Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Are you uncomfortable with the idea of washing your dishes in a dirty dishwasher? Regular cleaning is an essential part of dishwasher maintenance—it also ensures your dishes are cleaned properly and thoroughly each time. A dirty dishwasher is more likely to clog and cause problems when washing your dishes, while regular care will ensure your dishwasher not only looks great, but will last much longer and is less likely to break down as well.

Cleaning the Interior

When cleaning your dishwasher, start with the interior. The best time to clean inside your dishwasher is just after you’ve run a wash cycle. Remove the racks and utensil baskets from the appliance and wipe down every interior surface with a mixture of water and white vinegar or an eco-friendly cleaner. Using non-toxic cleansers is important in your dishwasher because it is used to wash the dishes, glasses, and utensils you use to cook and eat. For particularly stubborn buildup, you can make a paste from baking soda and water; scrub using a soft microfiber cloth or cleaning toothbrush to avoid scratching the interior of your dishwasher. While cleaning, make sure to check the arms as well—if there is buildup in the nozzles on the arm, use a toothpick or pipe cleaner to remove it. Clogged spray nozzles can cause water pressure to build up while your dishwasher is running, leading to leaks. Also make sure to check and clean areas such as the interior panel just under the door and, if your dishwasher employs one, the filter. You can remove the filter completely and disassemble it for easier cleaning. Finally, clean your racks and utensil baskets before replacing them with a soft sponge, wiping down every surface to get them completely clean.

Cleaning the Door

In addition to cleaning the interior of your dishwasher, cleaning the door will remove any debris to ensure a tighter seal while the appliance is running to prevent leaks. Wipe around the seal with a soft cloth soaked in white vinegar. For tighter spots, you can use a cleaning toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in vinegar to clear away any buildup and food debris. As you clean, check the gasket for damage—if your gasket appears to be cracked or damaged in any way, replace it to avoid leaks. Next, clean the interior surface of the door, paying special attention to any soap or rinse agent holders. These can become caked with buildup over time, affecting your dishwasher’s efficiency. You may need to place a damp cloth over these areas to moisten any remaining detergent for easier removal. Finally, clean the exterior of the door by wiping it down; if your appliance has any inset buttons, dials, or controls, use a cotton swab or toothbrush to clean them.

A clean dishwasher not only looks more appealing, it will last longer, too. If you’re having appliance troubles in Portland, visit our website to schedule appliance repair in the Vancouver and Portland areas. You can find out more about maintaining and troubleshooting your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and more on our blog.