How to Clean Your Dishwasher and Ensure Optimal Performance

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Dishwasher Man Hand Cleans Dishwasher Machine

As a plumbing company, we know how crucial a well-maintained dishwasher is for a smooth-running kitchen. A clean dishwasher ensures sparkling dishes, prevents clogs, and boosts efficiency. In this post, we'll share four easy steps to clean your dishwasher effectively. Follow these simple tips to keep your dishwasher in top shape

Step 1: Clear the Dishwasher Drain

The first step is clearing your dishwasher's drain to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage. Here’s how:

  1. Remove the bottom rack.
  2. Find the filter at the base of the drain.
  3. Twist it counterclockwise to remove it.
  4. Rinse off any food particles or debris under the faucet.

Clearing the drain helps prevent damage and keeps your dishwasher working efficiently.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arm Jets

Dishwasher jets can get clogged with food particles or mineral buildup, affecting cleaning performance. Here’s how to clean them:

  1. Straighten a paper clip or use a coat hanger.
  2. Carefully poke debris out of the spray holes on the upper and lower arms.

This step keeps the jets working at full capacity, ensuring your dishes get a thorough wash.

 

Step 3: Deep Clean with Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural cleaner perfect for eliminating stains, buildup, and odors. Here's what to do:

  1. Empty the dishwasher.
  2. Pour two cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack.
  3. Run a regular wash cycle.

The vinegar will deep clean your dishwasher’s interior. Don't forget to wipe the door gasket with vinegar to remove soap scum and grime!

Step 4: Eliminate Odors with Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for neutralizing odors and leaving your dishwasher fresh. Try this:

  1. Sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
  2. Run a short, hot water cycle.

This simple trick brightens the interior and keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh.

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

It’s recommended to clean your dishwasher once a month. Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup of food particles, grease, and soap scum, ensuring your dishwasher works efficiently and lasts longer.

Why does my dishwasher smell bad?

A smelly dishwasher is usually caused by food particles trapped in the filter, drain, or spray arms. You can eliminate odors by:

  • Cleaning the filter and drain.
  • Running a cycle with two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack.
  • Sprinkling a cup of baking soda at the bottom and running a short, hot cycle to neutralize odors.
Why isn’t my dishwasher cleaning my dishes properly?

If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, it could be due to clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, or improper loading. Try these steps:

  • Clean the spray arm jets with a paper clip to remove blockages.
  • Clean the filter to ensure proper drainage.
  • Avoid overloading the dishwasher, and make sure dishes aren’t blocking the spray arms.

Additional Dishwasher Tips:

  • Addressing Mold or Mildew: If you notice mold, use a cup of bleach in a dishwasher-safe container on the bottom rack (not for stainless steel interiors).
  • Preventing Drain Issues: Run your garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher to prevent drainage problems.
  • Conserve Resources: Wait until your dishwasher is fully loaded to save water and energy. This practice helps reduce costs and your environmental impact.
  • Dish Prep Myth: You don’t need to rinse dishes completely. A little grease or residue helps dish soap work more effectively.

By following these steps, you’ll maintain a clean, efficient dishwasher and save on water and energy bills. If you need professional assistance with dishwasher installation or other plumbing services, My Georgia Plumber is here to help. Call us at 770-592-0081 or visit our Contact Us page.

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By pressing Submit I agree to receive phone, email, or text messages from My Georgia Plumber to the provided mobile number and also agree to the My Georgia Plumber terms and privacy policy. Message & data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
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