Our dishwasher gets a lot of use – normally used about twice a day, so it is important that we take good care of it. In order to keep the dishwasher in a tip-top shape, use these cleaning tips for your dishwasher.
Dishwasher cleaning hacks
With constant use you dishwasher slowly starts to get gunked up and just does not wash as well. To remove the frustration of unloading dirty dishes here are my top hacks!
Clean the dishwasher’s exterior
Wipe down the outside from time to time – I usually use kitchen spray on the dishcloth and then put the dishcloth in the dishwasher, then buff up with a tea towel that then goes in the laundry.
A stainless steel exterior will benefit from a stainless steel cleaning product, or you can use a mix of vinegar and water. Microfiber cloths are fantastic for buffing for a fingerprint free finish!
Keep the seals clean
Check the seals around the door, and the corresponding area of the front of the machine are clean to prevent dirt and grease from building up. A quick spray with a kitchen cleaner and wipe with a cloth does the trick.
Use it regularly
Making sure you use the dishwasher regularly – at least once a week as this will keep the motor seals in the best condition – if you are not going to use it for a while leave the door ajar so it can air!
Scrape off food – but don’t rinse
Most manufacturers specifically recommend that items are not rinsed before being washed in a dishwasher, because any food residue on your dishes neutralises the detergent; if everything has been rinsed off, then the detergent attacks the glaze on the crockery instead.
However you do need to remove larger pieces / amounts of food or sauce so the filters don’t get too clogged.
Clean the filter
It is everyone’s most hated job – but these filters need a good clean at least once a month.
Remove the filters and give them a good clean in hot water with the washing up brush to remove any food particles. I then pop them into the dishwasher (along with the washing up brush) and run a cycle.
Keep the salt topped up
Even with the all in one tablets you still really, really, really need dishwasher salt for sparking dishes. I learnt this one New Year in an Air BnB in the middle of nowhere!
The salt softens the water which gives a cleaner wash.
Use the funnel that comes with the machine and to avoid over-filling decant the salt into a jug or mug. This gives your more control than pouring from the bag or box of salt. Dishwasher salt is dishwasher salt – I have never noticed any difference between a premium or supermarket own brand.
Check the spray arms
They are easily removable, use tweezers to extract anything blocking them – the usual culprits here are lemon pips!
Run a hot wash
If you are in the habit of running a quick, or “eco” warm cycle for your everyday wash, it a really good idea to run a longer hot cycle every couple of weeks. (The same also goes for your washing machine).
Use a dishwasher cleaner
Use a proper cleaner and/or a limescale remover every so often depending how hard your water is. I usually do this when I clean the filters.
Vinegar
At a pinch if you don’t have a cleaner then pop a container containing one cup of distilled plain vinegar in the bottom of the machine. Clean the filter, then run a hot cycle without anything else in the dishwasher.
Baking soda
Follow up the vinegar by adding one cup of baking soda to the bottom of the machine, and then run a short rinse cycle.
This is also a good way of quickly deodorising a smelly machine!
Washing kitchen cloths
I’ve been putting my dishcloth and sponge scourer through the dishwasher for years – pop onto the top rack draping over a dish. After the dishwasher the dishcloths then get a spin through the washing machine.
Height Adjustable Top Rack
Most dishwashers have two positions for the top rack, so if your wine glasses don’t fit, then try dropping the top rack down. Conversely if your plates are too big and the spray arm catches on them raise the top basket.
Dishwasher FAQs
Clean your dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions on frequency, paying attention to the requirements about water hardness. In a hard water area, using a limescale remover might be required every month, but every three months or so might apply in softer water areas.
Your waterboard or water supplier will probably have information on their website about water hardness in your area.
Absolutely not, no! Washing up liquids contain foaming agents, for the bubbles. Using it in the dishwasher will result in a massive bubble flood. So unless you want a foam party, stick to dishwasher detergent.
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