7 Maintenance Tips on Cleaning Your Dishwasher
When was the last time you gave your dishwasher a good clean? While they are built for heavy use, that doesn’t mean they don’t need a bit of TLC. Most people assume that their machines get cleaned the same time their dishes are being washed, but that’s not exactly the case. The reality is food scraps, oils, and other deposits can accumulate over time and if neglected, can cause quite a few issues to your dishwasher.
Regular cleaning and maintenance is crucial for keeping your dishwasher running smoothly. If you want your dishes to look spotless, then you have to clean your washing machine. With that said, here are 7 maintenance tips that you should follow that will help your machine perform at its absolute best.
Run an empty cycle
The first step in cleaning it is to run an empty cycle. This gives the insides of it a good rinse and helps dislodge food particles that may have been stuck on the racks and sidewalls. The hot water from the dishwasher helps break down oily deposits and makes it easier for you to clean the insides with soap and dishwashing liquid.
You want to freshen up your machine by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda before starting the cycle. This will help remove any foul odours and leave your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.
Clean the dishwasher racks
The racks are often an afterthought and most people don’t realize how much of a beating they get. Neglect your machine for too long and you’ll risk wearing out its paint which can then fall off and clog your drain filter.
Take out the racks and use warm, soapy water to remove stuck food particles. Make sure to wipe in between the racks using a soft sponge. Use a clean cloth to dry the racks and replace them inside the dishwasher after cleaning.
Doing this will help extend the lifespan of your dishwasher racks and prevent rust from developing.
Inspect the sprayer arms
Dishwashers use sprayer arms that spin and release water onto the dishes. If these components aren’t working properly, then your dishes won’t come out as clean. Inspect the sprayer arms and make sure the holes aren’t clogged up. If they are, use a toothpick to dislodge food debris. Use a toothbrush and a mild detergent to make sure all of the holes are unclogged.
Clean both the interior and exterior
Sometimes the foul odours emanating from your dishwasher may not originate from the interior parts, but on the exterior such as gaskets, seals, and door edges. These areas accumulate plenty of gunk which can contribute to a funky smell. A quick wipe of a wet cloth sprayed with regular household cleaner should be enough to clean these mucky spots. Also, don’t forget to wipe the buttons and the outside door when cleaning your dishwasher.
Remove and clean the drain filter
At the bottom of your machine is the drain filter where leftover food and other gunk end up. If these particles are left to accumulate, it will eventually clog up your dishwasher and make it less efficient. Take out the drain filter and discard the food scraps in the bin. From there, use a toothbrush to scrub the filter under running water to remove stuck food debris.
Cleaning the drain filter ensures that dirty water exits the dishwasher adequately and your dishes are cleaned thoroughly.
Use lime juice to remove water deposits
Getting rid of hard water deposits can be quite challenging, but not if you use lime juice. The acidic properties of lime juice help break down water deposits with ease. Just soak the areas with lime juice and run an empty cycle for 2 minutes. The hot water in combination with the lime juice will help restore your dishwasher to its original condition and prevent dishes from getting dinged up.
Eliminate mould/mildew problems
Dishwashers are prone to mould and mildew growth due to moisture and humidity. You don’t want any of these microorganisms growing inside your washer because it can cause illnesses and allergic reactions. To eliminate mould and mildew, place a cup of bleach inside it and run an empty cycle. This will kill the microorganisms and leave your cleaning device clean and sanitised.
To prevent mould and mildew growth, always wipe the insides of your dishwasher dry at the end of the day.
These maintenance tips will go a long way towards ensuring your dishwasher is running smoothly each time. You can find more tips by visiting warewashingsolutions.com.au. A clean dishwasher also means the internal components don’t have to work as hard which can save you a lot in terms of repairs. Remember, a dirty machine is an inefficient one so make sure to clean it regularly for clean and spotless dishes.
