Yes, the thing that washes your dishes needs its own cleaning from time to time.
Your dishwasher needsroutine cleaningjust like otherkitchen appliances.
These deposits look bad and can lead tostinky dishwasher odors.
Credit:BHG / Ana Cadena
Or use ahomemade dishwasher cleaner.
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 quart of water.
Avoid harsh cleansers or too-tough scouring pads that might scratch the dishwasher’s finish.
Credit:Ana Cadena
Dip a small toothbrush in hot,soapy water, and scrub around the door.
check that you dig into the grooves of the rubber seal and any other crevices, including the hinges.
This step might require gentle cleaning with an abrasive cleanser if there’s a lot of buildup.
Credit:BHG / Ana Cadena
Wipe up the grime with ahousehold spongedipped in hot soapy water.
Wipe away any cleaning solution left behind with a clean, wet sponge.
Remove Debris.Use ahandful of paper towelsto remove any debris from the base of the dishwasher.
Credit:Ana Cadena
You’ll find most of the debris around the drain.
(It should be run empty.)
you might use one of several DIY dishwasher cleaners.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Then run a full cycle, choosing the hottest water possible todisinfectthe unit while it’s being cleaned.
Or clean your dishwasher with baking soda by sprinkling a cup on the bottom of the tub.
For either method, run a complete cycle using the hottest water possible.
Credit:Anthony Masterson
Each will help clean and freshen your dishwasher.
Step 3: Clean Dishwasher Accessories and Parts
Remove Parts.Take out the racks and utensil holders.
Wipe off any stuck-on food particles or other debris.
Clean Out Clogs.Scrub the spray arm with a soft brush or toothbrush to remove clogs.
The filter is usually located in one of the bottom back corners of the appliance.
Once clean, add the clean dishwasher filter back into place.
Note that filters vary greatly across appliances.
Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to clean your dishwasher filter.
Don’t have the manual?
Many manufacturers have them available on their websites.
Run Empty Dishwasher.Check thelaundry detergentsection of your home center for products that remove rust stains from clothing or appliances.
Place the product in your dishwasher’s soap dispenser cup and sprinkle some freely on the bottom.
launch the empty dishwasher through a complete cleaning cycle.
You might also want to ask aplumbing contractorto install a filter to help with rust control.
Place a cup of lemon juice in your dishwasher’s top rack or basket and run a normal cycle.
The acidic lemon juice will work to remove hard water spots and iron buildup.
Thesenatural dishwasher cleanersdo the job well without harsh chemicals or odors.
White Vinegar
Use white vinegar to clean the tub of your dishwasher.
Place a cup in the middle of the top rack and fill it with vinegar.
Run a dishwasher cycle on high heat, and wipe dry when done.
it’s possible for you to also try this with lemon juice to remove water spots.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean the dishwasher exterior.
Clean your dishwasher door and handle by adding rubbing alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth and wiping away fingerprints.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works wondersas a natural cleaning agent.
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher tub before running a hot washing cycle.
Don’t use bleach in a stainless-steel dishwasher because bleach can damage the finish.
Check the instructions for your modelit should say whether it’s safe to clean it with bleach.
The CDC has guidelinesfor safely using bleach to clean.
First, clean out the bugs from the dishwasher with ahand vacuum.
confirm to check underneath it for live bugs, too.
Then use one of the cleaning methods listed above to do a heavy-duty wash of your machine.
This should eliminate any eggs or bugs left behind.
You may want to leave a bug trap under the dishwasher to prevent further infestations.
