A few simple steps to thoroughly clean and make your dishwasher gleam

by Mark Bennett

July 27, 2022

A few simple steps to thoroughly clean and make your dishwasher gleam
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The dishwasher is a popular household appliance in modern society.  And in order to cope with the fast pace and stressful rhythms of everyday life, dishwashers are used more and more frequently. It is now a staple in almost all kitchens and is used almost exclusively instead of the old-fashioned method of washing dishes by hand. But it should be used in the correct way to ensure proper dish and utensil hygiene. And, above all, it should be taken care of from the point of regular maintenance so that it remains fully functional and clean.

It will have happened to everyone that, occasionally, one will notice bad smells when opening the dishwasher. Or one may discover that the dishes and glasses are not thoroughly clean once the wash cycle is finished. This is a sign that perhaps the correct procedure was not used to load the machine.  Alternatively, it could be that the dishwasher is dirty and needs to be cleaned. It is easy for food residue to accumulate which, in turn, leads to the proliferation of mold, germs and bacteria. These cause the unpleasant odors and compromise the effectiveness of the appliance.

It is best to always use certain precautions, such as rinsing the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher to remove the larger pieces of residue and to carry out a deep clean of the machine every six months. Another useful tip is to always check that the water temperature is hot enough for the wash cycles. If not, you can adjust the temperature using the thermostat.

However, when you realize, from emanating bad smells, that it is time to perform a good, deep cleansing of the dishwasher, some good advice and some products can be useful to do this in a simple and effective way. Below, some advice in this regard is listed:

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Pixebay

Pixebay

For optimum cleaning you need:

  • Rubber gloves
  • A microfiber cloth
  • An old toothbrush
  • Toothpick
  • A specific detergent for the external door
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • White vinegar
  • Warm water

The steps to follow to carry out the cleaning operation in the best possible way are quite simple:

  • First of all, remove the filter, baskets and other parts and soak them in a mixture of warm water and vinegar.
  • With the parts detached, it will be easier for you to check the internal surfaces, clean them and eliminate any food residue. Where you cannot reach with a rag - because the spaces are too small - use a toothbrush or a toothpick.

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Creativo

Creativo

  • Continue the process by starting a washing cycle with hot water and placing a bowl full of vinegar on the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • After the first wash, proceed with a short cycle, this time sprinkling the bottom of the dishwasher with baking soda.
  • Clean the outer door with the specific product for the material it is made of.
  • Finish by scrubbing and rinsing off the previously removed parts and carefully putting them back in their place.

The cleaning should now be complete and your dishwasher should be gleaming. You can check out the results after the next wash. If the dishes come out clean and without residue, and the smell is fresh and pleasant when you open the door, it means that the job has been done properly.

You just have to do this periodically to keep the appliance sanitized and fully efficient.

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