Most people think that cleaning the dishwasher is not important. On the other hand, if this appliance is used for washing dishes, it should clean itself, right? However, dirt accumulates and deposits can reduce its performance. Fortunately, it is not difficult to clean it! Here's how to do it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Deep Cleaning
Step 1. Fill the sink halfway with water and add 480ml of vinegar
Soak the moving parts of the dishwasher while cleaning the inside walls and bottom. If you don't have vinegar, consider these alternatives:
- Powdered lemonade mixes. Do not use products with too bright colors, as they could stain the components of the appliance. Don't add sugar.
- Lemon juice.
- Specific detergent for dishwashers.
Step 2. Remove the shelves and containers
You should remove the two baskets together with the various cutlery containers and all the other pieces that do not form a single block with the shelves. If they are small, put them in the vinegar solution in the sink. If they are too big, wipe them with a cloth soaked in the solution itself.
Check for food residues! If you see some of them stuck in the various slots, use a toothpick or similar tool to pry and remove them
Step 3. Remove any traces of dirt accumulated inside the holes of the rotating arms
You have to make sure that the holes are open to allow the water to flow. If they are clogged, you must clean them, so that the appliance washes the dishes efficiently. Use needle-nosed pliers if you have them available, or alternatively a toothpick. Try not to scratch any component with metal points. Remember to be very careful and take your time.
- If these holes are very small, bend some iron wire so that one end is hooked. Pass this thread through the opening furthest from the center of each arm. Each time you do this, you wipe off some dirt.
- Alternatively, with a drill, you can drill a larger hole in the end of the arm. Do a vacuum wash to expel the residue from the arms and then close this hole with a stainless steel screw.
Step 4. Clean the door edges and the gasket
This is a spot that does not wash off during the normal dishwasher cycle. Dip a cloth in the vinegar solution (or if you prefer, spray with a specific mild detergent). An old toothbrush or other type of soft brush will do just fine for cleaning the toughest corners and under the seal.
Don't forget the area under the door! In some models this is a blind spot where water does not reach and debris accumulates there. Clean it with a rag dipped in water and vinegar. If the dirt has become encrusted, use the brush
Step 5. Remove mold with bleach
Run a vacuum wash to remove all types of acidic solutions and never mix bleach with other detergents or soaps for the dishwasher. Bleach is a very strong chemical, both for you and for the dishwasher, and should only be used sparingly when needed.
- If mold is a problem, leave the dishwasher slightly open after each wash so that the inside dries.
- Avoid using bleach or detergents that contain it if the dishwasher has an internal door made of stainless steel.
Step 6. Deal with rust stains
If the water in your home has a high iron content, then the rust could be out of control. If possible, fix the root of the problem. If the source is not a rusty pipe, water softeners could remove or limit the amount of iron present in it, although their main action is to modify difficult-to-clean minerals into relatively easier salts to get rid of. from surfaces. There are also filters that can remove iron from the water and it might be worth doing a search if the water in your system is particularly rich in iron.
- Use a stain remover that is specific for rust but safe to use in the dishwasher. However, do not limit yourself to this and consult a professional to eradicate the problem at the origin.
- If the coating is chipping or the inner baskets are flaking, try a dishwasher-specific sealant paint. Remove the baskets and check the bottom as well. If the damage is very serious or widespread (not just a few rusty spots but the whole basket has been attacked by oxidation) then it is worth replacing the shelf. Online stores have a wide range of spare parts available, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding it.
Step 7. Put the components back into the dishwasher
Once the baskets, the filter, the arms and all the removable internal parts have been thoroughly cleaned and every little component has been left to soak, put everything back together. If your dishwasher is really dirty, however, continue reading the next section of the article. You will have to disassemble the base of the appliance and get to the bottom of the problem.
Part 2 of 3: Disassemble the Dishwasher Base
Check the bottom of the dishwasher near the drain. There should be a grate or grate in that area, just below the rotating arms. This is the discharge point of the dirty water. Check for debris blocking it. Remove any solid dirt, especially pieces of paper, plate scraps, gravel, and so on. If you think something may have passed over the grate, take it apart to gain access.
Step 1. To remove accumulations of dirt, first remove the power from the socket
Check under the sink, you should find the plug. Make sure you have unplugged the dishwasher and not other appliances such as the garbage disposal! Follow the cable to the dishwasher to make sure.
If your dishwasher is not built-in, move it to make sure the cord you removed is its own
Step 2. With great care, remove the screws from the bottom
Don't drop them! The filter cover will lift up and leave the exposed area.
