Cleaning a dishwasher – this sounds weird, right? Isn’t the dishwasher clean by default? We never think of the washing machine, or the dishwasher, as something dirty, because they are supposed to clean, not to be cleaned. But over the time, every dishwashing machine collects food particles, soap residue, sometimes even – pet hair, and everything builds up in an inexplicable gunk. This is why every dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning every now and then. This is why we decided to share with you how to clean your dishwashing machine in X easy steps.
If you search for easy and green recipes to clean your kitchen check out this post. You can also read our suggestions for eco-friendly substitutes for dangerous cleaning products here, here and here. We’ve also shared 8 great recipes for home cleaning with soapnuts in our blog – check the article here.
Cleaning Supplies and Products
For this procedure you don’t need to use any toxic chemicals. Here is a list of eco-friendly ingredients and supplies for green cleaning of your dishwasher:
- White vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Sponge
- Screwdriver, or other tool (check the screws before you start)
- 2-3 toothpicks
- Dishwashing detergent or soap
- MIcrofibre cloths and old towels
- Old toothbrush
8-Steps Dishwasher Cleaning Guide
- Remove racks, shelves and utensil rack. Take a toothpick and carefully remove any food residues or detergent build-ups from the holes of the spinning arm. Water should be able to run through the spinning arm freely. Dip a sponge in warm soapy water and wipe the spinning arm.
- Wipe the inside of the dishwasher. Dip a cloth in warm soapy water and wipe out the walls, door and dishwasher grate. If the grid is too fine you can use an old toothbrush to clean the debris and remove food residues and soap build-ups. Use a sponge to clean the detergent dispenser.
- Remove and wash the filter. In some cases you might need to use a screwdriver. Other dishwasher filters are attached with clips and are really easy to remove. Take out the filter and wash it under the sink using toothbrush and warm soapy water and baking soda. Rinse well.
- Clean the door seal. Dip a cloth in vinegar and wipe the door seal. Use a toothbrush or a Q-tip to reach tiny areas. Vinegar will remove mould smell and prevent mould appearance.
- Wash the racks. Get the utensil rack under the sink and remove any food particles using dish soap and a toothbrush. Take the dish racks under the sink and rinse well.
- Re-assemble all parts. Put back the filter, the grate, top and bottom racks as well as the utensil rack.
- Clean the exterior of the dishwasher. Clean the buttons of your dishwasher with cloth, dipped in soapy water. Wipe them with clean damp cloth. Prepare a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar and 1 part water and spray the exterior of the dishwashing machine. Take a dry microfibre cloth and use it to buff the sides and the door. If your dishwasher has stainless steel exterior you can polish it with dry towel.
- Run an empty cycle. If you need to remove hard water deposits run an empty cycle with vinegar. Pour 2 cups of vinegar on the bottom of the dishwasher and run it on energy saving cycle.
Voila! The dishwasher is sparkly clean! Repeat this procedure every 2-3 months – depending on how often you use it. Don’t forget – if you need a cleaning service that uses eco-friendly products and supplies, you can always turn to us.