Frequently asked question: What's the recommended schedule for dishwasher cleaning? Innovative insights from appliance and tidiness gurus
In the bustling world of modern kitchens, the dishwasher is a cherished appliance that simplifies mealtimes and post-party clean-ups. To ensure it continues to work efficiently and keep your dishes sparkling clean, regular maintenance is key. Here's a simple guide to cleaning your dishwasher effectively.
According to dishwasher expert Gwilym Snook from AO.com, a combination of household items can be used to clean your dishwasher. These include white vinegar, baking soda (bicarbonate of soda), high-quality dishwasher-specific detergent, and dishwasher-safe cleaning tablets or affresh® cleaner.
Once a month, it's recommended to perform a deep clean using these natural items. White vinegar, for instance, should be poured into a bowl on the bottom rack and the dishwasher run on a hot empty cycle without detergent. This helps dissolve mineral buildup and grease. Following the vinegar cycle, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. This deodorizes and brightens the interior.
After each use, it's essential to wipe down the interior and seals to prevent debris buildup. The dishwasher filter should be cleaned weekly or as often as needed to avoid clogs. To do this, Gwilym suggests soaking it in hot soapy water and scrubbing off any lingering gunk.
Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, notes that blocked spray arms and clogged filters can lead to dirty dishes. Therefore, it's crucial to periodically remove and clean spray arms, especially every six months, to clear any trapped debris for thorough cleaning.
Catherine, a sustainable cleaning expert at Smol, recommends running an empty hot cycle with a full bowl of white vinegar every month or so to help flush out lingering residue and keep the machine smelling clean. She also advises scraping dishes before loading to remove excess food and prevent buildup inside the dishwasher.
Avoid excessive detergent use to prevent residue and caking. Using high-quality, dishwasher-specific detergent tablets or packs for best results is recommended. Additionally, using a monthly commercial dishwasher cleaner can also help maintain optimal performance.
By following this cleaning frequency and method, you can maintain dishwasher efficiency, prevent odors, and ensure better cleaning performance. Signs of a dirty dishwasher include bad smells, gurgling noises, visible grime, mould, and mildew, and water pooling at the bottom of the machine. If strange smells persist in the kitchen, it may be necessary to clean the kitchen sink drain.
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher not only keeps it in the best working order but also contributes to a cleaner, more pleasant kitchen environment. So, make it a habit to give your dishwasher a little love once a month, and it will continue to serve you well for years to come.
[1] Gwilym Snook, AO.com [2] Catherine, Smol [3] Ian Palmer-Smith, Domestic & General [4] Catherine Green, Smol
- Maintaining a clean dishwasher doesn't just keep it efficient, but it also enhances overall home wellness and beauty by contributing to a cleaner and more pleasant kitchen environment.
- To ensure your dishwasher continues to work optimally and leave your dishes sparkling, consider using a combination of items such as white vinegar, baking soda, dishwasher-specific detergent, and dishwasher-safe cleaning tablets or affresh® cleaner for regular maintenance.
- Adopting a lifestyle that includes monthly deep cleaning and weekly filter cleanings can prevent odors, grime, mould, and mildew buildup in your home-and-garden appliance, prolonging its durability and ensuring a healthier living space.
