Cleaning Series: How To Clean your Dishwasher

"I need to clean this thing too!?"

Yes.  This thing too. 

Of course we all wipe down the front and top (where the buttons are) from time to time, but the inside?  Rarely.  Many newer models offer self cleaning options but they still need some manual cleaning to get around the edges and the filter.  Even those lovely time-saving detergents that will do the cleaning for you, do not do ALL the cleaning.  Not cool.  I know.

But the good news is that it is an easy task.  If you live in an area with hard water, it will take a bit longer to give your dishwasher a thorough clean. 

Supplies 

(As easy as ABCD...)

Abrasive cleaner (Homemade -see my recipe below- or Store bought)

Bucket of water

Cleaning cloth/rag/sponge/old toothbrush

Dish soap

Gloves (optional - I always use gloves.  My skin dries out and cracks easily in the winter.  Keeping my hands from getting wet really helps.)

Homemade Abrasive Cleaner

1 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Baking Soda

1/4 cup Lemon juice or Hydrogen Peroxide

            (Lemon juice - antibacterial with a lovely smell of lemon

             Hydrogen peroxide - oxidizing, bleaching agent and disinfectant)

1. Combine both sodas in a small bowl. 

2.  Thoroughly mix in lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide (or a combination of both!)

3.  Allow mixture to dry (an hour or so).

4.  Store in an air-tight jar or container

To use:  Sprinkle on surface to be scrubbed.  Work in with a damp cloth/sponge.  Rinse thoroughly with water or vinegar spray.

 .... and now back to cleaning the dishwasher!

How To

1.  The first thing to do is run a load of dishes.  When you pour/put in your chosen detergent (click here to see what I use) also pour in some white vinegar.  The vinegar will help loosen any hardened bits.  If you have hard water, I would suggest using vinegar in every cycle.  We do.

2.  Remove the clean dishes and dishwasher racks.

3. Using a damp cloth/sponge and your chosen abrasive cleaner, wipe away the grime.  Rinse the cloth/sponge in your bucket of water, add more cleaner and wipe again.  Repeat until all surfaces are clean.

4.  With the dishwasher door fully open, wipe along the sides and bottom of the door.  Large food particles often get trapped here.  Gross!  The good news is that, though it looks gross, it doesn't smell gross.

5. Remove the spinner and cover plate on the bottom of your washer.  Be sure to remember the order of all the parts removed. (There's nothing worse than having parts leftover after everything is "put back together")  Clean the filters if you're able to access them.  Our old dishwasher came completely apart.  Our current washer does not.  Clean around the filter as best you can if your dishwasher is like ours.  The filter often gets dirty with things that are not water soluble like meat fats and human hair.  Banging the filter out over a garbage can/bag is makes cleaning easier.  Then wipe the filter with soapy water.  Reassemble the filters.

Remember to keep the parts in order.

Our filter.

6. Lastly, wipe down the racks.  In my experience, these need very little scrubbing.  Using a gentle dish soap and a damp cloth should get the job done.  Insert the racks.

And done!

Now your dishwasher looks brand new!
And you can be proud of a job well done!!

That wasn't so bad was it?

 The best news: This only needs to be done once a year!! 

Fantastic news I'd say!

Happy thoughts,

Andrea

Please leave any questions/comments below 

or here on my Facebook page.

God bless!