How to clean the dishwasher to keep the dishes free of stains and soap scum: tips

Your dishwasher needs regular cleaning. Fingerprints are left on the door every time you load dirty dishes, and food residue, grease, and soap suds accumulate inside, especially in the corners and crevices.

These deposits can affect the operation of the appliance and lead to an unpleasant odor in the dishwasher. Experts tell us how to clean the dishwasher to keep the dishes free of plaque and soap stains. Monthly cleaning can ensure high-quality and uninterrupted operation and reduce the risk of serious malfunctions.

How to clean the door

The best way to clean the outer surface of the dishwasher door is to wipe it down with warm, soapy water. Alternatively, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 liter of water. Avoid harsh detergents or overly harsh sponges that can scratch the surface. After cleaning, wipe the door with a soft cloth. Clean the dishwasher door and handle by adding alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth and wiping off fingerprints

To clean the inside of the door, soak a toothbrush in hot soapy water and scrub the surface. Make sure you clean the areas under the rubber seal and any other crevices, including hinges.

The main stage of cleaning

• The first step is to remove any debris from the base of the dishwasher – most of it accumulates around the drainage.
• Next, run an empty dishwasher cycle. Vinegar is suitable for disinfecting. Place a cup of plain white vinegar on the top shelf and run the cycle, selecting the hottest water possible to disinfect the appliance while it is cleaning.
• When the cycle is complete, wipe the inside of the dishwasher with paper towels or a clean, dry cloth.

You can use baking soda instead of vinegar by sprinkling it on the bottom of the appliance.

Thoroughly clean the filter

• Remove the racks and dish racks. Wipe off any food particles or other debris.
• To access the dishwasher filter, pull out the bottom shelf. The filter is usually located in one of the lower rear corners of the appliance. If the filter is removable, turn it to remove it and rinse it under hot running water.
• Wipe the area under the filter with a damp cloth, sponge, or toothbrush. After cleaning, replace the clean filter. Filters vary from appliance to appliance. Refer to the manual for specific instructions on how to clean this part.

How to clean limescale

Your dishwasher can be sensitive to hard water or mineral deposits. Place a cup of lemon juice on the top shelf and run a normal cycle. The acidic lemon juice will remove hard water stains and stubborn build-up.

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