.
In addition, debris can fall into the lower part of the door - the so-called dead zone, where water does not penetrate during washing. Because of this, bad smell.
What is needed
- Latex gloves.
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Sponge.
- Toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Microfiber cloths.
- Water.
What to do
Carefully inspect the seals and the bottom of the door. Remove large, visible debris.
Then wipe the elements with a sponge with detergent applied to it. If the dirt is difficult to reach, use a toothbrush.
Rinse the seals and the dead zone with a cloth dampened with clean water. Wipe dry.
How to clean the dishwasher cabinet
This is the final part of the cleaning. It makes sense to start it only if you are sure that there are no large-scale contamination on the other elements of the dishwasher.
What is needed
- Latex gloves.
- Microfiber soft cloths.
- Special detergent for dishwasher cleaning. Vinegar and baking soda - optional.
What to do
Prepare a cleaning solution. Most often, manufacturers recommend using only special dishwasher cleaners. They are the most effective and safest to remove grease, plaque, mold and rust.
You can buy such products in regular supermarkets. Typically, this is a plastic container with a liquid composition sealed with a membrane that dissolves under the influence of hot water. But there are options in the form of familiar pills.
Place the detergent in the dishwasher as shown in the instructions supplied with it. Run the wash cycle at the highest temperature.
If there is no store-bought product, but it is necessary to clean the equipment, some craftsmen recommend using ordinary table vinegar and soda. To do this, place a glass beaker in the lower basket of the dishwasher. Pour into it vinegar, close the car.
Run a complete wash cycle. When it's over, remove the glass and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
Close the car for at least a few hours, such as overnight. Start another complete wash cycle in the morning.
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