If you set a New Years’ resolution to start tackling those easy-to-miss cleaning tasks you’ve been neglecting, the dishwasher is a great place to start.
Most people don’t clean their dishwashers often or at all, but a full dishwasher clean is imperative to prevent bad odors, grease, limescale, and mold. Not to mention, if you neglect your dishwasher for too long, extensive repairs may be necessary.
Don’t know how to get started? Keep reading for three easy methods to give your dishwasher a much-needed deep clean.
The basics: how often to clean your dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher should happen anywhere from once a month to every 6 months depending on how often you use it. If you’re running your dishwasher every day, manufacturers recommend cleaning it at least once a month. At the very minimum, to keep your dishwasher functioning at its best, be sure to clean it every 6 months.
If you’re thinking of selling soon, keeping your dishwasher clean should be a top priority. While most top real estate agents note that home prices aren’t expected to drop anytime soon, even the most desperate buyers could be turned off by a smelly dishwasher.
Method one: using white wine vinegar
White vinegar isn’t only a common item most people keep in their pantry, but it’s also a common cleaning tool used by homeowners and professional cleaners.
To clean your dishwasher using this method, start by filling a bowl with the vinegar and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Then, simply run your dishwasher on its hottest setting.
Once done, fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar and one part water. Spray the mixture evenly throughout the dishwasher, zeroing on any parts missed during the cycle. Use a cloth to wipe down the spray and you’re done!
Method two: using vinegar and baking soda
A combination of vinegar and baking soda is probably the best way to clean your dishwasher — especially if your goal is to get rid of nasty odors and smells. Along with vinegar, baking soda is a great cleaning agent for tackling grease and dirt. Here’s what you’ll need for this method:
- 2 cups of baking soda
- 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
First, combine the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This should create a thick paste. Spread the mixture evenly along the bottom of the dishwasher and run it on the hottest setting.
Afterward, feel free to use a spray mixture of water and vinegar once more to tackle any spots the cycle missed.
Method three: using bleach
Bleach is a great cleaning agent, however, it should never be used on stainless steel appliances for risk of damage or staining.
Fill a bowl with bleach and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Once more, you’ll want to run your dishwasher at its hottest setting. Afterward, use an all-purpose cleaner on the insider of the dishwasher before wiping thoroughly with a cloth.
Any of these methods will work great when you decide it’s time to finally rid your dishwasher of its nasty odors and stains. Once done, feel free to search for a real estate agent if you feel the time is right to sell your home.
