How To Clean A Dishwasher?

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Matters?

Here’s why cleaning your dishwasher should be part of your routine:

• No More Bad Smells: Nobody likes a smelly dishwasher. Food bits and bacteria can pile up and cause unpleasant odours. A quick clean keeps things fresh.
• Keeps Your Dishes Sparkling: If your filter or spray arm is clogged, water won’t flow properly, leaving you with dirty dishes and cloudy glasses. Cleaning your dishwasher means you won’t have to rewash everything.
• Makes Your Dishwasher Last Longer: Grease and hard water build-up can wear down your machine over time. Regular cleaning helps you avoid expensive repairs and keeps your dishwasher running for years.
• No Residue on Dishes: A dirty dishwasher can leave grime or soap scum on your "clean" dishes. A clean machine means spotless, hygienic plates and glasses every time.

Living in London means you have easy access to reliable professionals who specialise in dishwasher repair.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

To keep your dishwasher running smoothly, it’s a good idea to give it a deep clean about once a month. That said, how often you clean it can depend on a few things:

• How often you use it: If you’re running it daily, stick to a monthly clean. If you use it less, every two or three months might be fine.
• Hard water problems: If you live in a hard water area like London, limescale can build up fast. In that case, you’ll want to clean it more often to avoid blockages and keep it performing well.
• Signs it needs help: Don’t wait for the calendar if there’s a smell, your dishes aren’t coming out clean, or you can see grime. That’s a sure sign it’s time for a clean.

As a rule of thumb, aim for a deep clean every 30 days and do a quick check of the filter each week. Easy, right?

Best Way to Clean a Dishwasher: Step-by-Step Guide

Get your dishwasher ready for a good clean by emptying it, taking out the racks, clearing out any debris, and making sure you can reach the filter and spray arms. Once that’s done, just follow a few easy steps for a deep, thorough clean!

Cleaning the Filter

The filter does a lot of the hard work by catching big food bits, so giving it a good clean is super important. Here’s an easy way to do it:

• Look under the lower spray arm to find the filter. Unlock the cylindrical piece with the mesh screen and take it out.
• Rinse it under hot water with the best dish soap you can find and use a soft brush to scrub off any grease or debris.
• Put the filter back in place and make sure it’s locked securely. Whatever you do, don’t run the dishwasher without it as it could cause damage!

Cleaning the Interior with Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural cleaning superstar that’s great for tackling grease and limescale and clean a dishwasher. Here’s an easy way to give your dishwasher a deep clean:

• Grab a dishwasher-safe bowl and fill it with 250-500ml of distilled white vinegar.
• Pop the bowl on the top rack of an empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle (no detergent needed).
• Stick to distilled white vinegar as apple cider vinegar can stain the inside of your dishwasher, and no one wants that!

Deodorising with Baking Soda

Once you’ve finished the vinegar cycle, baking soda is here to save the day and tackle any leftover smells.

• Just sprinkle about a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. It’s great for neutralising odours.
• Then, run a short cycle on the hottest setting. This will help wipe out any stains and smells, leaving your dishwasher fresh and ready to go!

Want a fresher, cleaner dishwasher? Head to our blog: ‘How to Clean Lime Deposits in a Dishwasher’.

Cleaning the Spray Arms

If your dishes aren’t coming out clean, clogged spray arms might be the culprit.

• Start by removing the spray arms. Just lift off the lower one or unscrew/clip off the upper one.
• Clear out any food bits or mineral buildup from the nozzles using a toothpick, wire, or tweezers.
• Give the spray arms a good rinse under warm water to wash away any leftover debris. Once they’re clean, pop them back into your dishwasher, and you’re good to go!

Cleaning the Door and Seals

Don’t skip the edges and rubber gasket around the door when you clean a dishwasher, as mould and mildew love to hide there!

• Grab some soapy water or vinegar and give the door edges and gasket a good wipe to keep things fresh.
• For those tricky spots in the gasket, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn dirt.

Cleaning the Outside

Don’t forget to show the outside of your dishwasher some love, too!

