Your dishwasher works hard to keep your dishes sparkling clean, but paradoxically, it can get quite dirty itself. Food particles, grease, soap scum, mineral deposits from hard water, and even mold and mildew can build up inside, leading to unpleasant odors, cloudy dishes, and reduced cleaning efficiency. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is essential for ensuring it performs optimally and your dishes come out truly spotless. Asubra Cleaning provides a simple, step-by-step DIY guide to keep your dishwasher fresh and functional.
Common dishwasher maintenance needs
Understanding why and where your dishwasher gets dirty helps in effective cleaning.
- Food Particle Buildup: Despite rinsing dishes, small food bits inevitably get washed off and can accumulate in the filter, spray arms, and drain.
- Grease and Soap Scum: Over time, grease from food and residue from dishwasher detergents can create a sticky film on the interior surfaces, leading to odors and reducing the effectiveness of the wash.
- Hard Water Deposits: If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits (limescale) can accumulate on the heating element, spray arms, and interior, leading to cloudy dishes and reduced performance.
- Mold and Mildew: The warm, damp environment inside a dishwasher can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially around the door gasket and less-accessed areas, causing musty odors.
- Drain Clogs: Accumulated debris can slow down or block the drain, leaving standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Removing odor & gunk from the filter
The filter is the most common culprit for bad odors and reduced cleaning performance.
- Locate the Filter: Most modern dishwashers (especially European brands) have a removable filter assembly, usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, often under the lower spray arm. It typically consists of a cylindrical mesh filter and/or a flat filter screen. Consult your dishwasher’s manual if you can’t find it.
- Remove the Filter: Twist or lift the filter assembly to remove it. Some models might have a two-part filter that twists apart.
- Rinse Under Hot Water: Take the filter to your sink and rinse it thoroughly under hot running water.
- Scrub with Soap and Brush: Use a small brush (an old toothbrush works well) and a bit of dish soap to scrub away any trapped food particles, grease, and gunk. Pay attention to the mesh and all crevices.
- Inspect and Clean Housing: While the filter is out, inspect the area where it sits for any debris and wipe it clean.
- Reinstall: Once clean, reassemble the filter parts (if necessary) and securely twist or click it back into place. Ensure it’s properly seated to prevent debris from reaching the pump.
- Frequency: Clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you often wash dishes with heavy food scraps.
Cleaning spray arms, gasket, and seal
These areas are prone to mineral buildup and mold.
Spray Arms
- Inspect for Clogs: Look at the small holes on both the upper and lower spray arms (and middle arm, if applicable). These can get clogged with mineral deposits or food particles, leading to poor water distribution.
- Remove (if possible): Most spray arms can be easily pulled up or unscrewed for better access.
- Clear Clogs: Use a toothpick, a small wire, or an unbent paper clip to dislodge any debris from the spray arm holes.
- Rinse: Rinse the spray arms thoroughly under running water.
- Reattach: Reinstall the spray arms, ensuring they can rotate freely.
Gasket and Seal
- Wipe Down: The rubber gasket (or seal) around the dishwasher door is a common spot for food debris, mold, and mildew.
- Scrub with Cleaner: Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water (dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner). For mildew, you can use a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1) or a dedicated mildew cleaner.
- Clean Crevices: Thoroughly wipe down the entire gasket, paying close attention to the folds and crevices where grime can hide. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots.
- Dry: Wipe the gasket dry with a clean cloth to prevent immediate mildew regrowth.
Running a deep-clean cycle (vinegar & baking soda)
This two-step process effectively removes grease, hard water stains, and odors from the entire interior.
Step 1: Vinegar Wash (De-scaling and Degreasing)
- Empty Dishwasher: Ensure the dishwasher is completely empty.
- Place Vinegar: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or mug and place it on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Do not put the vinegar directly in the dispenser.
- Run Hot Cycle: Close the dishwasher and run a full cycle on the hottest setting (e.g., “Heavy,” “Pots & Pans,” or “Sanitize”). The vinegar will help break down grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits.
- Do not add detergent during this cycle.
Step 2: Baking Soda Wash (Deodorizing and Stain Removal)
- After Vinegar Cycle: Once the vinegar cycle is complete, the interior should be cleaner.
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda directly onto the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
- Run Short/Hot Cycle: Run a short cycle (e.g., “Rinse Only” or a quick hot wash) without detergent. The baking soda will help to eliminate any lingering odors and remove light stains.
After-clean tips & prevention
Maintaining a clean dishwasher is easier than deep cleaning a neglected one.
- Leave Door Ajar: After each wash cycle, leave the dishwasher door ajar for a while to allow the interior to air dry completely. This prevents moisture buildup, which is the primary cause of mold and mildew.
- Scrape Dishes: While pre-rinsing is often unnecessary for modern dishwashers, it’s a good practice to scrape off large food particles into the trash before loading dishes.
- Use Quality Detergent: Use high-quality dishwasher detergent. Overdosing or underdosing can both lead to issues (residue or ineffective cleaning).
- Rinse Aid: Use a rinse aid, especially if you have hard water. It helps prevent water spots and mineral buildup on dishes and the dishwasher’s interior.
- Monthly Maintenance: Make the “Vinegar & Baking Soda” deep clean a monthly routine.
- Check Drain: Periodically check for standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle. If it persists, your filter might be clogged or there could be a drainage issue.
By following this DIY cleaning guide, your dishwasher will not only look cleaner but also perform better, ensuring sparkling dishes with every wash.
Need more than just a dishwasher clean? Asubra Cleaning offers comprehensive home cleaning services, ensuring every appliance and corner of your home sparkles. From routine maintenance to deep cleaning, let us handle the chores so you can enjoy a truly clean home. Contact us today for a free estimate!
