The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, but it is often forgotten to be cleaned and maintained in good condition. The accumulation of food scraps, grease, and other residues can cause bad odors, mold, and clogs, which can affect the performance of the dishwasher and shorten its lifespan. In this article, we will explain how to clean and disinfect your dishwasher to keep it in perfect condition.
Why is it important to clean the dishwasher?
Cleaning the dishwasher is important for several reasons. Firstly, the accumulation of food scraps and other residues can cause bad odors and mold, which can affect the performance of the dishwasher and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, the hardness and impurities of the water can cause the obstruction of the pipes and the dishwasher’s blades, which can affect its effectiveness and cause breakdowns.
On the other hand, regular cleaning of the dishwasher can help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms that can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is important to clean the dishwasher regularly to keep it in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
How to clean the dishwasher filter?
The dishwasher filter is one of the most important parts of the appliance, as it is responsible for retaining the food scraps and other residues that accumulate during washing. If the filter is not cleaned regularly, it can cause bad odors, mold, and clogs, which can affect the performance of the dishwasher and shorten its lifespan.
To clean the dishwasher filter, follow these steps:
- Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom tray.
- Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it carefully.
- Clean the filter with hot water and mild soap to remove the food scraps and other residues.
- If the filter is very dirty, you can soak it in hot water with white vinegar for a few minutes to remove the dirt.
- Replace the filter and make sure it is securely in place.
It is recommended to clean the dishwasher filter at least once a month to avoid bad odors, mold, and clogs.
How to clean the dishwasher door?
The dishwasher door can also accumulate food scraps, grease, and other residues that can cause bad odors and mold. To clean the dishwasher door, follow these steps:
- Mix hot water and mild soap in a container.
- Moisten a soft cloth in the solution and rub the dishwasher door to remove the dirt and residues.
- If the door is very dirty, you can use a solution of water and white vinegar to remove the dirt.
- Make sure to clean the door seals well to prevent the accumulation of dirt and mold.
- Rinse the door with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
It is recommended to clean the dishwasher door at least once a week to avoid bad odors and mold.
How to clean the dishwasher gaskets?
The dishwasher gaskets can also accumulate food scraps, grease, and other residues that can cause bad odors and mold. To clean the dishwasher gaskets, follow these steps:
- Mix hot water and mild soap in a container.
- Moisten an old toothbrush in the solution and scrub the dishwasher gaskets to remove the dirt and residues.
- If the gaskets are very dirty, you can use a solution of water and white vinegar to remove the dirt.
- Make sure to clean the gasket seals well to prevent the accumulation of dirt and mold.
- Rinse the gaskets with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
It is recommended to clean the dishwasher gaskets at least once a week to avoid bad odors and mold.
How to clean the dishwasher blades?
The dishwasher blades are responsible for distributing the water during washing, so it is important to keep them clean to avoid obstructions and breakdowns. To clean the dishwasher blades, follow these steps:
- Remove the bottom tray of the dishwasher.
- Locate the blades at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove any food scraps and other residues that may have accumulated.
- If the blades are very dirty, you can use a solution of water and white vinegar to remove the dirt.
- Make sure the blades are securely in place and show no signs of wear or breakage.
It is recommended to clean the dishwasher blades at least once a month to avoid obstructions and breakdowns.
How to prevent bad odors in the dishwasher?
To prevent bad odors in the dishwasher, follow these tips:
- Clean the filter, door, gaskets, and blades of the dishwasher regularly.
- Use a quality detergent and the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not overload the dishwasher, as this can cause the dishes not to be washed properly.
- Leave the dishwasher door open after each use to ventilate and dry.
- Use a specific dishwasher cleaner to eliminate bad odors.
How to clean the inside of the dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar?
Baking soda and vinegar are two natural products that can help clean and disinfect the dishwasher effectively. To clean the dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:
- Remove the bottom tray of the dishwasher.
- Place a cup of white vinegar in the tray and run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.
- When the cycle is finished, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle again.
- When the cycle is finished, check that the dishwasher is clean and dry.
It is recommended to clean the dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar at least once a month to keep it clean and disinfected.
Where do you put vinegar in the dishwasher?
Vinegar should be placed in the bottom tray of the dishwasher. Place a cup of white vinegar in the tray and run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle to clean and disinfect the appliance.
What happens if you mix soap, baking soda, and vinegar?
It is not recommended to mix soap, baking soda, and vinegar, as chemical reactions can occur that can be dangerous. It is better to use each