Dishwashers are some of the most heavily-used appliances in the kitchen. Every now and then, you may notice that your dishwasher isn’t cleaning as well as it used to. When this happens, it’s important to identify the underlying issue by giving it a thorough tune-up to remove any loose debris or food particles and enhance its performance.
From deep cleaning to checking the drain filter for potential clogs, here are seven cheap and easy tips Redditors suggest doing to leave your dishwasher sparkling clean and operating at its best.
Clean Out Debris
Before starting the cleaning process, throw on some gloves (because who wants to touch soggy, old food bits with their bare hands) to remove any food particles or debris that may have accumulated in the bottom of the dishwasher and inside the drain filter.
“Don’t forget to check your drain filter if your washer is so equipped,” writes one Redditor, adding, “Google your model and see. Food and debris can get stuck in it and get smelly and nasty.”
Use Vinegar To Steam Clean It
Place a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl filled with white (or apple cider) vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle on empty. The acidity in the vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and scale buildup to help improve your dishwasher’s efficiency and reduce the chances of clogged spray arms or nozzles.
Refresh With Baking Soda
To deodorize and further clean out nooks and crannies in your dishwasher, create a paste using baking soda and water, then apply it to the interior walls and door seals. Gently scrub the surfaces using an old toothbrush or sponge to remove stains, odors, and any residual buildup. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer that can help eliminate any lingering smells and keep the inside of your appliances smelling fresh.
Use Dishwasher Salt
“Put dishwasher salt into the compartment, even if you don’t have limescale problems,” writes one Redditor, who shared how their dishwasher broke after being used too often during the pandemic, and was given this tip by the technician who came to fix it.
Indeed, dishwasher salt can help soften the water to reduce the formation of limescale deposits inside the machine’s internal components. It also prevents mineral buildup to help enhance and extend the lifespan of your dishwasher.
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Descale With Citric Acid
If your dishwasher has hard water stains or mineral deposits that vinegar or baking soda can’t remove, consider using citric acid, says one user. Dissolve citric acid powder in warm water and run a cycle without any dishes. The liquid helps dissolve stubborn buildup to restore your dishwasher’s performance.
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Do Maintenance Regularly
Implement a routine maintenance schedule, which involves wiping down the door seals, checking for leaks, cleaning out filters and nozzles, and inspecting the dishwasher’s components for rust. Regular maintenance prevents small issues from escalating and ensures your dishwasher consistently runs at its best.
“Do a cleaning program every three or four months with no load & special dishwasher cleaning agent,” says one user, noting how it’s also important to “clean filters every month.”
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Give It a Cleaning Boost
One user suggests a double-cleaning technique by inserting “a pod in the main compartment and liquid dishwasher detergent in the ‘prewash’ compartment.” By employing this method, the pod in the main compartment will help break down stubborn food particles and grease, while the liquid dishwasher detergent in the prewash compartment can target any potential clogs or residue buildup before the main cycle kicks in.
This combination can help maximize the cleaning power of your dishwasher to promote better performance and remove any lingering debris.
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