How to Clean Your Dishwasher (And Keep It Running Like It Should)
Keeping your home clean takes time, and for many busy families, staying on top of every little cleaning task can feel impossible. From wiping down counters to scrubbing bathrooms, it all adds up fast. That is why many homeowners turn to professional house cleaning services to help keep their homes consistently clean.
One of the most overlooked cleaning jobs in the kitchen is the dishwasher.
It cleans your dishes every day, but it does not clean itself.
Over time, food particles, grease, hard water deposits, and soap residue build up inside your dishwasher. That can lead to bad odors, cloudy glasses, dishes that still feel dirty, and even mold or bacteria growth.
Monika Schindler, owner of Housekeeping Maid Easy, has been helping homeowners throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding suburbs since 2006. She says many homeowners do not realize how much hidden buildup can collect in everyday appliances until they start seeing signs like bad smells or poor cleaning performance.
In this guide:
- → Why Dishwashers Get Dirty
- → How Often You Should Clean Yours
- → Should You Pre-Rinse Your Dishes?
- → The Right Way to Clean a Dishwasher
- → Signs It Needs More Than a Quick Rinse
- → Frequently Asked Questions
Why Dishwashers Get Dirty
Your dishwasher handles dirty dishes every day, but every cycle leaves something behind.
- Grease sticks to the walls
- Food collects in the filter
- Hard water leaves mineral deposits
- Soap scum builds up over time
This buildup can cause bad smells, dirty dishes, cloudy glasses, and poor performance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Daily:
- Remove visible food
- Scrape dishes before loading
Weekly:
- Wipe the door and gasket
- Check the filter
Monthly:
- Deep clean the inside
- Inspect spray arms
- Run a cleaning cycle
Like regular recurring house cleaning services, consistency is what keeps buildup under control.
Should You Pre-Rinse Your Dishes?
Not completely.
Modern dishwasher detergents use enzymes that need food particles to work properly. Scrape off large pieces, but let the dishwasher handle the rest.
The Right Way to Clean a Dishwasher
Step 1: Remove Food Debris
Check the bottom, drain, corners, and filter basket. Wipe away loose debris.
Step 2: Clean the Filter
- Remove the bottom rack
- Twist out the filter
- Rinse under warm water
- Scrub gently
- Reinstall
Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms
Clear clogged holes with a toothpick or thin wire. Soak in vinegar if needed.
Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle
Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run the hottest empty cycle.
Step 5: Freshen With Baking Soda
Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom and run a short hot cycle.
Signs It Needs More Than a Quick Rinse
- Sticky cabinet fronts
- Grease around appliances
- Dusty baseboards
- Food buildup behind the stove
That is often when a professional deep cleaning service can help reset your kitchen and the rest of your home.
1. Start With a Deep Clean
A full-home deep cleaning tackles built-up grime and gives your home a fresh start.
2. Maintain With Recurring Cleaning
Regular house cleaning maintenance keeps things manageable.
3. Protect Your Time
Keeping your weekends free is one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar and baking soda together?
Yes, but in separate cycles. Vinegar first, baking soda second.
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
At least once a week for most households.
Why does my dishwasher still smell after cleaning?
There may be trapped food deeper in the drain or hidden grime elsewhere in your kitchen.
Need Help Keeping Up With It All?
A clean dishwasher is just one part of a clean kitchen. Housekeeping Maid Easy has been helping homeowners throughout Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, and nearby areas since 2006.
The post How to Clean Your Dishwasher Like a Pro appeared first on Housekeeping Maid Easy.