May 10, 2022, 1:05 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Even though the dishwasher performs its duty daily by cleaning plates and cutlery, the appliance itself also needs occasional cleaning. Contrary to popular belief, it does not clean itself during a wash cycle. myHOMEBOOK explains how to do it correctly and what you need for it.
Over time, limescale, food residues, or deposits from dishwashing detergents can accumulate in the dishwasher. This can lead to stains, unpleasant odors, clogs, bacteria, and even mold in the machine. In the worst case, the dishwasher may stop working. The good news is that the dishwasher can be cleaned in a few simple steps.
Clean the Dishwasher in 5 Steps
An indication that the dishwasher urgently needs cleaning, besides obvious stains and dirt, is a foul odor or extended wash time. However, in general, do not wait for these “symptoms” to appear; clean the appliance every one to two months. Proceed as follows:
- First, remove the filter, removable racks, and spray arms from the dishwasher. Instructions on how to do this can be found in the user manual. Then wash the parts under running water. For stubborn dirt or grease deposits, a little dish soap can help. Clogs in the spray arms can be carefully removed with a toothpick.
- Next, clean the drain—rubber gloves are recommended here. Eliminate any potential causes of clogs.
- Check if there is enough rinse aid and salt in the machine and refill if necessary. This is not needed if you use multi-tabs that already contain these agents.
- Then add a tab, some powder, or a special cleaning agent to the dishwasher and run a wash cycle.
- Finally, clean the dishwasher’s rubber seals with a damp cloth.