Maintaining Your Dishwasher for Optimal Performance

A well-maintained dishwasher will yield spotless dishes and maximum performance. However, most people forget that dishwashers don’t wash themselves, so cleaning your dishwasher is essential. Dishwashers require some maintenance to work correctly and keep odors and bacteria at bay.

How to Effectively Clean Your Dishwasher

Cleaning your dishwasher is easier than you might think and requires just a handful of household products. Below, I provide a few easy steps to maintain your dishwasher well.

1. Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar

First, empty the interior of your dishwasher completely. Insert a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher. It's a great idea to run a hot water cycle to dissolve the buildup of food particles, grease, and smells. Vinegar is a natural cleanser and disinfectant that cleans mineral build-up and freshens your dishwasher.

2. Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda

For more cleaning, sprinkle a cup of baking soda throughout the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle with hot water. Baking soda is excellent for getting rid of stains inside the dishwasher. Together with vinegar, this ensures your dishwasher will be at its cleanest and odor-free.

3. Dishwasher Filter – How to Clean

The dishwasher filter is responsible for trapping food particles. If it gets clogged over time, the dishwasher might not work as efficiently. With simple disassembly—refer to your manual for help if you have a dishwasher with an integrated rear clean control system—you can clean it with a soft brush in warm water and rinse out any debris as needed. It is important to clean the filter regularly to ensure that water continues to flow through the gaps and the dishes look sparkling clean.

4. How to Clean Dishwasher Drain

A clogged dishwasher drain causes poor drainage and can make everyone in your home uneasy. In addition to removing all visible debris from the bottom of the dishwasher, you can also use a vinegar solution and baking soda to pour down the drain.

5. Top 5 Tips for Regular Maintenance

• Wipe the door seals periodically with a damp cloth to prevent dirt from settling.
• Run the dishwasher empty once a month with vinegar and baking soda to keep it working as it should.

Clean your dishwasher and keep dishes in a hygienic condition to get the most out of your dishwashing. If you follow these steps and use common items available at home like vinegar or baking soda, you will have a clean and efficient dishwasher without needing deep cleaning. A little regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your kitchen in top shape and avoiding expensive repairs.