Here’s Dishwasher Cleaning without Chemicals because This appliance thoroughly cleans kitchen utensils, saving us time and money; however, if you notice that the dishes do not come out clean or there is a disgusting smell inside, Your dishwasher needs an urgent cleaning!
We will use baking soda and white vinegar for this task, an economical and ecological solution. From time to time, it is necessary to carry out deep cleaning of this appliance. The reasons? On the one hand, the appliance’s filter accumulates the remains of the food, so it is susceptible to generating bad odors, mold, and blockages.
On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that the lime and the impurity of the water cause the appliance to deteriorate and function incorrectly. For this reason, it is advisable to remove as much as possible the remains of food adhering to a utensil (for example, with kitchen paper) and clean this appliance at least once a month. And this is where products such as white vinegar or baking soda come into play.
How to Clean the Dishwasher Inside
Step 1. Filter cleaning
To make this appliance shine, the first thing you should clean is the appliance’s filter. It is a small, elongated basket located in the lower part, just below the blades.
- If you notice a foul odor when unscrewing the dishwasher filter, you need to soak it for 30 minutes in a bucket with 2 cups of hot water, 2 cups of white vinegar, and a splash of soap.
- After the soak time, you need to remove all the dirt with the help of an old toothbrush you no longer use. If the filter is dirty or has never been cleaned, you can soak it in hot water for 15-20 minutes.
- Afterward, add soap and a pinch of baking soda. Be careful not to break any of the items you are handling.
- When you finish cleaning the filter, please put it back in the dishwasher.
- The next step will be creating a homemade solution that effectively cleans the entire appliance.
Step 2. Vinegar and bicarbonate, the ecological solution
The properties of both products will do wonders for cleaning your dishwasher. The baking soda will remove the dirt, and the vinegar will eliminate the bad smell, restoring its original shine.
Process:
- Put the filter in the dishwasher and take out all the plates and glasses that are there.
- Pour 3 cups of white vinegar (specific for cleaning) into the dishwasher.
- In the detergent box, put 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Program a normal washing cycle, preferably 65ยบ centigrade.
When the washing cycle has finished, check that the trays and blades are very clean.
Step 3. Clean The Door
With a cloth moistened with soap and water, go over the door gasket and rubber bands. The rubbers of this appliance also accumulate grease, dirt, and even mold. If you notice mold, prepare a solution of a splash of bleach with cold water and clean the tires with a cloth or sponge.
Tip: Do not use bleach to clean the inside of this appliance if it is made of stainless steel.
Use soap and water or a grease remover to clean the outside appliance. If you notice that it has a lot of fat, you can help yourself with a homemade cleaner based on lemon, hot water, and vinegar. You will not only clean the door, but you will also disinfect it!
Step 4. Take out the blades and clean them
The blades and arms that disperse the water also collect grease and dirt. And yes, they can be cleaned. But beware! You should only clean these items once every 6 months. In addition, depending on the model, they can be opened or not. To leave them impeccable, follow these steps:
- Remove them and open them.
- Clean them with soap and water under the tap.
- If the fat is very attached, use a good grease remover.
- The best is liquid ammonia or liquid ammonia.
- If the blades cannot open, soak them in the sink with hot, soapy water.
With Commercial Machine Cleaner
You can use a special machine cleaner if you do not want to opt for homemade solutions. There are different types, brands, and prices. One of the best rated by users is Finish, a special machine cleaner to remove dirt, grease, and limescale. We advise you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly.
Tips to avoid bad odors
Once you have cleaned the dishwasher, you must acquire a series of habits (tips) to prevent it from smelling bad or spoiling.
- Do this cleaning once a month if you use the dishwasher often.
- After each wash, open the door to let all the moisture out and to prevent mold or bad odors from forming in your appliance.
- Remove all leftover food from dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
- Clean the dishwasher filter once every two weeks. Once a month if its use is not recurrent.
- Place lemon peels and other citrus fruits on the cutlery tray to set the mood for this appliance. Change the skins every three or four washes.