Is your dishwasher doing a poor job cleaning dishes, utensils and glassware? Or does the inside of this appliance look in need of some TLC? When a dishwasher isn’t performing as well as it normally does, try deep cleaning it with these tips to get it back on track.
Step 1. Gather Your Supplies
Before beginning your deep clean, form a game plan and grab the essentials you’ll need to perform your tasks. Gather the supplies listed below to deal with the suggestions on our list.
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Toothbrush
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Paper clip
- Cleaning wipes or cloth
Step 2. Take Out Removable Items
In order to access the areas you need to inspect and clean, first you need to take out the removable sections. This includes the dishwasher racks, utensil holders and anything else that can be removed. Inspect all around the inside of your dishwasher for bacteria growth, food particles and hard water deposits from mineral buildup.
Step 3. Remove and Clean the Filter
Some dishwashers have removable filters, while others do not. Usually, filters are located in the tub floor either in the bottom back corner or near the base of the spray arm. Gently turn the filter clockwise before lifting it up and out of place. Depending on your model of dishwasher, there may be a second filter assembly that you can remove and clean as well.
Once removed, use a toothbrush and dish soap to lightly scrub the food and mineral deposits from the filter while running it under hot water. Please note that using a harsh brush or too much pressure can damage the filter, so it’s important to take it slow and easy until it’s fully clean. Replace the filter back in its original position and turn it in a notch in the opposite direction.
Step 4. Scrub the Drain and Check for Clogs
It’s often a good idea to scrub around the drain area (where your filter is) to remove bacteria and other particles. You should also check to see if there are clogs in the drain pipe that may be causing your dishwasher to back up with dirty water. If you suspect a clog in the dishwasher drain hose, here’s what to do. Combine a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain in your dishwasher. After waiting a few minutes, then pour hot water down the drain to help dislodge any clogs in the pipe.
Step 5. Clean the Spray Arms
Look up your dishwasher model to determine how to safely remove the spray arm(s) from your unit. Take them out according to those instructions, then locate the jet holes in each spray arm. Over time, these can become clogged with food bits or calcium deposits from hard water. Run each arm under hot water and use the straight end of a paper clip to remove buildup in the jet holes. For hard water deposits, you may need to soak the spray arm in vinegar before cleaning it out with a paperclip. Finish by scrubbing the entire spray arm and then put it back in place as instructed.
Step 6. Clean the Interior
Lastly, while you’re deep cleaning your dishwasher, it’s also a good idea to scrub the interior surfaces well. With cleaning wipes or a cloth, scrub the inside until you’re sure the dishwasher is clean. Then, place vinegar in a small container pointing upward in the dishwasher. Run a normal hot water cycle, during which the vinegar will circulate and clean the interior.
Lackluster performance and traces of residue on your dishes and glassware don’t need to become the norm for your dishwasher’s cleaning capabilities. To get your dishwasher back to its best at cleaning your dirty dishes, follow these steps. Our team at Atlas Home Services has plenty more advice to offer on the subject of plumbing, fixtures, drains and more – just visit our blog to read more.
