A dirty dishwasher is less effective and also spreads germs on your dishware! This kitchen appliance constantly removes food residue from your dishes, so grime can quickly build up in the filter, racks, and corners. However, dishwashers are often neglected during regular chores. 

 

Read this blog post to learn how to clean a dishwasher. Keep it working in top shape!

What is the best way to clean inside a dishwasher?

To clean any dirty appliance, you first need to remove the grime and then disinfect it. However, we don’t recommend using a harsh disinfectant. Instead, an effective and green way to clean a dishwasher is using vinegar and baking soda. Here we tell you the whole process!

 

1. Remove the accessories 
2. Clean debris and residue
3. Run a vinegar cycle
4. Run a baking soda cycle
5. Wash the racks and accessories
6. Wipe the dishwasher exterior

 

How often should you clean your dishwasher? To keep it in top shape, clean it at least monthly following these steps:

1. Remove the accessories 

You’ll only get to every corner and crevice when the dishwasher is completely empty. Retire the racks, utensil holders, and filter. Put the accessories into a mixture of warm water and a cup of white vinegar. Leave them soaking for at least half an hour and come back later to wash them.

2. Clean debris and food residue

With the appliance completely empty, you can see where the dirty spots are. Use paper towels to remove debris and food residue. To make sure everything is grime-free, scrub small crevices and corners with a toothbrush. 

 

Also:

 

Check out the spray arms and make sure they aren’t blocked. You can use the same toothbrush or a toothpick to clean and remove dirt trapped in the tiny holes.

3. Run a vinegar cycle

Now it’s time to disinfect and remove food particles once and for all. Put a dishwasher-safe bowl full of distilled white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, run a washing cycle with the hottest setting. 

 

Is vinegar bad for dishwashers? In most cases, it is safe to clean and disinfect a dishwasher with this natural product. However, vinegar can damage some rubber components inside your dishwasher. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any type of cleaning product.

 

Vinegar is a mild disinfectant that can kill the most common foodborne germs inside the dishwasher. Although having sanitizing properties, it is a safe and green product to use in your kitchen! 

 

Maids à la Mode believes that green is always the best option!

4. Run a baking soda cycle

Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another cycle in the hottest setting.

 

Baking soda works great to absorb all the odors that can linger inside a dishwasher—and it’s also a natural product!

5. Wash the racks and accessories

Cleaning the accessories you previously removed will be quick and easy. Wash them with soapy water. Scrub the hard-to-reach areas with a toothbrush.

 

Lastly, rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely. After that, assemble them into the dishwasher.

6. Wipe the dishwasher exterior

The last step is to wipe the exterior surfaces. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the door to remove stains and fingerprints. You can use a damp cloth with soapy water to clean tough stains. 

Are you short on time? Hire a Mobile Bay trustworthy maid! 

We know that keeping every appliance spotless inside your home requires time. However, you can hire a reliable and experienced cleaner to help with regular cleaning chores. With Maids à la Mode, your happiness is guaranteed! Book your cleaning now!