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How To Clean And Sanitize Your Dishwasher

    A dishwasher is an essential appliance that enables us to keep the dishes neat and clean. However, if your dishwasher isn’t clean, how would you expect your dishes to be clean? Though the dishwasher is an essential appliance that keeps your dishes clean, it needs a constant wash. Unfortunately, it receives very little attention because we assume that the same water will clean the dishwasher. But does it work that way?   

    Apart from using laboratory-tested dishwasher cleaners and detergents, there are multiple ways by which people can effectively keep the dishwater grease and odor-free. However, the main factor that governs the ease of cleaning this appliance depends on the type of food being cooked because more oily food will leave oily stains, while spice added food will go a colorful stain on the dishes needing a thorough clean. 

    How Often Should I Clean My Dishwashing Machine?

    the routine cleaning will depend on several factors, these include;

    • – the number of members living
    • – the type of food being cooked
    • – the amount of food that is cooked
    • – the number of dishes used daily

    How Often Should I Clean My Dishwashing Machine?

    here is a guide for you to clean your washing dish daily:

    every day- if it includes heavy cooking and so you have a lot of words. Make sure only to remove the food chunks every day to avoid clogging the pores.

    Weekly- you should clean the filters almost every week because the oil, grease, or food particles can block the filter, thereby hindering a thorough clean. 

    Monthly – clean the interiors every month because they do not require a daily or weekly wash. Also, wash the exteriors whenever you do your kitchen cleaning.

    How Do I Clean A Dishwasher Door And Gasket?

    To clean the door and the gasket, you first need to wipe off any food residues present within the spots or in the opening gaps. This usually occurs when food particles can penetrate the edges of the dishwasher doors. Take a sponge and pat it until the stains and particles get wiped off. Make sure to avoid using a very hard disinfectant or special screens and touches or touch buttons. 

    The gasket should be gently scrubbed by a soft toothbrush or simply a brush without employing a considerable scrubbing force. You can even pat dry it clean with a paper towel but remember to do it gently. One piece of advice is never to use products that have bleach. Especially if your dishwasher machine is made of stainless steel or even if it incorporates small stainless steel parts. 

    How Do I Clean The Filter Of The Dishwasher?

    The filter is the heart of the dishwasher because if the filter is not routinely cleaned, your dishes will not be cleaned thoroughly as well. First, you need to get into the bottoms and pull out the rack, for which, please refer to the manual or even visit the manufacturer’s website and follow the instructions. 

    The filter is right below the rack, so keep it under hot running water once you take it out. Next, gently remove all the dirt, grease, or other particles that clog its pores with a soft brush. Once you do so, keep it again under running water and after it is pat dry, insert it back into the dishwasher. Make sure to insert the filter properly because a misfit will ruin your machine and may require repair. 

    How Do I Clean A Dishwasher Drain?

    The drain traps food particles, thereby blocking the smooth flow of used water out. Therefore, it needs a wash every month. In addition, the detergent and cleansing residue or chemicals can leave their stains on the drain. Hence, a piece of advice is to use detergent or cleansing tablets to eliminate the greasy particles, which would otherwise not be cleaned by just water. 

    Also, there will be small openings connected to a pipe that would cause the transfer of the water to the drain. Ensure you clean the interiors of these pipes. Not all dishwashing machines have pipe inlets, but if they do, remember that you need to clean them as well. 

    Give A Vinegar Wash To Eliminate Hard Water And Mineral Buildup

    If you are looking into an easy DIY, you can consider using vinegar or even lime with baking soda, as both serve the same purpose. In a dishwasher, pour half a cup vinegar or half a cup lime juice. Next, pour in a one-fourth cup of water and add one tsp—baking powder. Pour this mixture and clean it until it eliminates the trapped oils and stains. However, vinegar is a strong acid that can be corrosive and damage your dishwashing machine if used for an extended period.  

    The Bottom Line!

    Before starting any cleaning procedure, you need to read the manual or the manufacturer’s instructions because not all dishwashers have the same work. Pin this page to note how to clean when you do the next round of washing.