How to clean your dishwasher – A step-by-step guide

A clean dishwasher is the hallmark of a clean kitchen. You can’t expect clean dishes from a clogged, stained, and unhygienic dishwasher. It is a common misconception that since the dishwasher is a dish-cleaning tool, it doesn’t need specific cleaning. But it couldn’t be more wrong. 

Your dishwasher needs regular maintenance for optimal performance. Cleaning your dishwasher frequently saves you money on repairs, keeps your dishes truly clean, and ensures the appliance runs efficiently for years.

A dirty dishwasher can lead to foul smells, clogged drains, inefficient washing cycles, and decreased lifespan of the appliance. So you need to ensure that no debris or detergent residue is clogging the filter or spray arms and seeping odors into your dishes.

Don’t worry, cleaning the dishwasher is not as overwhelming as you think. In this blog, we will share the tried and tested dishwasher cleaning tips from Vella’s professional housekeepers. Here are the essential steps to deep clean your dishwasher:

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

A set of customized cleaning supplies can cut the time and energy expenditure of the cleaning process in half. It also gives a long-lasting effect and professional finish. Before rolling up your sleeves, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning tools available at arm’s length. Here’s what you’ll need for a DIY dishwasher cleaning:

• White vinegar: The acid dissolves grease and mineral deposits. 
• Baking soda: Excellent for scrubbing and odor elimination.
• Soft cloth or sponge: For wiping down surfaces without leaving a scratch.
• Toothbrush:  Ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
• Dish soap: For tackling stubborn grease.
• Toothpicks or wire: Useful for unclogging spray arm holes.

Step 2: Empty the Dishwasher

Next, you need to empty everything from the dishwasher. Make sure no little spoons or forks are stuck in there. It is also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the basic parts of the dishwasher before you start your deep cleaning session.

Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms and Racks

The spray arms are responsible for distributing water during the wash cycle. Over time, food particles can clog its tiny holes. This reduces water pressure leaving your dishes not cleaned properly.

Steps to remove and clean spray arms: 

• Gently detach the spray arms. Refer to your dishwasher’s manual for the exact process. Most spray arms can be unscrewed or snapped off easily.

• Use a toothpick or small brush to clear blockages. You can use a little bit of Seventh Generation dish soap to remove debris and stains. 
• Rinse them under running water and reattach them securely.

Next up is the racks. They are pretty easy to slide out. Just clean them like you would clean a normal stainless steel piece. Use dish soap and the soft side of Sponge Daddy to get the job done. 

Step 4: Clean the Filter

The dishwasher filter is what traps food particles and debris from the dishes, preventing them from clogging the drain. Over time, the filter gets coated with grease and grime, and filled with food particles that rot in the corner leading to unpleasant odors and decreased efficiency. 

The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. 

• Gently twist and lift it out. 
• Run the filter under the faucet 
• Use dish soap or dishwashing liquid. 
• Use a brush to get into the crevices. 
• Once clean, securely place it back in the dishwasher.

As a rule of thumb, clean the filter at least once a month. This helps maintain proper drainage and prevents blockages. 

Step 5: Wipe Down the Interior

Next comes the interior surface of your dishwasher. This part accumulates soap scum, water spots, and food splashes over time. 

To clean the interior, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. This diluted solution can easily be soaked up in a soft towel and then used to wipe down the metal surfaces. Don’t forget to wipe the walls and door too. 

The rubber seals around the door are prone to mold and mildew. Use a toothbrush to scrub these areas thoroughly. Do not take the entire rubber off in one go though. Lift a part of the rubber at a time and wipe around it Continue this process until you are done. 

After a complete wipe down with soap water, discard the liquid and clean the towel under the faucet. Now go for a second round of wiping with a plain water-damped cloth. Follow it with a third round of wiping with a dry microfiber towel. The final step helps get rid of the tiny water dots. 

Step 6: Clean the Dishwasher Door and Exterior

Don’t forget the exterior of your dishwasher! Fingerprints, food splashes, and grease can make it look unsightly. We suggest you treat the exterior part of the dishwasher as your cabinet doors and keep wiping it once a week at least. 

Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe the control panel and door. Don’t forget to check the nooks and corners around the door seal. Also, to prevent damage to sensitive buttons, stick to mild soap and water. 

As usual, the last wipe should be with a dry cloth for a streak-free finish.

Step 7: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Now that everything is hand-cleaned, you need to run a cleaning cycle. This will take care of any lingering odors and bacteria. A dishwasher-safe cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda will help you reboot your device after the deep clean. 

How to use vinegar and baking soda to run a cleaning cycle? 

1. Vinegar cycle: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle to deodorize your dishwasher.
2. Baking soda cycle: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short cycle to freshen up the interior. 

Step 8: Regular Maintenance Schedule and Tips for Ongoing Care

Although a deep clean gives the most amount of satisfaction a regular cleanup helps you to maximize the time between each deep clean session. Here is what to do:

• Inspect spray arms weekly.
• Prevent mold growth by cleaning the door seals every few weeks.
• Prevent debris buildup by cleaning the filter regularly.

Why Vella is the Go-To Service for Dishwasher Cleaning

At Vella, we understand that sometimes a professional touch is necessary. That’s why we’ve built a team of experts who know how to handle cleaning from the inside out. We focus our best on quality so you feel great even weeks after we’ve done our job. 

Our experienced team specializes in deep cleaning dishwashers, using eco-friendly cleaning products and advanced techniques to restore your appliance’s efficiency and freshness. We love it when you can’t tell if it’s a new appliance or an old one that just underwent a Vella deep clean. From filters to spray arms, we handle every detail to ensure your dishwasher operates at its best.

Explore our professional cleaning services to see how we can make your home maintenance effortless. We guarantee that your guests will ask for your cleaner’s contact number the next time they visit.