Cleaning a Dishwasher the Proper Way

Over time, dishwashers will accumulate food debris, soap residue and inexplicable gunk. Clean them at least once a month to make sure they work as well as they should.

Today, let us walk you through cleaning your dishwasher in a step-by-step manner.

1. Empty the Dishwasher. Empty the dishwasher and pull out the racks. Don’t worry if only the bottom one comes out.

2. Remove Removable Pieces. At the very least, you can unscrew the bottom spinning arm/disc, and pull out the grate and filter.

3. Check the Holes in the Spinning Arm/Disc. Use needle nose pliers, a toothpick or some other small, pointy tool to remove debris in the holes. Check each arm and all the holes.

4. Wash All the Pieces. Clean with a soapy sponge and warm water everything you could remove from the dishwasher.

5. Clean the Filter. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the filter screen with a baking soda paste or warm, soapy water.

6. Wipe the Bottom of the Door. Wipe off debris from the bottom of the dishwasher door.

7. Wipe the Door Seal. Wipe around the door seal using a cloth damped in vinegar. Use a toothbrush or Q-tip, also soaked in vinegar, to get into tiny, tighter areas.

8. Clean the Inside of the Dishwasher. Wipe down the bottom, sides, and the door of the dishwasher using a damp sponge.

9. Clean the Utensil Rack. Wash all the racks with a soapy toothbrush, dish brush, or sponge.

10. Run an Empty Cycle With Vinegar. Return all the pieces. Then, add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run the dishwasher on a Low or Energy-Saving cycle. Pause the dishwasher halfway through the cycle. Let the vinegar stand on the bottom for about 20 minutes. Then, complete the cycle.

11. Clean and Polish the Exterior. For a stainless steel dishwasher, apply a stainless steel spray to the exterior. Then, wipe with a soft or microfiber cloth. Rinse if necessary.

For your general home maintenance needs, count on Handyman Connection of Butler-Warren. We deliver quality workmanship and superior customer service. Call us at (513) 282-3032.