You load up the dishwasher, sprinkle in soap, and let it run. When the cycle is complete you take out the dishes and restore them to their rightful home, then the process starts all over again. While we certainly remember the importance of having clean dishes, we often lose sight of the need to clean and maintain our dishwashers to ensure their proper use and eliminate odors, mildew, and built up grease.
Why should I Clean my Dishwasher?
Over time, your dishwasher collects bacteria, leftover food particles, soap scum, and other buildup causing it to run inefficiently and produce a less than pleasant odor.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher
Step 1: Prep
Start by pulling out the bottom rack of your dishwasher and inspect the drain area to make sure it's free of food particles. Eliminate any obstructions in preparation for step 2.
Step 2: Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural product that can be used for cleaning and disinfecting surface areas throughout your home. It can also be used to clean and disinfect your dishwasher. Start by placing a dishwasher safe bowl full of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run the dishwasher on the hottest possible wash cycle. The vinegar disinfects, helps dissolve build up and eliminates any unpleasant odors.
Step 3: Baking Soda
Once the vinegar cycle has completed, sprinkle a handful of baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher and run a short, very hot wash cycle. The baking soda eliminates the orders in your dishwasher and helps to remove any stains that have formed over time.
How Often Should I Clean my Dishwasher?
Healthy habits catch on after all, your dishes are really only as clean as your dishwasher. With this in mind, cleaning your dishwasher once a month helps ensure you’re always left with a clean, disinfected dishwasher.
Helpful Tips for Keeping your Dishwasher Clean
Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full to get the most out of the money you are spending to run it. However, try to avoid stacking or overloading your washer to ensure all your dishes get properly cleaned.
Pre-rinse your dishes to eliminate any food particles that were left behind. The better your rinse your dishes, the less of a mess you will have to clean out of your dishwasher drain.