How to Clean Dishwashers

Your dishwasher can be kept in good working order by cleaning it once a month. Not only will your dishes be cleaner, but regular cleaning can extend the life of your machine. A dirty dishwasher can be a breeding ground for mold and germs, so you will want to keep your family healthy and safe by keeping it clean. These steps will only take about 10 minutes of your time each month.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Orange Tang drink mix
• Bleach
• All-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner
• Toothbrush or soft brush
• Cloth
• Toothpick

1. Remove all racks from the dishwasher and clean them with dish soap, using a small brush or a cloth. You may want to wash them in the bathtub due to their size.

2. Clean out any debris from the small holes in the propeller arms, using a toothpick.

3. Remove any debris from around the drain. Loosen up any debris using a soft brush or cloth.

4. Clean the seal around the door by mixing ½ cup of bleach or vinegar and 3 cups of hot water. Scrub around the seal and under the edge of the door using a soft brush or toothbrush.

5. Place a cup of white distilled vinegar or half a container of orange Tang drink mix to the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a cycle to remove hard water stains.

6. Place ½ to 1 cup of bleach to the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a cycle if you detect mold.

7. Clean the front of your dishwasher by wiping it with an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner or one part vinegar to three parts water.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use chlorine cleaners on the front of stainless steel dishwashers.