5 steps to clean your dishwasher
A dishwasher is one of those appliances that isn’t absolutely necessary, but once you live in a home with one it is really hard to imagine how life was before this appliance entered the picture. Dishwashers make quick work of the tedious process of scrubbing and drying dishes, all the while using less energy and water to do a better job than many humans could ever hope to accomplish.
Like any home appliance, dishwashers are prone to wear and tear, eventually culminating in a noticeable difference in performance. The irony is that while homeowners rely so heavily on a dishwasher to clean their dishes, they may rarely if ever consider cleaning the appliance itself. If you live in a home with a dishwasher and you are seeing a decline in optimal functioning, here’s how to clean your dishwasher in five easy steps.
- Remove and clean the racks
Just about every make and model of dishwasher uses removable vinyl racks to hold plates, bowls, silverware, cups, etc. Over time, food remnants can become adhered to these racks, reducing the purity of the washing and cleaning cycles of the dishwasher. Remove these racks and clean with a mild soap or detergent. Consider using a toothbrush for hard to reach areas.If you notice cracks or tears in the vinyl coating as you clean the racks, it is advisable to pick up some rubber coating from your local home store. This coating can patch and protect the racks, preventing the abrasive dishwasher soap from further removing this protective coating.
- Remove and clean the sprayer arm
Dishwashers use a free-spinning arm on the top of the appliance to disperse water in a controlled fashion, maximized efficiency. If the holes on this sprayer arm become clogged with debris, performance will likely suffer. If you cannot determine how to remove your specific model’s sprayer arm, consult the owner’s manual or check the manufacturer’s website. A cotton swab, toothpick, or other narrow utensil is best suited for this job. As with the racks, a mild detergent is best. - Clean the dishwasher’s filter
The filter is arguably the most essential component of the dishwasher, as it is what catches the large pieces of food scraps and prevents the dishwasher’s drain from clogging. This component should be inspected and cleaned a few times per year, depending on frequency of use.The location and disassembly of the filter varies from model to model, so consult your dishwasher’s manual if you are unsure how to remove this item. Simply running the filter under warm water and using a brush to clean it should be sufficient. Making sure to toss extra large food scraps in the trash and doing a quick pre-load rinse by hand can help prolong the time in between necessary filter cleanings.
- Clean the rubber door gasket
The rubber gasket that surrounds the opening of a dishwasher’s basin helps keep water inside the appliance during a washing cycle. Food scraps can get caught in between the gasket and the basin, causing a mildew smell and suboptimal performance. Use a damp cloth and some spritzes of white vinegar to clean around the gasket, paying special attention to the bottom portion. - Run a cleaning cycle
You can use a dishwasher to actually clean itself! Simply run a regular cleaning cycle with nothing in the appliance besides a bowl, sitting upright, filled with two cups of vinegar. Vinegar is a naturally acidic cleaning agent that will thoroughly clean your appliance’s basin, filter, sprayer arm, and drain system. After taking all of the previous steps, finish with a self-cleaning cycle and your dishwasher will be ready to take on your dirty dishes once again!
While cleaning your dishwasher is an easy DIY project, fixing a dishwasher when it’s malfunctioning is a different story. At Diamond Appliance, we help dishwasher owners fix their appliances in St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Charles, Independence, and surrounding communities. Providing Amana dishwasher repair, JennAir dishwasher repair, KitchenAid dishwasher repair, and more. Give us a call with questions or to schedule your dishwasher repair today.
