How To Clean Dishwasher

Need to know how to clean a dishwasher? It may seem counterintuitive to clean your dishwasher, but if you think about it, it makes sense. Actually, you probably don’t want to think about it for too long. All the food and grease from your dishes has to go somewhere, and when you combine it with soap scum from your dishwashing liquid, along with all the bacteria that tend to breed in warm, moist places… well, let’s just say that you should definitely clean your dishwasher regularly to kill germs and prevent odor. You can do it quickly and with relatively little work, and then you won’t have to wonder next time you raise a “clean” glass to your lips.

To clean a dishwasher, you’ll need:

• A small brush (like a toothbrush)
• Hot, soapy water
• A soft abrasive cleaner
• A sponge
• White vinegar or baking soda
• A small, dishwasher safe cup (for the vinegar)
• Rust or mineral stain remover (optional)

1. To clean your dishwasher, start by giving it a good scrub. Use a small brush and run it along the edges of the unit, paying close attention to that rubber seal. All kinds of gross stuff can settle into those grooves and crevices, so really scrub at it. Don’t forget to brush around the hinges and the bottom of the door as well. If any stubborn dirt or food is stuck on, use a small amount of abrasive cleaner to gently scour it away. When you’re finished scrubbing, clean your dishwasher with a hot, soapy sponge to wipe away all the exposed dirt and grime.
2. Pull the bottom rack out to clean the bottom of your dishwasher. Reach over the rack and wipe the bottom down with a sponge, stretching to clean those hard-to-reach corners. Then, check out the drain area and pull out any debris, broken glass or other material that may have settled in there. Not only can this accumulation clog the drain or damage the dishwasher, but it could also scratch your dishes.
3. Deodorize and sanitize your dishwasher using white vinegar or baking soda. Both work equally well to get rid of any foul or musty odor and will thoroughly clean your dishwater of any residual grime or scum. If you choose to use vinegar, fill a small, dishwasher-safe cup and position it securely in the top rack. If you use baking soda, sprinkle roughly a cup of it around the bottom of the dishwasher. In either case, the dishwasher should be empty otherwise. Close the door and run the machine on the hottest cycle available, and voilà! Your dishwasher is clean.
4. If your dishwasher is stained by rust, iron, hard water or other minerals, you can find products to remove these stains in the grocery store or drug store. Buy the product that’s designed to clean the stains in your dishwasher and pour it into the soap cup. Liberally sprinkle additional stain remover along the bottom of the machine and close the door. Run the empty dishwasher through a complete cleaning cycle, and repeat this process as needed.