For many homeowners today, a dishwasher is an essential appliance. It saves time and energy, and it helps ensure that your dishes are always sparkling clean. If you’re like us, you use your dishwasher almost every day. If you do, it’s vital that you clean your dishwasher thoroughly on a regular basis. Frequent cleaning is necessary because it helps eliminate foul smells, prevents clogs, and improves your dishwasher’s overall longevity.
But just how often should you clean your dishwasher? In this blog post, we'll discuss how often you should clean your dishwasher and provide you with tips to ensure your dishwasher performs optimally for years to come.
5 Tips for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will help ensure its longevity and smooth performance. The following are five tips for cleaning your dishwasher properly:
- Clean the Dishwasher Filter – One of the most critical parts of a dishwasher is the filter, which captures food particles and other debris that could clog the dishwasher’s drain. Clogs not only cause damage to the dishwasher but also lead to water overflow, which can damage your home. Your dishwasher’s filter should be cleaned at least once every two months. To clean the filter, remove it from the dishwasher and rinse it with hot water. For stubborn debris, you can use a soft brush to loosen the particles.
- Use Vinegar to Clean the Dishwasher – Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar is an effective way of eliminating foul odors and breaking down mineral buildup. To use vinegar to clean your dishwasher, pour a cup of white vinegar in the dishwasher and then turn it on and allow it to run a full cycle. You can also use vinegar to wipe down the inside of the dishwasher, including the spray arm and door gasket. Vinegar can also remove stubborn stains and residue buildup.
- Scrub the Dishwasher Interior – The interior of your dishwasher is susceptible to buildup and grime over time, making it necessary to scrub it regularly. Use a soft brush or sponge to clean the interior, especially parts that are difficult to reach. You can use warm soapy water or a solution of water and baking soda as your cleaning agent. After scrubbing, remember to rinse off the areas you cleaned with water to remove any residual soap.
- Clean the Spray Arm – The dishwasher's spray arm distributes water throughout the dishwasher to clean your dishes effectively. Over time, it's susceptible to clogs, which could lead to water not reaching all parts of your dishes. To clean the spray arm, use a toothpick or thin wire to remove any clogs. You can also run it under warm water to remove any debris.
- Check the Dishwasher's Drain – The dishwasher’s drain is crucial, so if it's clogged, it will cause problems that could lead to costly repairs. You can remove the drain cover and check for any debris that could be causing the clog. You might need to use a brush to loosen the particles before removing them.
Failing to clean your dishwasher regularly can cause serious health issues for you and your family, and it can lead to costly repairs. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher can help prevent it from breaking down and keep it running optimally year after year.
Having problems with your dishwasher? Call Smith’s Plumbing Services at (901) 290-1110 or reach out to us online today. We’re available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies.