Deep Cleaning Your Dishwasher: A How To Guide

Our dishwashers work tirelessly to ensure our dishes emerge spotless after every meal. However, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget that our dependable dishwasher needs a bit of care too.

Regular cleaning not only extends its lifespan but also ensures best performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your dishwasher in top-notch condition.

Before You Start Cleaning Your Dishwasher

To begin, here are the steps you should take when preparing to clean your dishwasher. They will ready your appliance for the clean of a lifetime!

Gather Your Supplies

Before diving into the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, a toothbrush or soft brush, a microfiber cloth, and some elbow grease of course. These simple items will work wonders in restoring your dishwasher’s shine.

Empty the Dishwasher

Begin by removing all dishes from the dishwasher. This will ensure you have a blank canvas and no dishes will get in your way while you clean.

Check the Filter

Locate your dishwasher’s filter, found at the bottom, and clear away any debris or food particles. This simple act ensures that your cleaning efforts are focused on the machine itself, not the remnants of last night’s dinner.

Focus on the Exterior

While the interior is crucial, don’t neglect the exterior. Wipe down the front panel, controls, and handles with a mild solution of water and dish soap. This ensures a thorough cleaning and keeps the aesthetic appeal of your appliance.

Wipe Down Interior Surfaces

Another thing you can do is use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces of the dishwasher. Pay special attention to the edges and corners where residue can accumulate. For stubborn stains, dip the cloth in a mixture of water and white vinegar.

For a Deeper Clean of your Dishwasher

Now that you’ve given your dishwasher a basic clean, you’re welcome to stop there. Alternatively, you can follow our remaining steps to give your dishwasher a truly deep clean and hopefully a new lease of life.

Deodorise with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to neutralising odours. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

Run a Vinegar Cycle

If you have it to hand – white vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help remove mineral deposits and grease. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle without any dishes. This process will help eliminate any lingering odours and break down stubborn deposits.

Check and Clean Spray Arms

Remove the dishwasher’s spray arms if possible and inspect them for any blockages. Clean out the spray holes using a toothpick or a thin wire. This step guarantees that water can flow freely, supplying an effective wash for your dishes.

Ongoing Dishwasher Care

To keep your dishwasher in top condition, the steps you can incorporate into your routine should be repeated once per month. Consistent maintenance prevents the buildup of grime and ensures your dishwasher runs at peak efficiency.

Other ways you can keep your dishwasher in good condition are to be sure you clean it out regularly, you use rinse aid with every wash, and ensure the dishwasher salt levels topped up. Below are examples of the symbols for these functions, they aren’t completely standardised across brands, but they look similar from make to make. Generally, there will be a light indicator next to this symbol, which will flash or light up if you need to top up the relevant substance.

A clean dishwasher is not only a more efficient appliance but also a hygienic one. By dedicating a little time to its maintenance, you can extend its lifespan and enjoy spotless dishes with every cycle. Incorporate these simple steps into your routine, and your dishwasher will continue to be the unsung hero of your kitchen for years to come.

If your dishwasher is a bit worse for wear and could do with more than just a clean, don’t hesitate to book an engineer with us, so we can get it back running smoothly again.