As you proceed to disassemble each section, take note of where each piece goes. Take pictures during the process and put each component in a safe place. When you are ready to reassemble the dishwasher, there will be no doubts as to how to proceed
Step 3. Put a piece of tape over the filter opening
This way you prevent debris from falling inside while you clean. You have to get rid of any residual dirt and not clog the pipes even more.
Step 4. With a cloth wipe off solid residue and then wipe the base if necessary
If they are present, handle the glass fragments carefully; it would be a good idea to wear rubber gloves.
Use a brush or cloth to loosen any caked dirt. That dishwasher that hasn't been thoroughly cleaned recently needs a harsh detergent because years of encrustation have to be removed
Step 5. Screw each component back into place and plug the power back in
The best thing to do is to proceed in reverse following the same steps as for disassembly. Do not overtighten the screws, especially if they are made of soft plastic.
Do a quick dry wash to make sure everything is working properly
Part 3 of 3: Periodic Maintenance
Step 1. Use the dishwasher regularly to prevent food and dirt build-up and reduce the need for cleaning
Sometimes, do some vacuum washes, with a short and economical cycle of course!
Step 2. Run some boiling water into the sink before turning it on
You will have cleaner dishes if the water is hot right away. You can collect this water in a container and use it for other purposes, such as watering the plants (when it has cooled down though!) Let the water run from the tap until it is boiling.
Set the thermostat to 50 ° C. If the water is below this temperature, it will not be very effective in washing dishes, while a higher temperature could burn people
Step 3. If you have it, run the garbage disposal before the dishwasher
This in fact discharges into the same pipes as the garbage disposal which must be open. If you have problems with your dishwasher, it could actually be from the garbage disposal. Here are some articles that might help you:
- How to Maintain a Garbage Disposal
- How to Clean a Sink Garbage Disposal
- How to Eliminate Bad Smells from the Garbage Disposal
Step 4. Periodically, do a vacuum wash with vinegar
Put two cups of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher and run it for an energy-saving wash cycle. Halfway through washing, stop the appliance and let the vinegar work for 15-20 minutes.
- After this time, restart the dishwasher and complete the cycle. If it is in really bad condition, you can consider letting it soak overnight.
- If your problem is bad smells, sprinkle the bottom with 150 g of baking soda and start the dishwasher as usual.
Step 5. Spray the front of the appliance with a mild spray cleaner
Then clean with a sponge or soft cloth. Be very careful with the keys, control knobs and handle. Don't forget the frame around the panels as it tends to accumulate dirt.
Step 6. Fill the rinse aid dispenser about once a month
This product helps eliminate stains on dishes. Unscrew the round cap located on the door and pour the recommended dose indicated in the appliance user manual.
- Do not use rinse aid if you have water softener.
- Solid rinse aids are now also available. If you tend to forget to fill the dedicated compartment, solid products come to your aid as they are more visible.
- If you prefer, use detergents that also contain rinse aid.
Advice
- Borax is a great cleanser.
- Quickly retrieve the objects that fall to the bottom.
- Not all detergents are the same. Try various brands and read reviews. Opt for powders and tablets rather than gels and liquids and keep them dry before use.
- Load the dishwasher well, creating a pile facing down and in. Make sure the arms rotate freely when washing.
- Load full loads to save water and energy but do not stack the dishes. Dishwashers clean dishes by spraying them with water, so you need to leave enough space for all surfaces of the dishes to be washed.
- Put small items in the cutlery basket so they don't slip and end up on the bottom. Some dishwashers have baskets designated only for smaller utensils.
- For dry dirt, wet the area, spray some cleaner and let it dissolve for a few minutes before scrubbing, so you won't waste time or struggle.
- Do not wash containers that have labels that could get lost. Scrape stubborn debris and larger particles off the dishes before placing them in the appliance.
- Put on rubber gloves so as not to touch the dirt or cleaner.
- Don't overdo the pre-wash. The detergent formulas have improved. If you haven't tried this technique in a while, give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Warnings
- Never mix household cleaners with each other, especially bleach and other chemicals.
- Use only dishwasher-specific detergents. Do not use ordinary liquid dish soap (for hand washing). Dishwashers are designed to spray water in certain directions and not to remove thick layers of foam. You'd just make a big mess.
- If you are not an expert in home repairs, do not disassemble and reassemble and do not unscrew the bottom of the appliance which does not need frequent cleaning.
