Tips on Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are excellent kitchen investments because they allow for faster and more efficient cleaning of cooking utensils. The problem is, while your dishwasher is used to wash dishes and cutlery, it doesn’t clean itself in the process. While it doesn’t accumulate dirt as easily as other appliances, debris and soap residue will eventually pile up. Keep your dishwasher, and your belongings, clean with these tips from Handyman Connection® of Lexington:

Use the Right Materials

Some chemicals may be too harsh on your appliance or end up leaving an unpleasant smell that can stick to your dishes. You don’t need expensive tools and cleaning solutions to achieve a spotless dishwasher. All you need is:

• Distilled white vinegar

• Baking soda and dish soap

• A stainless steel or multipurpose cleaner

• A sponge and soft rags

• A toothbrush and a toothpick

Clean Every Part

Carefully remove the racks on your dishwasher, and inspect its spinning holes. Make sure these aren’t blocked so that water can run through freely. If there is any built-up debris, use a toothpick to clean it out without scratching the spinning arms. Wipe the dishwasher grate and door with a soft cloth, and then inspect the area where the wastewater collects. Remove any food particles or residue clogging the grate. You can also check the utensil rack for stuck food pieces, and remove these with a soapy toothbrush. Wash both top and bottom racks, and return them to the appliance.

Run a Cycle With Vinegar

Add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher, and let it run on a low or energy-saving cycle. This catches anything you have missed in the earlier cleaning and helps remove hard water deposits. Halfway through the cycle, stop the dishwasher, and let the vinegar stand for at least 20 minutes to let the solution soak through tough debris. Then, turn it on, and complete the cycle.

For more home maintenance and repair solutions, turn to Handyman Connection of Lexington. Contact us at (859) 274-4477 to learn more about the services we offer. You can also request a free estimate.