How to clean a Dishwasher? Yes, Dishwashers require cleaning as well. It might sound surprising, but just because it cleans the dishes for you does not make it any cleaner. This home appliance is a perfect member of the family who is dedicated to helping you wash your dishes for you. Enjoying an elaborate meal is a beautiful experience, but dealing with a large stack of dirty dishes at the end is a major downer. But, not anymore. A dishwasher might sound like a major investment, but this wonder-machine is a huge saver in the long run.
Contents
- What is a Dishwasher?
- Functions of a Dishwasher?
- Tips for Cleaning a Dishwasher?
- How to Clean Your Dishwasher?
- What is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of dishwasher?
- How Do You Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda?
- How Should You Clean a Dishwasher?
- Is Vinegar Bad for Dishwashers?
- The Conclusion
What is a Dishwasher?
The Dishwasher is the invention of a wealthy woman by the name of Josephine Cochrane. Her parties were the talk of the town, and so was her expensive China. But, her servants kept chipping them off as they washed them. After taking the task upon herself, Cochrane got tired and wanted a permanent solution for dishwashing. Belonging from a reputed family of inventors, Josephine got hold of an Engineer friend and designed the first-ever Dishwasher. This was a custom-made design that was created after recording careful measurements of all of Josephine’s own China. The machine was a major hit within the wealthy circle, and Cochrane also acquired the patent for it. But, it was decades later that this breakthrough design would be embraced by the growing middle-class.
Functions of a Dishwasher?
The working of the Dishwasher is the application of simple Physics. The main principle comprises heating elements, spray arms, and a Pump. A Single wash cycle comprises forcing the water through the spray arms. It is also the growing pressure through these hollow arms that causes them to spin around, thus, washing the dishes as they do. The mechanism of pushing the water to the pump is done by using the pump, which is also responsible for the draining of the water after the cycle. But, in the beginning, the water is heated by the ‘Heating elements’ that are metal pieces ‘fixed’ at specific spots. The heating elements help achieve the right temperature of the water for it to clean the dirty dishes effectively. Thus, it is a fine combination of various laws of Physics that help clean your dishes. Nevertheless, all that cleaning is a heavy-duty task. It leads to the accumulation of lime, food debris, and grease within the cervices, walls, doors, and within the Spray arms.
Tips for Cleaning a Dishwasher?
Before we get into the cleaning business, there are a few tips that will help you maintain your machine for a long time:
- Try to clean your dishwasher on weekly or at least every month.
- Use specified dishwashing liquid for dishwashers
- There are ‘filters’ hidden within the body of your dishwasher; they need to be cleaned as well.
- It is a dishwasher and not a magic machine. The food debris will not simply disappear from the dirty plates. These do accumulate at the bottom of the machine and need to be removed after every cycle for the best results.
- Do polish the stainless steel body of the dishwasher now and then. This ensures a clean exterior and a good-looking machine at the display.
- Using specific cleaning tablets is a great idea once in a while.
- Use hot water when cleaning the dishwasher. This ensures proper disinfectant results.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher?
The clean doors: This is one of the most important parts of your dishwasher, and it needs cleaning too. This is mainly because all the food and dirty water get splattered across the door and the walls of the machine. Wipe clean the exterior of the door with a damp cloth dipped in soap water. For the insides, get hold of a small toothbrush and use it to get into the crevices of the doors, all nooks, and corners of the machine. Do not miss out on the Rubber seal grooves, as this tends to hold a lot of accumulated dirt. Wipe away the ‘gunk’ using a soft sponge in water. Finally, the pat dries using a clean, dry cloth.
The Tub: To clean the tub, which is the main body of the machine, you will need to empty it first. Get rid of all the racks and shelves. Now get hold of any food residues at the bottom of the tub with the help of a paper towel. Now, run an ‘Empty Cycle through the machine. Use a cup of White Vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup placed on the top rack for this. Run a complete cycle using hot water for the best results.
The Parts of the Machine: As for the racks and the Shelves, you need to scrub using a ‘soft, gentle cloth’ and soap water. This needs to be done individually for every shelf. As for the Spray Arms, get hold of your toothbrush once again. Scrub them properly and unclog the debris as you do so.
The Filters: The Filters are usually located at the very bottom of the machine. To gain access, you will need to remove the bottom rack out. Twist and remove the filter from the back and directly rinse under hot running water. Before you re-insert the filters back, be sure to clean away space.
To Get rid of the rusts: It is quite natural that your machine might develop rust stains with time. For this, get hold of the products that remove the rust stains from appliances. Pour some of this into the dishwasher soap dispenser and also at the bottom floor of the machine. Now, run a full cycle in the empty machine to clean.
The Mineral Build up: It is quite normal that you might develop hard water deposits or minerals within your dishwasher. For this, place a cup of Lemon Juice on the top rack and run a normal cycle. The ‘Acidic action’ of the Lemon will help remove hard water stains and iron build-up.
What is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of dishwasher?
As mentioned earlier, the insides of the dishwasher also need to be cleaned regularly. This is a simple step that involves using White Vinegar or dishwasher cleaning detergent to run a full cycle. Be sure to use the hottest water possible to get the ultimate disinfection effect. Yes, of course, you also need to empty the machine all together before you run the cycle.
How Do You Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Cleaning the dishwasher requires a few simple tricks and tips. According to experts, both the Vinegar and the Baking Soda.
With White Vinegar: Pour a cup of White Vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it at the top rack of the machine. Now, run a hot-water cycle to get rid of all the grease and grime along with unwanted odours.
With Baking Soda: Take a cup of Baking soda and sprinkle it all across the bottom of the machine. Now, run a short cycle of hot water to get a fresh smelling machine in no time. This method also helps get rid of stains and stubborn odours.
How Should You Clean a Dishwasher?
- Well, with a lot of love, care, and the right stuff. This mainly implies the right kind of detergent, soft cloths, and gentle scrubbing actions. Also, be sure to follow all the precautions when cleaning the dishwasher as you do so. This includes ensuring that the machine is empty before you get cleaning it.
Is Vinegar Bad for Dishwashers?
- No, it is recommended to use Vinegar for the ultimate DIY cleaning of the dishwasher. It is quite natural, effective, and just strong enough to do the right amount of cleaning for you. Not only does it disinfects the machine, but it also helps get rid of all the odours from the insides of the machine. Vinegar is a great option if and when you need to get a session of quick cleaning done.
The Conclusion
A dishwasher is one of the most important kitchens and home appliances out there. Due to its function, the dishwasher has grown to become inevitable to the modern housewife. Not only does it accomplishes the huge task of cleaning the dishes, but it also takes the load off you. With the various models and designs available, you can choose what is best for you. But, cleaning and maintaining the dishwasher is also a major part of its sustenance. However, one must remember that it is an electronic machine and needs certain simple yet vital specifications when handling. Things like the right kind of detergent, the specific cleaning tools, and the right timings; all go a long way in ensuring you end up with a clean and happy dishwasher.
Side Note: For a sparkling exterior, nothing can beat alcohol. For a shining set of handles and the door pane, you can always rub a little amount of alcohol. This is also a great option, as Plastics and Vinegar do not go well together. So, if your machine has a few Plastic fixtures, just use Alcohol instead of Vinegar.