4 Simple Steps To A Clean Dishwasher!

How to clean your dishwasher

We take our appliances for granted—none more so than the dishwasher. Its primary function is to clean, so it makes sense that it'll always be clean, right?

Wrong.

If you use your dishwasher a lot, it can easily get gunked up with leftover food, grease, and soap scum. This leads to an appliance that smells more like a sewer than a cleaning device. On top of that, the dishes that come out of it might not be as sanitary as they should.

We’ve combed through a variety of cleaning methods to find the best and easiest way for you to stay on top of your kitchen game. Here’s how to make sure your dishwasher isn't nastier than the dishes you put in it.

1. Clean your filter

Your filter is bound to accumulate gunk—after all, that’s it’s main function. So a good first step when cleaning your dishwasher is to clean that filter. Unscrew it from the dishwasher—it’s usually located at the bottom—and soak it in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. If there are any tough food particles still hanging on, you can scrub gently with a toothbrush, but try not to scrub too hard—your filter is fragile! 

When you’re satisfied, put the filter back into the dishwasher where it belongs.

2. Deodorize with vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most versatile liquids in existence—aside from water, that is. This acidic concoction can be used for cooking, killing weeds, and, yes, cleaning. Put its cleaning and deodorizing powers to good use by pouring a cup of white vinegar into the bottom of your empty dishwasher.

Run a heavy clean cycle. By the end of the cycle, your dishwasher should be fresh and sparkly-clean!

3. Deodorize with baking soda

Just to make sure your dishwasher is extra clean and devoid of any foul odors, sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher. Let it sit overnight. In the morning, run an empty cycle, and then rejoice in the cleanliness of your beloved appliance!

4. Scrub away any remaining grime

If your dishwasher is as clean as can be, then there’s no need for extra scrubbing. But if you still see grime caught in the door seal, under the arms, or in any other nooks and crannies, you may want to go the extra mile.

A toothbrush is the perfect size to reach any tucked-away debris. Scrub gently with a little soapy water or a paste of baking soda and water until the grime is gone.

There you have it, a sparkly clean dishwasher ready for more abuse! If you've liked this post then please check out a few of our others!
Thanks for reading!

-M