HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER

Your dishwasher is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing your dirty dishes. Even when you rinse your dishes before placing them into the dishwasher, the appliance will accumulate with smells and debris over time, making it work a little less efficiently. Cleaning your dishwasher is essential to ensuring it is in proper working order. See below for cleaning tips.

WIPE DOWN SEALS

Wipe down the seals of the dishwasher to ensure it is sealing properly. A dirty seal may cause water to leak out of the dishwasher, which could end up as a mess inside your kitchen. Wipe down the seal around the door and just inside the dishwasher using a microfiber cloth soaked with vinegar.

CLEAN THE WASHTUB

Wipe down the inside washtub to get rid of stains and smells at least once a month. Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe down the washtub walls and the door, including the detergent bins. You can also pour about a cup of vinegar into a measuring cup, set the cup in the top rack of the dishwasher and run the dishwasher on a normal setting to clean the washtub as well.

REMOVE STAINS

To help remove any stains inside the washtub, use baking soda and vinegar.
1. Sprinkle the baking soda over the stain.
2. Pour a bit of white vinegar over the baking soda.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for about ten minutes, then wipe it clean.
If you follow these steps, the stain should come clean. But if it doesn’t, repeat the steps.

CLEAN THE SPRAY ARMS

The spray-arm holes can accumulate with calcium buildup or even food particles. Use a toothpick to pick out any debris if you can; otherwise, use the steps below to clean these out.
1. Remove the spray arms from the bottom of your dishwasher.
2. Add them to a bath of vinegar and hot water, allowing them to soak for about 10–15 minutes.
3. Remove the spray arms, and look at the arm holes to be sure they are free of debris.
4. Rinse the spray arms, then replace them in your dishwasher.
Your dishwasher should be able to give your dishes a more thorough cleaning now that the spray holes are unclogged.

INSPECT AND CLEAN THE FILTER

Inspect the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, and remove any debris you may see. Food particles, small stickers (from plates or glasses) and other debris can accumulate there and get caught in the filter to prevent these items from going down the drain. This clogged filter can cause water not to drain properly.
If you need to, remove the filter and soak it in baking soda and vinegar, then scrub it clean with a soft bristle brush. Replace the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher.

KEEP IT CLEAN

In addition to deep cleaning your dishwasher once a month, try these tips to keep the appliance clean.

• Rinse dishes thoroughly before placing them into the dishwasher. Even if your dishwasher has a built-in garbage disposal, you should rinse your dishes.
• Only use dishwasher detergent to clean your dishes in the dishwasher. Never use bleach or regular dish detergent in the detergent bin.
• Run the hot water at your sink before running your dishwasher. This step will ensure the hottest water is used in your dishwasher.
• Place larger items in the bottom rack of the dishwasher and smaller items in the top, and never overfill the dishwasher. The way you place your dishes can affect the way the dishwasher cleans your dishes.
• Prevent rust stains inside the washtub. You can do this by washing cookie sheets, cake pans and other metal pans by hand instead of inside the dishwasher.

Your dishwasher cleans and sanitizes your dishes. Be sure to clean your dishwasher thoroughly to ensure it works properly so your dishes are safe to use. Call Arrow Appliance Repair if your dishwasher (or any other appliance in your home) is not working properly to have it repaired professionally.