How to Clean a Dishwasher

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Dishwashers come in two types, steel and plastic. Both often get dirty while washing your dinner ware and other cooking appliances. You need to keep your dishwasher clean as dirt and oil often stay within the dishwashing tub. The following steps will be keep your dishwasher clean.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bleach
Vinegar
Orange Tang Drink Mix
Baking soda

Step1

Check the temperature preset before cleaning your dishwater. This is the temperature of the water used for washing. Some dishwashers require water to be 120 degrees or higher, while others require 140 degrees or higher. Check your dishwasher’s make & model mentioned in the user’s manual. Learn if your dishwasher has a pre-heating mechanism for water when it is too cold. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature just before the washing cycle begins.

Step2

Identify and locate the type of cleaning required in your dishwasher. Scale, rust, mold, discoloration and food stains are some of the most common concerns that require regular cleaning. Follow the steps below to clean each of these

Step3

Add one tbsp of bleach after emptying the contents of dishwasher. Run a full cycle. This will clean any mold built up in the dishwasher and leave the dishwasher sparkling and glowing.

Step4

Try cleaning discoloration and scale off your dishwasher by adding one half container of Orange Tang Drink Mix. The citric acid present in the mixture helps to loosen up the hard water deposits as it removes and cleans the scale from your dishwasher. Run a regular cycle.

Step5

Place a coffee cup filled with vinegar in the dishwashing rack and run a full cycle of dishwashing. This will clean your entire dishwasher. This is one of the easiest techniques and works well as preventive care. If vinegar is unavailable you can also use baking soda.

Tips & Warnings

Ensure your dishwasher gets a sufficient quantity of water in its washing cycle. Use a water softener to reduce stains caused by hard water, as these are the most difficult to remove.
Adjust the temperature on your thermostat as per the hot water requirements of your dishwasher.