- Remove all drawers, racks and containers from your dishwasher and hand wash them in the sink with warm soapy water, or a mixture of warm water and 2 cups distilled white vinegar. Remove any stuck on debris or gunk, rinse and allow to dry.
- Remove all parts in the bottom of the dishwasher than can be easily disassembled by hand. This should include the grate and filter that rests on the floor of the dishwasher. Wash them in the sink and wipe down the areas where they rest. (You're likely to find a fair amount of debris here, so be prepared!)
- Check the blades that spin, make sure they move easily, and check the little holes that spray the water. If they have debris or calcium buildup, give them a scrub with an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar.
- Wipe down the door and rubber seal (a prime spot for mold, mildew, and grime).
- Your garbage disposal is connected to the dishwasher, so give it a thorough cleaning as well.
- Put all of the parts back in the dishwasher.
- Now place a dishwasher-safe bowl in the top rack and fill it with white vinegar. Run the dishwasher through a cycle using the highest temperature settings. The vinegar will cut through any remaining grease and sanitize the inside.
- After the cycle, sprinkle a full cup of baking soda all over the bottom floor of the dishwasher and run another cycle. This will deodorize the dishwasher.
- Finally, wipe down the outside of the dishwasher, buttons, and handles.
Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Your Dishwasher
It's spring cleaning season once again, but this year we're going to help you clean your cleaners! (That's right, it's getting very meta around here.) Did you that you can extend the life of your cleaning appliances by cleaning them regularly? It's true. This week, we're starting with the dishwasher. Our cleaning tips are like giving your dishwasher a spa day. It will be completely rejuvenated after!