**Is your dishwasher acting more like a dish-soiler lately? Before you ditch your trusty kitchen companion and shell out for a new one, hold on – you might just need to show it some TLC!**
Is that funky smell wafting from your dishwasher making you dread opening it? We totally get it. Lets get into what you should know.
## Dishes Still Dirty? Decoding the Dishwasher Dilemma
You load up your dishwasher, expecting sparkling clean dishes, but instead, you’re greeted with food residue, cloudy glasses, and a lingering, unpleasant odor. What gives? It’s likely *not* a sign that your dishwasher is on its last legs; it is more likely just crying out for a deep clean.
Think of your dishwasher like your car. You wouldn’t expect your car to run smoothly forever without regular oil changes and maintenance, right? Your dishwasher is no different. It works hard, day in and day out, battling food particles, grease, and hard water minerals. Over time, this gunk builds up, clogging filters, spray arms, and other vital components, leading to subpar cleaning performance and that dreaded “dishwasher smell”.
## The Deep Clean: Your Dishwasher’s Spa Day
Deep cleaning your dishwasher might sound like a daunting task, but trust us, it’s easier than you think. By taking some time to tackle the key areas where buildup occurs, you can rejuvenate your appliance and get it back to its sparkling best. We will walk you through a comprehensive deep cleaning process that’s sure to banish those funky odors and get your dishes gleaming again.
So, you’ve decided to embark on this cleaning adventure – awesome! The first step is to gather your supplies. You probably already have most of what you need right in your pantry. Because we’re going the DIY route, all of these can be found in your home. These include: white vinegar, baking soda, an old toothbrush, a small bowl, and some warm, soapy water.
### Unclogging the Filter: The Heart of the Matter
The filter is your dishwasher’s first line of defense against food particles. Taking a look periodically is a good idea. If you find that it is clogged, it’s like a clogged artery, restricting water flow and preventing your dishwasher from doing its job properly.
To clean the filter, first locate it – it’s usually at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, under the lower spray arm. Most filters twist out easily, but check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Once you’ve removed the filter, rinse it thoroughly under warm, running water.
Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great!) to gently scrub away any stubborn food debris or gunk. If the filter is really grimy, you can soak it in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse it well and pop it back into place.
For dishwasher hard water stains we recommend using some sort of dishwasher cleaning solution. It can break down some of the gunk that can cause a smelly dishwasher. For a smelly dishwasher fix, check to make sure there is nothing blocking the filter.
Doing this every few weeks that prevent dishwasher odors. You may want to consider doing this more frequently. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to remove dishwasher buildup, if you catch it early.
### Tackling the Spray Arms: Power Washers in Miniature
The spray arms are responsible for blasting away food debris from your dishes. But when they get clogged with bits of food or mineral deposits, their cleaning power diminishes significantly. This is one of the most common culprits behind dishes that aren’t getting properly cleaned.
To clean the spray arms, carefully remove them from the dishwasher. (Again, your owner’s manual is your friend here.) Examine the spray arm holes – are they clogged with anything? Use a thin wire, a toothpick, or even a straightened paper clip to gently poke out any debris blocking the holes.
Once you’ve cleared the holes, rinse the spray arms thoroughly under warm, running water. And again, check for any signs of damage or wear. If the spray arms are cracked or broken, it’s time to replace them, which you can easily order online or find at your local appliance parts store.
You can get them from most big box stores. Doing this step is the best way to clean a dishwasher. Reattach, and you will be ready for the next step.
With dishwasher spray arm cleaning, it is also important to make sure that they can move freely. If there is not a good spray, then the dishes will not be very clean. This is a straight forward fix and should be one of the first things that you check.
### Banishing the Gunk: The Interior Deep Dive
Now that you’ve tackled the filter and spray arms, it’s time to give the interior of your dishwasher some love. This is where you might encounter some unpleasant surprises – food residue, soap scum, and even mold or mildew can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Start by wiping down the interior walls, door, and racks with a damp cloth and some warm, soapy water.
Pay special attention to the door gasket (the rubber seal around the door), as this is a prime spot for gunk to collect. Then, use your trusty old toothbrush to scrub around the edges of the door and any other hard-to-reach areas.
Next, it’s time for the vinegar and baking soda magic. Place a small bowl filled with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
Run a hot water cycle (the hottest setting available). The vinegar will help to dissolve grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits, while also neutralizing odors.
Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
Run a short, hot water cycle. The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive, scrubbing away any remaining residue and leaving your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
And there you have it. These are great steps for dishwasher maintenance. You will be able to clean inside the dishwasher without any special equipment or chemicals. This is a great DIY Dishwasher cleaner that will help you get your dishwasher to run like new.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How often should I deep clean my dishwasher?
Ideally, you should aim to deep clean your dishwasher once a month. This will keep it running smoothly and free from problems. If you notice that your dishwasher is starting to smell or your dishes aren’t getting as clean as they should, it’s a sign that it’s time for a deep clean.
If you have hard water, you may need to deep clean your dishwasher more frequently. This is because of the buildup. You may need to clean the dishwasher trap, more often than you would otherwise.
### What’s the best way to get rid of that awful dishwasher smell?
The dishwasher vinegar and baking soda method we described above is a great way to eliminate odors. This is natural and very effective. You can also try running a cycle with a dishwasher cleaning tablet or solution – these are specifically designed to combat odors and buildup.
Another tip is to always scrape off large food particles from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
This will help to prevent food from getting trapped and decomposing, which is a major cause of bad smells.
### Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?
We don’t recommend using bleach to clean a dishwasher.
Bleach can damage the stainless steel interior and rubber parts of your dishwasher.
It’s also a harsh chemical that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
Stick to the gentler, more natural dishwasher cleaner alternatives, like vinegar and baking soda. These products are safer. And they will also leave it looking like new and smelling a lot better.
## Wrapping Up
Deep cleaning your dishwasher is a simple and effective way to keep it running efficiently and prevent costly repairs down the line. It will also keep it smelling great. By taking a little time each month to show your dishwasher some love, you can extend its lifespan and enjoy sparkling clean dishes for years to come.
Remember, a clean dishwasher is a happy dishwasher. And if your dishwasher needs a little more than a deep clean, don’t hesitate to contact the Dewdney Appliance Repair Mission team! We are your local appliance repair, Mission experts. We are always ready to help with any of your appliance maintenance Mission BC needs including; dishwasher repair near me, professional dishwasher cleaning or any of your appliance needs.
