Do you know which item could use some TLC? Your dishwasher! You should clean this often-overlooked appliance every six months. This step-by-step guide will show you how to clean your dishwasher using vinegar and baking soda.
Many dishwashers from popular brands come with a self-cleaning cycle, which helps to keep your dishwasher clean. However, every dishwasher needs cleaning at least every month because it will make your dishwasher look new and run better.
Get your supplies
First things first: Gather up your +cleaning products. You will need:
- Warm water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toothpick
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber gloves
Remove the filter, utensil holders, and dishwasher racks.
To get to the bottom of the details, remove the racks, utensil holders, and filter. You can easily twist off some filters, while others require tools to remove them. Please place them in warm water with 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak for at most 30 minutes.
You must remove all debris.
Once you have your line of sight clear, inspect the spray arms and sidewalls for any debris. Wipe down the spray arms as well as the sides, particularly in the corners. You should check the dispenser and dishwasher filter.
Make sure to look in all the small holes and openings where water sprays. Use a toothbrush or toothpick to remove food particles and other debris from these tiny crevices.
Use vinegar to run the dishwasher on a hot cycle.
Place 1 cup of white wine in a dishwasher-safe bowl and set it on top of the dishwasher. It would be best if you fixed the dishwasher to hot water. Vinegar will dissolve any food residues, grease, soap scum, and other leftover grime.
Use baking soda to run the dishwasher on a hot cycle.
After the first cycle is completed, take the bowl out and add 1 cup baking soda to the bottom. It would be best if you run it on a short cycle. Baking soda will clean and refresh the dishwasher. What is the result? The result? A sparkling, bright dishwasher that is oh so clean.
Clean the dishwasher door on the outer side
Grab a cleaner specifically formulated for your dishwasher’s surface: If it’s stainless steel, for instance, look for a cleaning product that is made for stainless steel (all-purpose cleaners can leave a streaky finish or even scratch steel, so be careful).
Another option? Create a DIY cleaner. You can make a simple homemade cleaner using dish soap, water, and white vinegar. It’s safe for all dishwasher surfaces.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface. For a shiny, fingerprint-free surface, rinse the fabric and make another pass. It would be best if you also wiped the handles and control panel with a damp cloth.
Keep your dishwasher clean.
You’ll see many benefits once you learn how to clean a dishwasher. You’ll notice a cleaner machine and a fresher smell. It’s also more efficient. You can wash your dishes with soap and water after all residue has been removed.
If your dishes come out of your dishwasher with gunk stuck to them, you should consider cleaning your dishwasher. To keep your dishwasher running at its best, deep clean it once every six months.
You should clean your dishwasher every month if it has a self-cleaning cycle. The sanitize cycle is hotter than regular dishwashing cycles and can kill 99.9% of bacteria.
If your dishwasher doesn’t have a sanitize cycle, you can stock up on foaming tablets. A foaming tablet can fight residue and detergent buildup. You can use it in conjunction with a regular full-cycle cycle.
Make sure to check the temperature settings in your dishwasher.
One more tip to ensure your dishwasher runs at its best is to set the temperature between 120 and 150 degrees F. If the water is not at least 120deg, and it’s not hot enough to clean dishes effectively.
You can test your temperature by filling a cup with hot tap water. The temperature will be measured using a thermometer. You will need to adjust the water heater if it is lower than 120deg and higher than 150deg.
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