How to Clean Your Dishwasher

By Maid Brigade of Northern Connecticut

The thought of cleaning your dishwasher may be an odd one (shouldn’t it already be clean?), but it is something you need to remember to do every so often.

Over time, dishwashers can collect food debris, soap residue, and inexplicable gunk that needs to be wiped away to ensure your dishes are getting a proper shine.

When you’re ready to dig in and get your hands dirty, make sure you have the proper tools and some spare time to tackle this task. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find lodged inside and notice a real difference once you’re done.

You’ll need distilled white vinegar, baking soda, a sponge, a screwdriver, hex wrench, or other tool, toothpick, dish soap, microfiber cloths or soft rags, a toothbrush, and a stainless steel or multipurpose cleaner.

The first thing you’ll need to do is empty the dishwasher. Wait until after you’ve run a cycle, then completely empty the dishwasher.

Next, remove the racks and check the spinning holes. Make sure the holes in the spinning arm are clear and open so that water can run through them freely. Use a needle nose pliers, a toothpick, or some other small pointy tool to remove any debris that has built up in the holes of the spinning arm. Be careful not to scratch the spinning arms.

You’ll next want to wipe the bottom of the door and the dishwasher grate. In some dishwasher models, the bottom of the dishwasher door accumulates debris because water cannot reach there. Wipe this off. Then inspect the grill or grate in the bottom of the dishwasher where the wastewater collects, and remove any food particles that are clogging the grate. Wash the grate area with warm, soapy water.

If you have one, you’ll also want to wash the filter. If you do have a filter, remove and disassemble the parts in your sink. Make sure you have a tool on hand that works to remove the screws properly. Set your screws aside in a safe place so that when it comes time to reassemble, you aren’t hunting around for them. Using a soft toothbrush, wash the filter parts with a baking soda paste or warm, soapy water. Reassemble and replace all parts.

The next thing you’ll want to do is wipe the door seal. Soak a damp cloth in vinegar, then wipe around the door seal. Get into the tiny, tighter areas with a toothbrush or Q-tip, also soaked in vinegar.

Don’t forget to clean the utensil rack! Check the utensil rack for any stuck-on food pieces, and remove them with a soapy toothbrush or dish brush. Rinse. Wash off the top and bottom racks of your dishwasher and return them all to the machine.

Finally, run an empty cycle with vinegar. To remove hard water deposits and catch anything you may have missed in your earlier cleaning, add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run the dishwasher on a Low or Energy-Saving cycle. Stop the dishwasher halfway through the cycle, and let the vinegar stand on the bottom for about 20 minutes. Then turn it on and complete the cycle.

On the outside, clean and polish the front, sides, and all buttons on the panel.

You’re done! Do this once a month – or as needed – for a sparkling clean dishwasher.

Need some help around the house? Give Maid Brigade of Northern Connecticut a call at 860-645-6243 and we’ll help you out.