How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher with Things You Already Have at Home

You might not think about it often, but your dishwasher isn’t a magical cleaning fairy. In fact, if you don’t show it some love every now and then, it can turn into a smelly, food caked nightmare. 

It’s ironic, isn’t it? The thing that cleans your dishes can get so dirty it starts failing at its one job. But don’t worry, deep cleaning your dishwasher is way easier (and less gross) than you’d expect, and you can do it with stuff you already have at home.

Ready to give your dishwasher the makeover it deserves? Let’s get started.

Why Your Dishwasher Needs A Detox

Dishwashers might look sleek and shiny on the outside, but inside they can harbour all sorts of gunk. Here’s what’s lurking:

• Food Bits
  Bits of leftover food sneak their way into every crevice of your dishwasher. Think of them as uninvited guests who overstay their welcome and leave a stink behind.
• Hard Water Deposits
  If you’ve got hard water (like most of the UK), those minerals can build up and leave your dishwasher looking like it tried to embrace abstract art with white and yellow streaks.
• Soap Scum
  Not all detergent makes it down the drain. Some of it decides to hang around and form a gross, slimy film that says, “I’m not going anywhere.”
• Clogged Spray Arms
  Those spinny arms that spray water everywhere? They’re amazing until food bits or limescale clog them up and turn them into weak dribblers.
• Dirty Filters
  The filter traps food particles, but if it’s not cleaned regularly, it becomes the equivalent of a smelly sock in a small, closed room.

Now that you know the culprits, let’s send them packing.

How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher (using stuff you already own)

No fancy cleaning products? No problem. Here’s how to get your dishwasher gleaming with things you’ve probably got lying around.

Step 1: Clean The Filter (gross, but necessary)

Locate your dishwasher’s filter (usually at the bottom). Pull it out and rinse it under hot water. If it’s coated in grime, soak it in warm, soapy water for a bit, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Boom, gunk free filter.

Step 2:  Clean The Door Seal (the sneaky stink zone)

Food particles love to hide in the rubber seal around the door. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or a mix of white vinegar and water (50/50). Be thorough but quick, leaving vinegar on too long can mess with the rubber.

Step 3: Clean The Spray Arms (time to unclog)

Pop out those spray arms and check for clogged holes. If you find blockages, gently poke them out with a toothpick or cocktail stick. Rinse the arms under running water before putting them back. Now they’re ready to work their magic again.

Step 4: The Hot Vinegar Cycle (nature’s miracle worker)

Place a dishwasher safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run the hottest cycle your machine has. The vinegar will cut through grease and hard water deposits like a champ.

Step 5: The Baking Soda Blitz

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another hot cycle. This will tackle any lingering odours and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh as a daisy (or at least not like last night’s lasagna).

Dishwasher TLC: Keeping It Clean

Now that your dishwasher is sparkling, here’s how to keep it that way:

1. Scrape Plates Like A Pro
   No need to rinse, but scrape off big chunks of food before loading. Your dishwasher isn’t a waste disposal.
2. Clean The Filter Regularly
   Make it a habit to rinse your filter every couple of weeks. It takes two minutes but saves you from gross smells.
3. Use Rinse Aid
   Keep your rinse aid topped up to prevent water spots and streaks. Your glasses will thank you.
4. Monthly Vinegar Spa Treatment
   Once a month, give your dishwasher a solo vinegar cycle. It’s like a mini detox for your hardworking appliance.
5. Check Spray Arms
   Every so often, make sure nothing is clogging those spray arms. A rogue pea or limescale deposit can cause more trouble than you’d think.
6. Occasionally Use A Cleaning Tablet
   When things get really grimy, let a cleaning tablet handle the heavy lifting. It’s like calling in the professionals.

And That’s It!

You’re officially a dishwasher deep cleaning pro. Not only will your dishes come out spotless, but you’ll also avoid the shame of owning a smelly, dirty appliance. Plus, with these tips, you’ll save money by skipping the fancy cleaners and using what you already have.

So, is your dishwasher dirtier than a teenager’s bedroom? Or does it just need a little TLC? Either way, grab some vinegar and baking soda, and get to it. Let us know your cleaning hacks in the comments, and don’t forget to share this guide with anyone whose dishwasher might be crying out for help.

SEE ALSO: If you see ice at the bottom of your freezer, NEVER ignore it

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