How To Clean A Dishwasher
October 11, 2021
source: Apartment Therapy/Joe Lingeman
I’m willing to bet the dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. With kids and lots of snacks and meals, our dishwasher runs at least once per day. Although we’re all pretty good at cleaning dishes, how often do you actually clean the dishwasher itself? Cleaning your dishwasher is vitally important to keep it working properly and ensure your dishes are coming out as clean as possible. Today, we’re going to go over some simple tips for how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar.
Step 1: Check the Filter
Once your dishwasher has finished its clean cycle, check the bottom of the dishwasher where the filter is. Some larger food particles may have settled there – you’ll want to remove them each time so they don’t clog the filter and make your dishwasher smell unpleasant. Once cleared, you can spray the filter area with some distilled vinegar to further clean and deodorize.
Step 2: Vinegar Cycle
A virtually effortless way to clean your whole dishwasher is to add a cup or shallow bowl filled with distilled vinegar to the top rack of your dishwasher. This should be the only thing in your dishwasher. Run your dishwasher on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will mix with the hot water to clean the racks, sides, and bottom of your dishwasher.
Step 3: Baking Soda Cycle
When you’ve finished your vinegar cycle, remove the cup or bowl and sprinkle a good amount of baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher. Run your dishwasher on a short cycle, but be sure to use the hottest water setting available. The baking soda will work to remove any caked-on debris, leaving the inside of your dishwasher clean, deodorized, and shiny.
Step 4: Maintain
You should be checking to see if any food or debris has lodged itself in the filter each time you use the dishwasher. Clean your dishwasher using the vinegar and baking soda cycles every couple of weeks to ensure it stays in good working order. I like to add a cup filled with vinegar to the top rack of my dishwasher once per week, just to keep everything looking clean and smelling fresh. Don’t forget to wipe down the rubber seals and outside of your dishwasher as well!
Vinegar and baking soda to the rescue, once again! Cleaning your dishwasher doesn’t have to be a chore if you follow these very easy steps. Not only will this help keep your dishwasher working properly, but it will also ensure your dishes are coming out as clean and sanitized as possible. Your dishwasher works hard for you – be sure to give it some love every now and then!