The dishwasher is a fantastic piece of technology that makes washing dishes much more efficient. Instead of spending hours hand-washing every single plate, cup and saucer, you simply load your dirty dishes into the dishwasher when you’re finished with them, press a few buttons and wait for the magic to happen. But even though dishwashers are amazing machines and make life much easier, there is still some manual work involved. Even if your dishwasher has a self-cleaning function, you’ll need to clean it from time to time to ensure that it continues to operate at peak performance. To help keep your dishwasher running as smoothly as possible, here are some cleaning tips for keeping your dishwasher maintenance routine simple but effective!

Run the Dishwasher Before You Clean It

When you try to clean a dishwasher that is full of dirty dishes, you risk getting dirt and grime all over your clean dishes and your cleaning supplies. So before you start cleaning, it is best to run a load of clean dishes in your dishwasher. This will get rid of any loose food particles and other dirt that can get all over your cleaning supplies. It will also prevent the grime transfer problem when you empty the dishwasher during the cleaning process. If you’re cleaning your dishwasher on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to keep a few clean dishes in the machine at all times so they can be used when you need to run a load.

How to Clean a Dishwasher: Step by Step

Before you start cleaning your dishwasher, make sure it’s unplugged and cooled down. When the machine is still hot, the steam created by the cleaning will build up inside the machine and cause more damage. Turn the dishwasher off about 30 minutes before you plan to start the cleaning process so it can cool down. Open the door of the dishwasher and remove the dishes. Take out the rubber mats and the upper basket. Unscrew the filter and remove it. In order to clean the interior, you can use baking soda, vinegar or a combination of both. Use a damp sponge to apply the cleaning agent, then let it sit for about 5 minutes before you start scrubbing it off with a dry cloth. Wipe off the door with a damp cloth. Clean the filter with the help of a sponge or a cotton swab dipped in vinegar or a mixture of vinegar and water.

Adjust the Soap Dispenser

The soap dispenser is one of the most clogged parts of a dishwasher. When it’s clogged, water can’t flow freely and the soap doesn’t get distributed properly. To clean the soap dispenser, remove it from the dishwasher and use a small brush or a toothpick to unclog the holes. While you’re at it, you can also check if the pad inside the soap dispenser is still intact. If it’s worn out or damaged, you’ll need to replace it to keep the soap flowing freely. To do that, unscrew the cap on the soap dispenser and remove the pad, then drop in a new one.

Check and Maintain the Venting System

If your dishwasher has a built-in air vent, the best way to clean it is to use a pipe cleaner or a cleaning wire to clear the clogs. If the vent is unusually clogged or dirty, you might want to clean or replace the vent hose. To clean the vent hose, you’ll need to remove the hose from the wall. It’s usually held in place by a hose clamp. Once you’ve removed the hose, use a cleaning brush to clear out any dirt inside it. Be careful not to damage the hose in the process. If the vent hose is worn out, it’s better to replace it rather than clean it. You can buy a new hose from HandyDaddy, we’ll deliver and install it.

Wash The Rubber Mats And Coils With Baking Soda

The rubber mats and coils in the bottom of the dishwasher are usually the dirtiest parts of the entire machine. To clean them, you’ll need a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. To make the cleaning solution, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of vinegar. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it onto the mats and coils. Let the cleaning mixture sit for an hour or two before you scrub it off with a brush or a cleaning cloth.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean the Interior

If you want to clean the rest of the interior, you’ll need a mixture of 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it inside your dishwasher. Let the mixture set for about 5 minutes before you begin scrubbing it off with a sponge.

Use Mineral and Vegetable Oils to Lubricate Gears and Belts

The gears, belts and other moving parts inside your dishwasher require lubrication to keep them moving smoothly. You can use mineral oil or vegetable oil to lubricate the parts. To do that, remove the bottom rack of your dishwasher, then pour some oil into the interior. You can also pour the oil through the cleaning port near the bottom of the machine. Make sure to clean out any excess oil that might have seeped out.

Change the Drain Hose and Filter

The drain hose is usually located inside the lower part of the machine. It drains water out of the dishwasher and into the sink. The drain hose is usually made from rubber or plastic, so it gets dirty and clogged fairly easily. To clean it, remove the lower part of the machine and remove the hose. Clean it with a cleaning brush or a pipe cleaner. The filter is another important part of the dishwasher that you should clean regularly. It’s usually located near the bottom of the machine, right under the drain hose. It is important to clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs in the machine.

Conclusion

The dishwasher is an amazing piece of technology that makes cleaning dishes much more efficient. However, even though dishwashers are amazing machines and make life much easier, there is still some manual work involved. Even if your dishwasher has a self-cleaning function, you’ll need to clean it from time to time to ensure that it continues to operate at peak performance. You can keep your dishwasher running smoothly with some regular cleaning, so it will last longer and not break down on you. Even if it does, HandyDaddy is always there for you: just call +1(780) 800-5574 and we’ll fix it.