In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often overlook the very appliance responsible for keeping our dishes sparkling clean – the dishwasher. It’s easy to forget that even machines need a little TLC to function optimally. In this article by AEG Cleaning Service, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to clean your dishwasher today, ensuring not only sparkling dishes but also the longevity of this indispensable kitchen companion.

We all have got our so-called “cleaning to-do list”, and cleaning the dishwasher is one of those duties that never gets done.

I’m here to tell you a trick that will make the job practically painless. In fact, it will only take approximately 15 seconds of your time, making the dishwasher the easiest item in your home to maintain clean.

Spending time cleaning the inside of your dishwasher, a zone built for cleaning that is soapy, hot, and disinfecting when in use, seems contradictory. This duty is similar to cleaning your washing machine in that soapy residue and deposits build up on the internal walls and components of both appliances, rendering them unclean and ineffective.

A dishwasher, unlike a washing machine, is subject to oil and food particle build-up while still being expected to exceed your wildest hopes in a single wash cycle. 

Remove Filter, Utensil, & Dishwasher Racks

Remove the racks, utensil holders, and filter in order to get down into the nitty-gritty cracks and crevices (some filters simply twist off, but others will require tools to unscrew them). Remove them and soak them in a solution of 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and warm water. Allow at least 30 minutes for them to soak.

Clear out all debris

Check for any lingering debris that may be hiding within now that you have a clean line of sight. Wipe the spray arms and sidewalls, particularly the top and bottom corners. Examine the dishwasher’s filter and dispenser, as well as all of the tiny openings and slots through which water sprays. If you detect food particles or other dirt caught in these tiny gaps, wipe them out with a toothbrush and/or a toothpick.

Run Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar

Place one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Turn on the dishwasher’s hot water cycle. Any lingering food, grease, soap scum, residue, or other filth will be broken down by the vinegar.

Run Short Wash Cycle with Baking Soda

Remove the bowl and add 1 cup of baking soda from the bottom of the dishwasher after the first cycle has been completed. Run it through a quick cycle. Baking soda will clean the dishwasher and erase stains. What’s the end result? The best end result is a sparkling dishwasher with an oh-so-clean scent.

Clean the Outer Dishwasher Door

Use a cleaning product that is appropriate for the surface of your dishwasher: if it’s stainless steel, for example, seek for stainless steel-specific cleaning product (all-purpose cleaners can leave a streaky finish or even scratch steel, so be careful).

Clean Dishwasher Drain Trap

You don’t have to properly rinse the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher in most current dishwashers as it may cause the machine to be less efficient because the internal sensor will believe the dishes are clean and sterilized before they are, causing the cycle to run faster. As a result, scrape off any large pieces of food, as they are the most likely to clog the dishwasher drain trap.

Check the drain trap on a regular basis to ensure that there aren’t any unpleasant things in there ready to foul up the house. Start by removing and disassembling it if there is one. Remove any stuck-on food particles or mould with a sponge or toothbrush and dish soap once it’s disassembled.

Why Clean Dishwasher?

You’ll reap a slew of advantages now that you know how to clean a dishwasher. You’ll notice that the machine not only smells and looks nicer, but it’s also more effective. With the entire residue removed, soap and water can be sprayed at full strength through the appliance, leaving you with spotless dishes.

In fact, if your dishes start to come out of the dishwasher with muck adhered to them, it’s a sign that your dishwasher needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Once every six months, deep clean the inside of the dishwasher to keep it working smoothly.

If your dishwasher includes a self-cleaning sanitize cycle, you should run it once a month in addition to the six-month thorough clean. The sanitize cycle is hotter and lasts longer than a conventional dishwashing cycle, killing 99.9% of bacteria and food soil left behind by a standard wash cycle.

Don’t Forget to Check the Temperature Settings

One more thing you can do to make sure your dishwasher is in top shape: Preheat the oven to 120°–150°F. If the water isn’t at least 120°, it isn’t hot enough to successfully clean dishes.

Next, fill a cup with the hottest tap water possible and place it in the sink closest to the dishwasher to test your temperature. Inside, place a thermometer and check the temperature. You’ll need to adjust your water heater if it’s below 120° or above 150°.

How Often to Clean Dishwasher?

Don’t be concerned! You don’t have to spend all of your free time staring at the screen. Once a month, do a deep clean with an alkaline wash and a drain trap scrub. Once a week, wipe clean the control panel and knobs. That being said, if the dishwasher smells, moulds, or isn’t cleaning as well as it should, it is time to put on the rubber gloves and get to work.

In Conclusion

Regardless of whether you use dishwasher gel, remedies, or dishwasher detergent capsules to wash your dishes, cleaning your dishwasher on a regular basis not only helps to create a better and more effective cleaning but may also assist to extend the life of your machine.

For professional results and cost-efficient cleaning services, connect with AEG Cleaning Services. Our team can guide you through and make the cleaning process easy for you. Our services are available for domestic landlords, offices, and household customers.

If you want to avail this service and other services like carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, home cleaning, landlords & Airbnb, and office cleaning. You can book with us now!