How to Clean Your Dishwasher: A Complete Guide

Your dishwasher works hard every day to clean your dishes, but when was the last time you cleaned the dishwasher itself? Many Australian households overlook this crucial maintenance task, leading to reduced cleaning performance, unpleasant odours, and even shortened appliance lifespan. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your dishwasher in pristine condition.

Why Regular Dishwasher Cleaning Matters

Despite being filled with hot water and detergent regularly, dishwashers accumulate food particles, grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits over time. In Australian homes, particularly those with hard water, limescale buildup can become a significant issue. This residue doesn't just affect how clean your dishes get; it can also create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, leading to that musty smell many people notice when opening their dishwasher.

Regular cleaning offers several important benefits:

• Improved cleaning performance: Clear spray arms and filters allow water to reach all dishes effectively
• Odour elimination: Removes the source of unpleasant smells rather than just masking them
• Energy efficiency: A clean dishwasher operates more efficiently, potentially lowering energy costs
• Extended lifespan: Prevents wear on pumps and other components from debris buildup
• Hygiene: Eliminates bacteria and mould that can transfer to your dishes

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Incorporating these quick tasks into your weekly routine takes just a few minutes and prevents major buildup from occurring.

Wipe Down the Door and Edges

The door edges and rubber gasket seal don't get rinsed during the wash cycle, making them prime spots for food residue and mould growth. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap to wipe down the door's interior edges, the gasket, and the area around the door latch. Pay particular attention to the bottom of the door where water and debris tend to collect.

Clear the Drain Area

At the bottom of your dishwasher, around the drain, you'll often find food particles that have escaped the filter. Remove any visible debris by hand to prevent it from decomposing and causing odours or clogging the drain pump.

Monthly Deep Cleaning Process

Once a month, your dishwasher deserves a more thorough cleaning. Set aside about 30 minutes for this process, though most of that time the dishwasher will be running itself.

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Filter

The filter is typically located at the bottom of your dishwasher, near the spray arm. Most modern dishwashers have a cylindrical filter that twists out. Remove it according to your manufacturer's instructions and rinse it under warm running water. For stubborn residue, use an old toothbrush and dish soap to gently scrub both the filter mesh and housing. Never run your dishwasher without the filter in place.

Step 2: Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms have small holes that can become blocked with food particles or mineral deposits. Remove the spray arms if possible (they usually unscrew or clip off) and rinse them under water. Use a toothpick or thin wire to clear any blocked spray holes. Hold each arm up to the light to check that you can see through each hole clearly.

Step 3: Clean the Interior with Vinegar

White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for dishwashers. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will help dissolve grease, sanitise the interior, and remove mineral deposits. This is particularly effective in hard water areas common throughout much of Australia.

Step 4: Freshen with Bicarb Soda

After the vinegar cycle completes, sprinkle about one cup of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot water cycle. This helps to further deodorise and remove any remaining stains from the interior. The combination of vinegar followed by bicarb soda addresses both grease and odour issues effectively.

Quarterly Maintenance

Every three months, take time for these additional maintenance tasks:

Check the Door Gasket

Inspect the rubber door seal for signs of wear, mould, or damage. If you notice mould growth, clean it with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dry thoroughly. If the gasket is cracked or doesn't seal properly, it may need replacement to prevent leaks.

Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the exterior with a damp microfibre cloth. For stainless steel doors, use a stainless steel cleaner and always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. Clean the control panel carefully with a slightly damp cloth, avoiding excessive moisture around buttons.

Inspect the Drain Hose

If accessible, check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. A kinked hose can cause poor drainage and leave standing water in your dishwasher. Ensure the hose is properly positioned according to manufacturer guidelines.

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning

Don't wait for your monthly schedule if you notice these warning signs:

• Unpleasant odours when opening the door
• Dishes coming out with food residue or film
• Cloudy glassware
• Standing water remaining after cycles
• Visible grime or mould inside the unit
• The dishwasher taking longer to complete cycles

Commercial Dishwasher Cleaners

While vinegar and bicarb soda work well for regular maintenance, commercial dishwasher cleaners can be useful for heavy buildup or specific problems. Products like dishwasher cleaner tablets are designed to tackle limescale and grease in a single cycle. Use these monthly or as needed, following the product instructions carefully.

For Australian homes with particularly hard water, products specifically designed for limescale removal may be beneficial. Look for cleaners that are septic-safe if your home uses a septic system.

Maintaining a Fresh Dishwasher Between Cleans

These daily habits help keep your dishwasher cleaner between deep cleaning sessions:

• Scrape dishes before loading but don't pre-rinse excessively
• Run the dishwasher regularly rather than letting dirty dishes sit for days
• Leave the door slightly ajar after cycles to allow moisture to escape
• Use quality detergent and rinse aid appropriate for your water hardness
• Run hot water at the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure it begins with hot water

By following this cleaning schedule, you'll ensure your dishwasher continues to perform at its best, your dishes come out sparkling clean, and you avoid the expense of premature appliance replacement. A well-maintained dishwasher can easily last 10-15 years, making the small investment of time in regular cleaning well worthwhile.