The dishwasher is a commonly used equipment but we often neglect its cleaning. This leads to the buildup of soap scum and mineral deposits which are the best places to support the growth of microbes. Hence, it not only reduces the efficiency of your dishwasher but also produces a foul smell. However, if you clean your appliance regularly then it will run smoothly for a long time. To help you in this regard, I came up with this article which will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to deep clean dishwasher.
Things needed for cleaning
- A cup of vinegar
- Backing soda
- Any cleaning brushes
- Paper towel or cloth rags
- Toothpick
- Dish soap
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The Easy Steps How To Deep Clean Dishwasher
For making this process easier for you, I divided the whole process into 7 easy to follow steps. Therefore, read the following instructions carefully for efficient cleaning.
1. Remove the parts
Before cleaning, the first thing you need to do is the separation of various parts of the dishwasher. To give you an idea, detach the tray as well as the utensil holder for better examining the inner area.
2. Examine the drain
Next, you have to observe the bottom area of your appliance whether the drain contains clogs or not? Generally, the clogs inside it can harm the pump of the dishwasher along with causing a scratch on dishes. There you can find various contaminants like remaining food particles, bits of glass and gravel pieces, etc.
3. Filter washing
A filter is an important part of the dishwasher and it greatly affects its performance. Therefore, you should know that how to clean a dishwasher filter?
For this purpose, separate the filter and get rid of gunky remains over it. Afterward, place the filter in warm soapy water and keep it there for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse it thoroughly for removing the excess soap to make it crystal clear.
4. Cleaning of interior
Now it’s time to have a look at the interior part of your equipment. For this task, use a natural ingredient that is commonly known as baking soda. It can kill the fungus, eliminate the bad smell, and whitens the surfaces naturally.
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But here this question arises that how do you clean your dishwasher with baking soda? This is simple as you just have to pour the baking soda over undetachable parts including the soap dispenser and scrub these.
How do you clean a dishwasher drain trap?
Afterward, gently apply pressure on it (scrubbing) by using any of the cleaning brush. There will be some hard to reach areas like a drain and for their cleaning, you can use a toothpick. This step is very crucial and makes sure to completely clean the water holes and drain of the dishwasher.
Note: If you do not have baking soda then you can also utilize sodium borate that is generally called borax and will also work great.
5. Wash cycle with vinegar
In this step, I will guide you that how to clean the dishwasher with vinegar? But let me make it clear to you that is vinegar? And why we are using it?
Vinegar is used as a sanitizer and it can finish the pesky germs. Besides, it also makes the soap scum soft hence, we can easily remove these. Apply it to the cleaning brush and clean the edges of your dishwasher with its help. Also, soak a rag in it and then clean the outer side of your equipment by using it.
How to clean a dishwasher without vinegar?
The basic aim of using vinegar is the removal of stains along as well as freshen the dishwasher. But if you don’t have vinegar then you can utilize the baking soda in its place. Just sprinkle the baking soda over the bottom of the appliance and run a wash cycle. However, try to use as warm water as possible for better results. Instead of borax acid, you can also use the unsweetened lemonade mix for this step.
6. Wash cycle with baking soda
To have a bright and stain-free interior, you have to go for another wash cycle with baking soda. Once the vinegar cycle is finished, add the baking soda to hot water and run a short cycle. The plus point is that you can also do this while dishes are in the dishwasher.Not to mention that it will remove the mineral deposits along with eliminating the bad smell. From the above two steps, you will have a better idea that how to clean a dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar.
7. Reassemble
In the final step, you just have to check that if there any remaining stains or deposits are there on the dishwasher? If yes then remove these by gently scrubbing with the help of a brush. In the end, combine all of the removable parts, and it is all done.
How do you clean a dishwasher with bleach?
For cleaning the dishwasher with bleach, add a cup of it into the safe of a dishwasher. After that, place it in the upper rack of equipment and run a complete cycle. However, remember you don’t have to go through the dry cycle here.
Important Point: It is not advisable to use bleach for that equipment which is made up of stainless steel. This is because bleach will damage their surfaces or can lead to corrosion. Needless to say, that both of these issues will badly affect the performance of your dishwasher.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
For completely cleaning the inside of your dishwasher, you have to pass it through two wash cycles. The first one will be with vinegar that completely vanishes the musty odor by washing away greases and grime. In the second wash cycle, use baking soda in hot water and run a short cycle. This will not only remove the remaining contaminants but will also brighten up the surface of your appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
How to regularly clean your dishwasher?
Answer: Experts suggest that you need to thoroughly clean your dishwasher once a month. And this will be enough however, if your dishwasher is producing any bad smell then you need to clean it. For this regular cleaning, a quick wash cycle with borax acid or vinegar will do the job.
How do you make home dishwasher cleaner?
Answer: Speaking about dishwasher cleaning, add three drops of any normal dish soap. Furthermore, fill the detergent cup by adding 2/3 part of the baking soda. Now add salt into it till then when the cup is almost full and normally runs a wash cycle.
What is the best product to clean a dishwasher?
Answer: The best dishwasher cleaner is lemi shine that does an amazing job. It is prepared by using biodegradable ingredients like natural citric extracts hence, it efficiently removes the hard water spots. Besides, it also deodorizes the dishwasher by removing the mineral deposits and soap scum.
Final Verdict
With that being said, now it’s time to give some final suggestions on how to deep clean dishwasher. Its regular cleaning is mandatory even though how efficient detergent you are using for washing dishes.
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