Cleaning needn’t be a time-consuming chore and with the help of hardworking appliances like the dishwasher, it doesn’t have to be. The dishwasher is a staple in many homes, often used daily to ease the burden of washing up.
However, if not maintained properly, this helpful appliance can quickly become more trouble than it’s worth. It might seem odd to clean something that’s designed to clean but over time your dishwasher can accumulate food debris, grease, undissolved detergent, and mineral deposits.
This build-up can lead to unpleasant smells and reduced efficiency. Traditional cleaning methods often involve harsh chemicals or pricey shop-bought cleaners, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Luckily, cleaning experts have shared a quick and easy five-second task that will keep your dishwasher running smoothly.
The cleaning gurus at Good Housekeeping have shared a simple yet effective cleaning tip for one of our most relied upon appliances. Regular upkeep of your dishwasher is absolutely essential, and that’s why cleaning whizzes have recommended this straightforward and useful task.
Clean bits of food out of your dishwasher daily
Over time and with regular usage, copious amounts of food can linger and accumulate at the bottom of your dishwasher. Not surprisingly, this is most often the root cause of odour issues in the appliance. That’s why the cleaning experts have recommended pulling out the bottom rack of your dishwasher after each dishwashing cycle.
This is the first step and is necessary so you can check for and remove any remaining bits of food, small pieces of paper from unremoved labels, and other small, seemingly harmless debris that may clog your dishwasher and reduce its efficiency in the future.
There’s a high possibility that debris may get stuck in the screen or filter well of your dishwasher. These debris bits (food or otherwise) can then be removed simply with either your fingers or with the help of a paper towel, so that future buildup can be prevented.
It’s also best practice to wipe off excess bits of food from plates, bowls, and silverware before loading these items into the dishwasher. Rinsing them in the sink is a good idea, and in case you don’t intend to run a dishwashing cycle immediately, a rinse-only cycle to combat unwanted smells and bacterial build up in the appliance is recommended.
Another expert tip is to always remove stickers or labels from the items you’re loading into the dishwasher, as they may peel off at some point during the washing process.
A few other ways to ensure your dishwasher remains clean and functioning optimally are:
- Wiping down the door and the door’s gasket weekly
- Weekly cleaning of the dishwasher filter
- Unlocking and removing the dishwasher’s filter, then rinsing it under hot water to avoid residue buildup
- Running a monthly self-cleaning cycle without any items loaded into the dishwasher
- Keeping your dishwasher’s exterior clean
