How to Clean a Dishwasher in 5 easy steps?

Dishwashers are one of the most used household appliances. It is also one of the appliances we often take for granted and forget it also needs a thorough cleaning and extra care. Cleaning your dishwasher will help remove any grease, build-up of food particles, and unpleasant odors. It also prevents clogging of the dishwasher filter, gets rid of any bacteria, and improves its performance.  Here are tips on how to clean your dishwasher. 

Clean it’s exterior 

How to Clean a Dishwasher - The Home Depot

Nobody wants fingerprints stains or grease on the exterior of their dishwasher as it makes it dirty and unattractive. To make it clean, soak a clean cloth in warm liquid soap and use it to clean the plastic surface of your dishwasher. After that, dry it up with a clean towel. And if the exterior of your dishwasher is stainless, go for a stainless clean.  You can also use vinegar. Put one part of vinegar inside a spray bottle and mix it with the third part of water.  Spray it on the surface and dry it with a towel immediately. This will help remove every dirt.

Clean the filter

How to Clean the Filter in a Dishwasher | DoItYourself.com

We are all guilty of not rinsing our plate thoroughly sometimes before putting it on the dishwasher. This adds up over time and can clog the filter. The filter will either be a removable screen filter or a detachable one at the bottom. Unscrew it and remove every food particle inside it. This is achieved by first soaking the filter in warm water filled with detergent for about fifteen minutes. Do you still notice any food residue? Take a scrubbing brush and use it to gently scrub off any residue that remains. Rinse out the filter thoroughly and put it back in the machine. 

Clean all the accessories 

19 Unusual Items to Clean in the Dishwasher - Bob Vila

One of the best ways to clean your dishwasher is to be sure to clean all its accessories. This improves its performance and makes it last longer while preventing it from germs. Remove all the dishwasher racks and wash them in warm water with liquid soap. Use a scrubbing brush to remove any food debris on the utensil holder. Rinse them out in running warm water and return them to their position. 

Deodourize with vinegar

How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar | HGTV

Vinegar is a natural antibacterial found in the pantry of most homes. It is the best remedy for unpleasant odors and discoloration that are found in dishwashers. Put a bowl filled with two cups of white vinegar in the bottom rack of your dishwasher without any washing powder. On your dishwasher and let it run a normal circle. for awhile.  You will get a fresh-smelling, grease-free, and shining dishwasher.

Rinse out with baking soda

How Clean a Dishwasher

Baking soda is not only an antibacterial, it is also a deodorant which is the perfect addition to your cleaning process. Give your dishwasher an extra cleaning and love by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher. Leave it overnight and run a hot water cycle with it in the morning. This makes your dishwater sparkle, and free from any bad smell and grease.