Have you ever cleaned your dishwasher; whether by hand or on a self-cleaning cycle? If the answer is no, you should try it! Most people think that the dishwasher gets ‘cleaned’ during every wash cycle, however that isn’t the case. Over time, our dishwasher becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, due to the build-up of food, grease and food scum. It is recommended that you clean your dishwasher every month to keep it in pristine condition. Here’s a guide to help you keep it clean.
Cleaning the filter
The filter’s number one job is to keep food particles and foreign objects out of the pump. Left to their own devices, food debris will become moldy and malodorous if not cleaned regularly. How frequently you wash your filter will depend on the number of loads you run per week, if you rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and the hardness of your water. To clean the filter, rinse it under warm water first to get rid of any loose particles. Next, using a toothbrush, dislodge any trapped food, grime or calcium deposits. Never use a wire brush or scouring pad to clean your filter, as this could cause damage.
Cleaning the inside:
Give the inside of your dishwasher a good cleaning by following these two simple steps.
1) White vinegar:
White vinegar is a great dishwasher cleaning solution. To clean, start by removing all the dishes and silverware from your dishwasher. Fill two 1 cup dishwasher-safe measuring cups with white vinegar, and place one on the top rack and the other on the bottom rack. Run the dishwasher through a hot-water wash cycle. Do not use detergent in this load. The acidic properties in the white vinegar will help eliminate odours, grease and grim from the inside of your dishwasher.
2) Baking soda:
To further eliminate odours, and really shine the inside of your dishwasher, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher. Run the dishwasher again, on a regular hot water cycle. Voila! All fresh and clean!
Cleaning the outside:
If you have a stainless-steel dishwasher, use a clean microfibre cloth and stainless steel spray to wipe the exterior of your dishwasher clean. Buff the exterior dry with a second microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish.
If your dishwasher has a vinyl finish, use a solution of warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth to clean the exterior. Buff dry with a dry microfibre cloth.
