In 2022, it’s finally time to tackle those little tasks we’ve all been neglecting. Deep cleaning the dishwasher is a job that most people overlook, but you’ll want to take on a full dishwasher clean in order to prevent bad odors and a buildup of grease, limescale, and minerals. If you neglect your dishwasher for too long, expensive repairs may be necessary.
Furthermore, while the dishwasher probably won’t be a dealbreaker on its own when you decide to sell your home, a stinky, dirty dishwasher will certainly put off most buyers.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
This question ultimately depends on how often you use your dishwasher. Most dishwasher manufacturers recommend cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month if used a lot.
If you don’t use your dishwasher every day, try cleaning it 3 to 6 times a year. At the very minimum, you won’t want your dishwasher sitting uncleaned for more than 6 months at a time in order to keep it functioning at its best.
Cleaning method using white wine vinegar
Using distilled white vinegar to clean your dishwasher is a popular method among both homeowners and professional cleaners. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Distilled white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning cloth
First, place a bowl filled with vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run it on its hottest setting. Then, pour a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle. You’ll want to spray this mixture evenly throughout the dishwasher, focusing on the parts that may be missed during the wash cycle. Use a cloth to wipe down the dishwasher, and you’re done!
Cleaning method using vinegar and baking soda
Using a combination of vinegar and baking soda is the best way to clean the dishwasher, as it gets rid of nasty odors and smells. Baking soda is a great cleaning agent that’ll tackle grease and dirt. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of baking soda
- 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- Dishwasher safe bowl
- Vinegar and water mixture in a spray bottle
- Cleaning cloth
Combine the baking soda with the hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste. Then, spread the mixture evenly on the bottom of the dishwasher. Once done, simply run the dishwasher on the hottest setting.
Once the cycle is finished, pour a mixture of vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and wash down any spots that were missed during the wash cycle. Simply clean up with a cloth and you’re done!
Cleaning method using bleach
Bleach is another great cleaning agent that should only be used if you’re dishwasher is not stainless steel, as bleach can often stain or damage stainless steel appliances. Here’s all you’ll need:
- Half cup of bleach
- Dishwasher safe bowl
- All-purpose cleaner
- Cleaning cloth
Fill your bowl with bleach, place the bowl in the top rack, and start a dishwasher cycle on the hottest setting. Once done, spray an all-purpose cleaner inside the dishwasher, and wipe it down with your cleaning cloth. This is a great way to clean your dishwasher, and those in the market to buy a home will be easily impressed with the state of your appliances!
