We know: Your dishwasher should do the cleaning. But that doesn't mean the dishwasher itself is stain-resistant; It also needs to be cleaned from time to time so that your dishes are sparkling clean after work. It also helps prevent that nasty wet dog smell that can linger on your cups, plates, and bowls.
Luckily, cleaning your dishwasher doesn't take a lot of time or effort. Here's how to do it and how often so it washes better, smells better, and prevents spills.
For more information on dishwashers, see Loading the Dishwasher Properly . And for more kitchen cleaning tips, learn how to clean a stand mixer , blender , and cast iron skillet .
How to clean a dishwasher
Step 1: Clean the dishwasher filter
Leftover food is retained in the filter. A clogged filter can cause an overflow, so it's important to clean it about every week. It is located at the bottom inside the dishwasher. Simply unscrew the knob and lift out the filter (position and distance vary by brand, so check your owner's manual).
Wash the filter by rinsing it with warm water and dish soap, then scrub it thoroughly with an old toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and allow the filter to air dry before reinstalling.
Step 2 - Clean the dishwasher seal
The seal keeps the water in your dishwasher and not on your floor. To keep it clean, scrub the seal with warm water once a month and wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 3 - Clean the water sprinklers
The spray arms of your dishwasher need a little maintenance about every six months. Use a toothpick to remove food debris from the spray holes. This increases the amount of water that escapes and thus the cleaning power.
Step 4 - Remove dirt from the cutlery basket
The cutlery basket can quickly become unhygienic. Take out once a week and wash with warm water, a bottle brush and dish soap. Be sure to remove any food debris that might get caught in the cups to avoid mold growth.
Keep every part of your dishwasher clean and fresh with our tips.
Chris Monroe/CNETWhat to do if your dishwasher smells bad?
If your dishwasher is starting to smell a bit ranch, there's an easy way to deodorize it. Some people say you should put a cup of white vinegar on the bottom of your empty dishwasher and start the deep cleaning cycle. However, vinegar can damage the plastic in your dishwasher , so you might want to try this method instead. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the washing machine, let it sit overnight, and then run a regular load while the dishwasher is empty. This should get rid of that gross wet dog smell.
Another tip: remove rust from the latch
After a few years of heavy use, your dishwasher's door latch can easily rust. To fix this, scrub it down with stainless steel cleaner and steel wool. Rinse the bar and dry with a cotton towel. Finally, coat with clear nail polish to waterproof the metal and prevent rusting.
For more information, learn how to properly machine wash sheets and linens and how to wash your pillow lump-free .
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