Your dishwasher is a helpful appliance in your home, but over time, it can accumulate food residue, soap scum, and even mineral deposits. This build-up affects your dishwasher’s performance and can lead to unpleasant odors and even unhygienic conditions. Regular maintenance through cleaning helps ensure your dishwasher continues to work properly.
This article will teach you how to clean a dirty dishwasher by deep cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing your machine. Keeping your dishwasher clean enhances its performance and longevity, saving you time and money. Keep reading to learn how to clean a dishwasher.
How to clean a dishwasher with dishwasher cleaner
If you're wondering how to clean a smelly dishwasher quickly, using a specialized dishwasher cleaner is a convenient and effective option.
Finish® dishwasher cleaners are specifically designed to deep clean and maintain your appliance by tackling tough stains, limescale, and grease build-up that can accumulate over time. If you’re wondering how to clean the inside of your dishwasher efficiently and effectively, follow these simple steps.
What you'll need:
- Finish dishwasher cleaner (available in liquid or tablet form)
1: Empty the dishwasher
Before deep cleaning your dishwasher, remove all dishes, utensils, and racks (if dirty). This ensures the cleaner can reach all areas of the appliance without any obstacles.
2: Clear the filter
To start, you’ll need to remove and clean the dishwasher filter according to your dishwasher's instructions. This typically includes rinsing it under warm water to remove debris.
3: Add dishwasher cleaner
This method varies slightly depending on whether you use Finish® tablets or liquid cleaner.
- For Finish® tablets: Place a tablet in your dishwasher's detergent cup.
- For Finish® liquid cleaner: Keep the cap in the bottle and remove the sticker from the top to expose the wax plug. Place the bottle upside down within the bottom dish rack, ensuring the wax plug is exposed.
Don't use any additional soap or dishwasher detergent when cleaning your dishwasher – the cleaner is all you need to run a cleaning cycle!
4: Run a dishwashing cycle
Run the dishwasher on a normal cycle as if you were washing dishes. The Finish® cleaner will be distributed throughout, effectively cleaning and deodorizing the interior.
How to clean the outside of your dishwasher
To clean the outside of your dishwasher:
- Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth or sponge with a mild detergent.
- For stainless steel exteriors, wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
- Don't use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could damage the finish.
- Pay special attention to the control panel and handle, as these areas often accumulate fingerprints and grime.
For stubborn stains or build-up, you might consider using a specialized appliance cleaner. Always check your dishwasher's manual first, as some manufacturers may recommend specific products or methods for cleaning the exterior.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
How often to clean a dishwasher depends on how frequently it's used and the level of build-up within it. We recommend cleaning your dishwasher once per month with our Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner for best results.
Not sure when it’s time to freshen up? Here are some warning signs that your dishwasher may need to be cleaned:
- Unpleasant smell
- Cutlery and crockery are covered with food or grease after a wash cycle
- The sprayer arm is clogged
Aside from these noticeable signs, there are also less obvious indications, such as grease and limescale build-up in the hidden but vital parts of your machine. If you know your home is in an area with hard water you're more likely to have limescale build-up. For best dishwashing results and machine maintenance, make it a point to use the dishwasher cleaner at least once per month.
Wrapping up: Cleaning your dishwasher
Keeping your dishwasher clean is essential for optimal performance and hygiene. While there are many methods to clean a dirty dishwasher, a specialized product like Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner offers the most convenient and effective solution. Finish® cleaners are specifically formulated to tackle tough stains, limescale, and grease build-up, ensuring your dishwasher stays in top condition.
*Disclaimer: Always refer to your dishwasher's manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning.
