How do you keep the dishwasher in best shape?
Last updated: 13-05-2024
~ 4 min. read
How to clean a dishwasher easily - and how often to do it
Along with an unpleasant smell and appearance, it can leave gunk or stains on your glassware, crockery and cutlery. In short, this means that if you don't clean your dishwasher properly, your appliance can't do its job properly. And if you let the food and dirt pile up, it can seriously damage the dishwasher's filter and pump, which can ultimately lead to costly repairs. Here are the most effective ways to clean the dishwasher and the best tricks to keep your dishwasher clean and odour-free, to prevent clogging.
As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Using a high quality dishwasher detergent and rinse aid helps a lot to reduce the unsightly spots that can develop on the inside of your dishwasher. If you live in a hard-water area, using a whole-house water softener or adding regeneration salt to your dishwasher's water softening system will also help prevent stains on your glassware and prevent mineral build-up in your dishwasher. Leaving the door open at the end of a cycle can help prevent the development of mould and that musty smell.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
Depending on your problem, you should do some dishwasher maintenance, from daily to weekly to monthly. Here is a quick guide to how to clean the dishwasher and how often to clean it:
Daily: remove food residues
Weekly: Wipe down the door and the gasket of the dishwasher and clean the filter
Monthly: clean the inside thoroughly
If necessary: clean and polish the exterior
Can you clean your dishwasher with bleach?
No, bleach is not recommended for dishwasher cleaning, especially if the dishwasher has a stainless steel interior or if parts are stainless steel. And don't use bleach with vinegar - the combination of the two can potentially cause deadly chlorine gas.
How to clean your dishwasher daily, weekly and monthly
Here's your in-depth step-by-step guide to learning how to properly clean a dishwasher, whether you want to remove the seal, filter, door or just do some daily maintenance to keep odours out:
Daily: Remove food residues
The cause of most odour problems is usually leftover food that has turned your dishwasher into a second rubbish disposal. Get in the habit of cleaning all remaining food residues after each wash cycle. Pull out the lower rack to look for food residue that has fallen into the pit and remove it with a paper towel to prevent odours and future build-up.
Tip: we don't recommend pre-washing items, but to avoid unwanted odours, wipe excess food from plates, cutlery, bowls and other items before placing them in the dishwasher. Also check for labels (perhaps on pots you may be reusing, or on new items with barcode labels) and remove them completely before putting the item in the dishwasher.
Weekly: Wipe away dirt from door and seal
To clean the inside of the door: Wipe away all residue and stains that have splashed or settled on the inside of the door, door edges, handle or dishwasher controls with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
Tip: Do not use a cleaning product on the sponge or cloth for cleaning the dishwasher to avoid damaging touch screens or special finishes.
To clean the gasket of the dishwasher: Gently scrub the gunk from the rubber gasket with an old, soft toothbrush. Wipe off with a damp cloth or kitchen paper.
Tip: Avoid using a bleach-based cleaner if the inside of your dishwasher is made of stainless steel or contains stainless steel components. Consult your user manual before using hydrogen peroxide to remove mould.