TINA'S CLEAN TEAM GUIDE: MASTERING DISHWASHER CLEANING IN 5 EASY STEPS

How to Clean Your Kitchen Dishwasher

February 27, 20243 min read

Tina's Clean Team Guide: Mastering Dishwasher Cleaning In 5 Easy Steps

Introduction:

Your dishwasher plays a vital role as one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, tirelessly managing the post-meal cleanup of dishes, silverware, and cookware. However, the accumulation of food residue and minerals can hinder its efficiency. To prevent clogs, leaks, and potential damage, maintaining a clean dishwasher is crucial. Our comprehensive guide presents the steps for efficiently cleaning your dishwasher, ensuring optimal performance. It is recommended to clean your dishwasher approximately once a month for superior results.

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DISHWASHER CLEANING: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Essential Supplies:

  • Microfiber cloth or sponge

  • Soft toothbrush

  • Warm, soapy water

  • Dishwasher cleaning tablets (if applicable)

  • Stainless steel appliance cleaner (if applicable)

  1. ELIMINATE FOOD RESIDUE FROM THE DISHWASHER

    • For a consistently fresh dishwasher, promptly remove any fallen food during loading.

    • Utilize a rag or paper towel to clear any food caught in the drain after each cycle.

  2. WIPE AWAY GRIME

    • Grime, including mineral deposits, limescale, and occasional grease, can accumulate over time, affecting performance and leaving glassware cloudy.

    • Using a damp microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe away residue from the inside of the door, including edges and the control panel.

    • Pay special attention to the gasket (rubber seal lining the door) by using a soft toothbrush to remove grime from hard-to-reach crevices.

  3. REMOVE AND CLEAN DISHWASHER FILTER

    • If your dishwasher lacks a maintenance-free filter, manually clean it approximately once a month.

    • Locate the filter beneath the spray arm on the dishwasher's bottom, unlock, and remove it.

    • Wash the filter with warm, soapy water, using a soft toothbrush to eliminate any stuck-on food particles.

    • Thoroughly rinse the filter before locking it back into place.

  4. UTILIZE CLEANING TABLETS FOR A DEEP CLEAN

    • Employing dishwasher cleaning tablets effectively eliminates build-up in hard-to-reach areas.

    • Check your dishwasher's manual and tablet instructions before use to ensure compatibility.

  5. WIPE DOWN THE EXTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHER

    • Maintain the exterior's cleanliness and sleek appearance with regular wipedowns of the door panel, sides, and handle.

    • For stainless steel exteriors, consider using specially-formulated stainless steel cleaners, ensuring you wipe in the direction of the grain.

    • Avoid abrasive cleaning products to prevent damage to the finish.

HOW TO CLEAN WITH VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA

Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar or baking soda offers a convenient alternative. Ensure compatibility with your dishwasher's interior by consulting the Use and Care guide.

To clean with white vinegar:

  • Fill a dishwasher-safe glass with 2 cups of white vinegar and place it on the bottom of the dishwasher.

  • Run a complete washing cycle with an air-dry or energy-saving dry option.

To clean with baking soda:

  • Sprinkle one cup of baking soda along the dishwasher's bottom.

  • Run a short, hot water cycle.

Note: Use vinegar sparingly as it is acidic and could potentially damage your dishwasher. Refer to your owner's manual for cleaning recommendations.

REMOVING ODORS AND MINERAL DEPOSITS

Regular maintenance involves cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner. For persistent issues like hard water mineral deposits or unwanted smells:

  • Consider a water softener for water hardness of 15 grains or more.

  • Run a "rinse only" cycle daily to control odors.

  • For new dishwasher odors, run a white vinegar rinse or use a dishwasher cleaner to expedite odor reduction.

In areas with hard water, consistently use liquid rinse aid to deter mineral build-up. Ensure the rinse aid dispenser remains filled for optimal dishwasher performance. Explore solutions for addressing a dishwasher not receiving water as needed.

Maintain your dishwasher's top shape with Tina's Clean Team’s guide, ensuring a fresh and efficient kitchen appliance for your daily needs.

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