How To Clean Your Dishwasher – Simple and Effective

How to Clean Your Dishwasher  

Your dishwasher is a hardworking appliance, used on an almost daily basis, dealing with one of the dirtiest jobs. Your dishwasher can get quite dirty in the process, food particles, debris and even mould can become trapped in the seals. Don’t worry though, we have a full guide on how to clean your dishwasher.    

What you’ll need:  

• Microfibre cloth  

• Old Toothbrush  

• White vinegar 

• Bicarb Soda  

• PH Neutral Detergent  

Begin with an empty dishwasher, remove any clean or dirty dishes and then take out any removeable racks to give you more space to clean.  

Clean the Seals  

Using a small brush (we’d recommend a toothbrush) dipped in hot soapy water, go around the door of the dishwasher taking care to get into the grooves and crevices of the rubber seal. Go over the inside of the door and scrub any obvious areas inside the dishwasher that may have stuck-on food, such as out of reach corners.  

Clean the Drain and Filter 

 Pull the bottom rack out and examine the drain area. Wipe around it to be sure there are no food particles that can plug the drain, cause damage to the pump or scratch dishes.  

The filter traps food debris before it clogs up the works. Unscrew or lift the filter (depending on your model) and soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Scrub away stubborn residue with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry before reinserting. Using a clean wet sponge or dishcloth, wipe the cleaning solution from the gasket and the door. 

Run a Vinegar Cycle  

 Use a recommended dishwasher cleaner or place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with plain white vinegar on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Using the hottest water available, run the dishwasher through a cycle. The vinegar will help to wash away the loose greasy grime, sanitizes, and helps remove the musty odour. 

Bicarbonate of soda is also effective at freshening and brightening your dishwasher. Just sprinkle a cupful around the bottom of the tub and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water. Bicarb can be helpful in removing stains. 

Clean the Outside  

Your dishwasher’s exterior needs a little TLC too! For stainless steel models, use a soft cloth and a gentle stainless-steel cleaner or diluted dish soap. Buff dry with a microfibre cloth in the direction of the grain for a streak-free shine. For plastic or painted surfaces, a damp cloth with a bit of dish soap will do the trick. 

Prevent Future Build-Up 

Here are some tips to keep your dishwasher cleaner for longer: 

• Rinse dishes before loading: While modern dishwashers can handle some mess, rinsing off large chunks of food helps prevent clogs and odours. 

• Don’t overload: Overcrowding reduces water flow, leaving dishes dirty and increasing residue build-up. 

• Regularly clean the filter: Make it a monthly habit to rinse the filter and check for debris. 

• Use rinse aids: These products reduce water spots and ensure a streak-free finish on glassware. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher? 

For light maintenance, a quick wipe-down and filter check every week or two is ideal. A deep clean using vinegar and baking soda once a month will keep it running smoothly and smelling fresh. 

Why It Matters 

Keeping your dishwasher clean isn’t just about aesthetics. A well-maintained appliance works more efficiently, saving you time and energy. Plus, you’ll avoid costly repairs down the road by preventing build-up and blockages. Best of all, your dishes will come out sparkling clean, every time. 

Final Thoughts 

Your dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, and it deserves a little extra care. By following these simple steps, you’ll extend its life, improve its performance, and be able to enjoy gleaming dishes day after day. 

In this Absolute Domestic’s tip Sally shows us the best and easiest way to clean your dishwasher, it’s easy to think that a dishwasher doesn’t need cleaning but food and particles get lodged in the seal and hard to see places.

It’s not a job any of us like to do, I mean, we bought a dishwasher to avoid cleaning! But- the dishwasher can break or have a musty odour if not cleaned regularly.

It’s easier than your think to clean a dishwasher and this video makes it as simple as pressing a button (with minimal elbow grease).

Be sure to Subscribe to Absolute Domestics on Youtube for more household tips, tricks and timesavers, see you next time!