Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

6 Common Mistakes You’re Making When Cleaning Your Dishwasher

We get it, cleaning your dishwasher probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. After all, it’s the thing that cleans, right? Ironically, your hardworking dish cleaning machine can turn into a petri dish of grossness if you’re not careful.

Let’s clear the air (and the grime) by breaking down the common mistakes people make when cleaning their dishwashers. Stick with us, and your dishwasher will be sparkling clean in no time, and your dishes? They’ll thank you too.

Table of Contents

Mistake #1: Ignoring The Filter (aka “out of sight, out of mind”)

Your dishwasher’s filter is the unsung hero of the kitchen cleanup crew. It traps all the tiny food particles and gunk so they don’t clog up the machine. But when was the last time you checked it? If the answer is never, you’re not alone, but it’s time to change that habit.

To fix this, remove the filter (usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher) and give it a good rinse under running water. If it’s especially grimy, soak it in warm, soapy water and scrub gently. Trust us, this simple step will work wonders for your dishwasher’s performance.

Mistake #2: Neglecting the Door Seal (where the gross stuff hides)

The door seal is like the “forgotten armpit” of your dishwasher, neglected but oh so important. Food bits and grime love to settle here, creating an all you can-eat buffet for bacteria.

Once a week, wipe the seal with a damp cloth or a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, though, because vinegar can damage rubber if left on too long. It’s a small task, but it makes a big difference.

Mistake #3: Forgetting The Spray Arms (your dishwasher’s super soakers)

The spray arms are like the sprinkler system of your dishwasher, blasting water to clean your dishes. But if the nozzles get clogged, your plates will come out looking as grimy as they went in.

Take out the spray arms, rinse them under water, and use a toothpick or a needle to gently unclog any blocked nozzles. Let them spin freely to keep your dishwasher running like a champ.

Mistake #4: Skipping The Hot Cleaning Cycle

person pressing a button on dishwasher control panel

If your dishwasher could talk, it would beg for a hot cleaning cycle once in a while. Germs, bacteria, and food residue thrive in lukewarm conditions, so running a high temperature cycle without dishes is like giving your dishwasher a detox.

Pro tip: Place a dishwasher safe container filled with white vinegar on the top rack during the hot cycle to tackle grease and grime. Follow it up by sprinkling a cup of baking soda in the bottom and running another hot cycle. Your dishwasher will sparkle like new.

Mistake #5: Using The Wrong Cleaner (or none at all!)

Commercial dishwasher cleaners are convenient, but what if you’re out of stock? Don’t panic, your pantry probably has what you need. White vinegar and baking soda are the dynamic duo of household cleaning.

Here’s how to use them:

Add a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container and run a hot cycle.
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom and run another hot cycle.

It’s easy, budget friendly, and keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh. Just avoid regular vinegar, it can leave unsightly brown stains.

Mistake #6: Not Keeping Up With Maintenance (prevention is key!)

Cleaning your dishwasher shouldn’t be a once in a-blue moon event. Here’s how to keep your machine in tip-top shape:

Scrape Off Food
No need to pre-wash, but get rid of large food chunks before loading.
Clean The Filter Regularly
Every few washes, give it a rinse.
Top Up The Rinse Aid
It prevents water spots and helps your dishwasher do its job better.
Inspect The Spray Arms
Ensure they’re free from blockages.
Run Vinegar Cycles Monthly
This keeps grease and hard water buildup at bay.
Use Cleaning Tablets Occasionally
They tackle stubborn grime and mineral deposits.

The Bottom Line: It’s Not Rocket Science!

Keeping your dishwasher clean doesn’t require a PhD in chemistry. By avoiding these common mistakes and following a few simple tips, you can keep your trusty machine working efficiently, and smelling a lot better than last week’s leftovers.

Got a dishwasher horror story or a tip that we missed? Drop it in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your fellow dishwasher users, it’s the gift that keeps on cleaning.

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