Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher

It may seem pointless to clean a dishwasher. After all, every cycle leaves your washer full of hot soapy water, right? But did you know that the average dishwasher runs over 200 cycles per year? That’s a lot of dirty food and grime buildup. Our experts recommend cleaning your dishwasher every two or three months to avoid buildup and musty odors when unloading clean dishes. Here are a few steps to consider when cleaning your dishwasher:

Cleaning the Food Strainer

If you’ve never done this before, this may be the main source of your smelly dishwasher. Simply remove the bottom dish rack and check for any leftover food particles caught on the drain strainer. Wipe clean and replace the dish rack.  

Good Old Fashioned Hot, Soapy Water

Use a sponge or damp cloth to wipe clean every surface inside including dish racks and the dishwasher door. This process should easily remove mineral buildups and food particles that can be the root of all those unsavory odors.

Vinegar Steam Bath

Many companies offer dishwasher cleaning products that are especially effective in homes that use hard water. But sometimes all your dishwasher needs is a steam bath. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup (eight ounces) of white vinegar and place it snugly between the prongs in the top rack. Then run the dishwasher on the hottest water setting possible without any detergent. Let the vinegar work its magic, breaking down any remaining grime and odors. Once the cycle is complete, leave the dishwasher door open to allow the interior to fully dry. Repeat this process every few months, or as needed to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

Deep Cleaning Your Dishwasher

If these methods don’t work, it’s time to step up your cleaning game. You may have mold or mildew growth. Place one cup of bleach in a bowl on the bottom rack of the washer and run a full cycle. DO NOT use bleach if you have a stainless-steel interior dishwasher. Bleach can corrode or stain stainless steel washers.

Some problems can only be fixed by a professional. If these options don’t work, call CityWIDE or schedule service online to have your dishwasher and kitchen back to normal and smelling fresh in no time.