Maintaining Your Dishwasher for Optimal Performance

Your dishwasher’s cleanliness might seem self-evident, but in reality, it needs some attention. Over time, food particles, grease, undissolved detergent, and mineral deposits accumulate within your dishwasher. These build-ups not only look unsightly but also create a breeding ground for bacteria, thriving in warm, moist, and dark conditions.

Neglecting dishwasher maintenance can lead to issues such as spots and film on glassware, potential blockages, and damage to the dishwasher’s filter and pump.
To avoid these problems and ensure your dishwasher functions smoothly, follow some simple routines.

Daily Maintenance

– Rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. This straightforward step prevents leftover food from causing trouble and keeps your dishwasher in good shape.

– After each cycle, check for food particles and remove any remaining bits, like beans or pasta, with a piece of kitchen roll. Ensure the filter well is clear of any lingering debris.

For Enthusiastic Cleaners

Keep a spray bottle with white vinegar handy and spritz the interior of your dishwasher between washes to maintain a fresh and clean environment.

Weekly Cleaning

– Rinse the filter, racks, and utensil holders. The filter is the primary location for food and grime buildup.

– To clean the filter, follow these steps:

– Remove the bottom rack.

– Unscrew and remove the filter, usually located at the dishwasher’s bottom.

– Rinse the filter in the sink under hot running water.

– Use an old toothbrush to scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame, removing any grease or particles trapped in crevices. You can use a bit of dishwashing liquid too.

– While the filter is out, inspect the area beneath it inside the well, removing any debris to prevent drain blockages. You might be surprised at what you find, like glass shards, plastic bits, or bones. Once cleaned, screw the filter back into the bottom of your dishwasher.
– Wipe off any food particles or scum from the racks and utensil holders under running water and then replace them.
– Lastly, use a damp dishcloth or sponge to wipe away any residue or spots on the interior surface of the door, door edges, handle, or dishwasher controls.

Monthly Deep Cleaning

Give your dishwasher a comprehensive deep clean each month.

1. Vinegar Deep Clean:

   – Fill a small bowl with two cups of white vinegar.

   – Place it on the upper rack of your empty dishwasher.

   – Run a hot cycle without dishwasher detergent or dishes.

2. Baking Soda Deep Clean:

   – Sprinkle one small cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher and run an empty hot water cycle.

   – Repeat for stubborn stains or odors.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide Dishwasher Bombs:

   – Mix 2 small cups of baking soda with three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into a paste.

   – Drop spoonfuls of the paste onto baking paper and allow it to dry for a few hours.

   – Place these dishwasher bombs at the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot-water cycle in an empty machine.

   – For a fresher fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil.

Additional Tips

– If you have a waste disposal, clear it out before running the dishwasher to prevent blockages. Dishwashers often drain into the same pipe as your sink, so keeping it clear is essential.

– Ensure that your nightly dishwasher cycle starts with hot water by running your kitchen tap until it gets hot. This ensures your dishwasher begins cleaning with hot water immediately.

– Maintain the correct water temperature; your boiler or hot water heater should be set to around 50°C. Cooler water won’t clean effectively, and excessively hot water can scald someone.

– Avoid overloading your dishwasher. While running full loads conserves water and energy, regularly overloading can strain your dishwasher, resulting in improperly cleaned dishes and the need for additional cycles.