How To Clean A Dishwasher

Keeping your dishwasher clean will help it to not only work better but help to ensure that it lasts for many years. Some people make the mistake of thinking that because you put detergent in it and it cleans dishes, that it is already clean. However, the truth is that a dishwasher can quickly become filthy if it is not routinely cleaned. That is why cleaning your dishwasher is part of our Residential Cleaning Services.

How Often Should a Dishwasher Be Cleaned

You should deep clean your dishwasher at least once a month. You will want to clean it more frequently if you have washed an extremely dirty load of dishes, or you notice that it needs to be cleaned. Signs like not cleaning properly, not draining, and not drying well are all an indication that your dishwasher needs cleaning.

Materials Needed

There are several things that you will want to gather in order to clean your dishwasher.

• Cloth or sponge. A cloth or sponge will help you to clean out on the dirt and debris.
• Trash bags. A trash bag will give you something to get the debris out of your dishwasher.
• Cleaner. You will want to only use dishwasher safe cleaners. There are several brands of dishwasher cleaners out there. Do your research before purchasing. You can also check the manual that came with your dishwasher to ensure that you are buying the right type of cleaner. If you do not want to use a commercial cleaner, vinegar is an all-natural cleaner that can help get rid of debris and grime. Mixing it with water will create an excellent cleaning solution.

Instructions

Once you have gathered all the necessary equipment for the job, you will be able to get started.

Removal of the Racks

The first thing that you will want to do is to remove the racks completely out of the dishwasher. If you are unsure on how to do this, consult your owner’s manual. You can also watch a video on YouTube to figure out how to remove the racks. Removing these racks will help you to reach everything in the dishwasher for proper cleaning.

You will want to take the time to clean the racks. The best way to clean them is to put them in your bathtub or sink. If you do not have the space to do so, you can also take them outside to clean them. Make sure to wipe them down well with a cleaning solution that is safe for the racks. Get into all the crevices and rinse well to ensure they are cleaned properly.

Removing and Cleaning the Sprayer Arm

The next thing that you will want to do is remove the sprayer arm. You can find out how to do this by looking at the manual that came with your dishwasher or watching a video. Be careful during this process as you do not want to damage the sprayer arm.
The sprayer arm will often get clogged with grime and debris from washing the dishes. This can lead to the sprayer arm not working properly. The best way to clean it after removal is to soak it in water for a period of time. This will make the grime and debris easier to remove. Wipe down with a cloth after soaking and allow to dry.

Cleaning the Filter

Your next step will be cleaning the filter. It is important to note that you should be cleaning out this filter at least once a week. A clogged or dirty filter will cause your dishwasher to not drain properly and can cause your dishes to be not cleaned properly.

To clean the filter, you will want to remove it and get out any debris. Wash it well with an approved cleaner or vinegar and allow it to dry before placing it back in the dishwasher. If you cannot remove the filter, or notice that there is a bigger mess than you thought, you can suck out everything with a shop vac. Just make sure that you do this gently as you do not want to harm any components.

Cleaning the Rest of the Dishwasher

After you have done all the above steps, you will want to take your cloth or sponge and clean the walls and floor of the dishwasher. Make sure that you clean this area thoroughly.

Reassemble the Dishwasher

Now that you have cleaned the dishwasher, it is time to put everything back in. You will want to reinstall your filter and your spray arm first. After that, you can put your racks in. After the racks are in, you can move on to the next step.

Running the Dishwasher

You will now want to get out a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar. Place this in the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are using vinegar, you can place this is the bottom of the dishwasher. Turn on the dishwasher and run it through a regular cycle. This will help to ensure that your dishwasher is very clean.

Cleaning the Outside

The final step of cleaning your dishwasher is to clean the outside of it. Take some cleanser that is safe for the dishwasher and wipe it down. Make sure that you get any smudges or fingerprints off of the dishwasher. This will help to ensure that the outside of the dishwasher looks amazing.

Cleaning your dishwasher is a great way to ensure that it functions properly and washes your dishes well. Be sure to do this deep cleaning at least once a month, and change the filter every week.

If you would like to have a professional cleaning service clean your dishwasher contact our Showlow AZ Cleaning Company or one of our other local Luxxe Residential Cleaning Company.