How to Clean a Frigidaire Dishwasher

Cleaning your Frigidaire Dishwasher can ensure clean dishes and utensils, as well as extend the life of your appliance.

Frigidaire dishwashers are self-cleaning but with minimal maintenance the longevity of your dishwasher can be extended. Deposits of lime buildup from hard water, food scraps and clogs in the spray arms all interfere with the performance of your dishwasher, but are easily resolved. For cosmetic purposes, also clean the door and instrument panel of your dishwasher.

Things You'll Need

• Frigidaire dishwasher
• Dishes
• 2 cups white vinegar
• Small soft bristled brush
• Wrench
• Mild soap
• Paper towel or clean dish rag

Instructions

Cleaning Hard Water Lime Build Up

1. Select and begin a normal wash cycle.

2. When the cycle reaches the second water fill, about ten minutes from the start, unlock the door and open the dishwasher.

3. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the water in the bottom of the dishwasher.

4. Close and lock the door, restarting the cycle. Allow the cycle to run to completion.

5. Rerun the dishwasher on your preferred cycle.

Removing Food Scraps

1. Remove the filtration units, while the dishwasher is not in use, by turning counterclockwise. This will remove the main filter, cup filter and fine filter. You will recognize these by the main filter which is a flat triangle shaped feature, with rounded edges,and a cap in the middle. That cap is what you will be turning to remove the filters. The cup filter is located directly beneath the main filter and is nestled inside the fine filter.

2. Rinse each filter under warm water, at your kitchen sink, to remove food particles.

3. Scrub with a soft bristled brush to clean any hard-to-remove food fragments.

4. Reassemble the filters and place back in the dishwasher when clean. Press firmly on the main filter to ensure a seal.

Cleaning the Spray Arm

1. Remove the spray arm by holding it in place with one hand and removing the nut holding it in place, by turning clockwise with an appropriate wrench. Lift off shaft.

2. Using warm soapy water and your soft bristled brush, gently clean the jets.

3. Place the spray arm back on the shaft once clean. Place the nut you removed back on the spray arm, turning counter clockwise with your wrench.

Cleaning the outside of your Frigidaire Dishwasher

1. Dampen a paper towel or clean dish rag with soapy water. Do not use a harsh soap as this may damage the finish of the dishwasher.

2. Wipe the door and panel of the dishwasher, removing any stains, with your slightly damp and soapy paper towel or clean dish rag.

3. Rinse your paper towel or dish rag until soap is removed and then rinse front of dishwasher, removing all soap residue.

4. Dry with a clean, dry paper towel or dish rag.

Tips & Warnings

• When cleaning inside of the dishwasher or any internal parts wait after a cycle to allow all components to cool down, in order to prevent burns.

References

• Frigidaire: Guides and Manuels
• TLC: How to Clean Large Appliances