• Grab a damp microfiber cloth and give the exterior a quick wipe-down. It’s super easy.
• If your dishwasher has a stainless steel finish, use a special cleaner or a bit of white vinegar. Just make sure to wipe along the grain to keep it streak-free!

Best Dishwasher Cleaners: DIY vs. Commercial

The vinegar and baking soda trick is a great natural option to clean a dishwasher, but sometimes you need something stronger, especially for heavy limescale build-up.

If you are looking for a reliable solution, you can find plenty of options like Amazon dishwasher cleaner or active dishwasher cleaner by searching “best dishwasher cleaner.”

Are Dishwasher Cleaners Safe?

People often ask, are dishwasher cleaners safe? The short answer is yes!

Most commercial cleaners are made specifically for dishwashers and are safe as long as you follow the instructions. They’re designed to rinse away completely, so your dishes stay clean and safe.

That said, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Always read and follow the directions on the package.
• Never mix cleaners, especially bleach-based ones, with vinegar, as it can create toxic chlorine gas.
• If your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior, steer clear of bleach-based cleaners as they can cause damage.

Stick to these precautions, and your dishwasher will stay in great shape while keeping your dishes spotless!

Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Issues

If your dishwasher still isn’t performing well after a good clean, don’t worry. Here are some common issues and what might be causing them:

• Unpleasant smells: This is usually caused by a clogged filter or food debris getting stuck. If cleaning doesn’t fix it, take a look at the drain hose to see if it’s blocked.
• Food left on dishes: This often means the spray arm nozzles are clogged or the filter is blocked. Double-check that the spray arms can spin freely and aren’t being blocked by tall dishes.
• Rust inside the dishwasher: Rust spots are often due to chipped vinyl on the racks, which exposes the metal underneath. You can grab a rack repair kit to seal those spots. Sometimes, rust can also be caused by tap water with high iron content.

Maintaining a Clean Dishwasher

Once you clean a dishwasher, a few easy habits can help keep it running smoothly.

• Scrape Your Plates: No need to pre-rinse. Modern automatic dishwasher detergent actually works better with a little grime to grab onto! Just scrape off any big food chunks first to avoid clogging the filter.
• Check the Filter: Give the filter a look and rinse once a week to clear out any trapped gunk.
• Run a Hot Cycle: Every now and then, run a hot water cycle. It’ll dissolve grease and soap scum that can build up from cooler, eco-friendly washes.

When to Call a Professional?

Regular cleaning can fix a lot of dishwasher issues, but sometimes you need to bring in the pros. Here’s when it’s time to call for help:

• Your dishwasher won't drain, even after cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose.
• It’s making strange noises, like grinding or loud humming.
• You’ve got water leaking out.
• The dishwasher isn’t heating the water.

For homeowners and landlords in London, a broken appliance can be a real hassle. That’s where Serviceteam comes in! Our expert engineers are here 24/7 to sort out your dishwasher repairs or installations and keep your home running smoothly.

Looking for a local dishwasher repairman in London? Find tips in our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a dishwasher filter?

Take out the dishwasher filter, rinse it under warm water, and give it a gentle scrub with a soft brush to get rid of any gunk. For tougher stains, soak it in warm, soapy water. Don’t forget to check your manual for specific cleaning tips!

What is the best way to clean a dishwasher inside?

Remove the racks, wipe away any debris, and freshen up the inside with vinegar. Just put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. Then sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle for that extra fresh feeling.

What are the ways to clean a dishwasher naturally?

White vinegar and baking soda are your best friends. Run a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar up top, then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and do a short rinse cycle to banish grime.

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

A good rule of thumb is to clean your dishwasher every 1-2 months to keep it running smoothly and to avoid bad smells. If you’re running it a lot, you might want to clean it monthly. Regular TLC means spotless dishes and a hardworking machine!

How do I know if my dishwasher needs a cleaning?

Look out for lingering smells, water that doesn’t drain properly, cloudy dishes, or visible grime. If your dishwasher isn’t doing its job or looks gross inside, it’s time for a deep clean.