How to clean your dishwasher

You will probably think why should you clean your dishwasher, it is used to clean dishes so it probably stays clean. But you should clean your dishwasher on regular basis to keep it running efficiently and to keep it smell fresh.

How to clean your dishwasher and remove odour:

Take a small brush or toothbrush, dip in hot soapy water, and start cleaning the rubber seal around the door making sure you get into the grooves and crevices. Paying attention to the bottom of the door and around the hinges on the side. You might need to use a soft abrasive cleanser for dried dirt. Then wipe it all off with a sponge dipped in hot soapy water.

Pull the bottom rack out and wipe around the drain area making sure the drain is not plugged to cause damage to the pump or scratch dishes.

To clean the gasket and the dishwasher door use a wet sponge and wipe them clean.

Place a cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack and make sure it’s secured. Turn on your dishwasher using a cycle with the hottest water. Don’t have any other dishes in the dishwasher, just the cup with white vinegar. White vinegar is an excellent cleaning product and using it to clean your dishwasher will wash away the loose and greasy dirt, it will disinfect your dishwasher and also remove the odour.

Baking soda can be also used to clean dishwashers. Just sprinkle about a cup full of baking soda around the bottom and run your dishwasher on the hottest water cycle; without any dishes.

Top tips to keeping your dishwasher clean:

• Scrape off the food from your plates and bowls, rinse and them load them into the dishwasher
• Place sharp knives with their tips down and cutlery into the appropriate compartment
• Don’t pile on the dishes; instead leave enough space between your plates and bowls to allow the water to circulate freely.
• Make sure you are not blocking the water spray by placing dishes on top of it
• To remove dried-on food and properly dissolve the dishwashing detergent; use the hottest water cycle. You will also disinfect your dishwasher.
• Manufacturers’ recommendation is to use a water temperature of at least 130degrees for the dishwasher to work effectively
• If you live in an area with hard water use a rinsing agent