How To Clean A Dishwasher Inside – 6 Tips

Ok, so I’ve talked about cleaning ovens and microwaves on the blog, but how about dishwashers?

Isn’t it enough to just chuck in a dishwasher cleaning tablet? you may wonder. Yeah, but those don’t always do a good job, especially if you only rely on that for cleaning.

So I’m going to help you out a little because I’ve got my own tried and tested methods of cleaning the dishwasher.

Here goes.

For maintenance cleaning

1. Remove debris and wipe with a cloth

Before doing any other type of cleaning (including your favourite dishwasher cleaning tablets) it’s crucial that you get rid of all and any leftover debris.

Check for that in crevices or along the sides of the door, and then wipe everything clean with a cloth soaked in vinegar.

2. Bicarbonate of soda

This really does work a treat! Simply sprinkle a cup of bicarb (baking soda) in the inside of your dishwasher all over the door and on the dishwasher floor, and then put the dishwasher on its hottest cycle, and hey presto!

You can buy it here.

P.S. Don’t forget to wash the dishwasher without any dishes inside!!

3. Vinegar

Another great method of cleaning the dishwasher is our old faithful friend: white vinegar. Simply put a cup’s worth inside a plastic bowl, place the bowl on the top shelf of the dishwasher, and run a hot cycle.

Another thing you can do is actually mix vinegar with bicarb. First, sprinkle a cup of bicarbonate of soda on the bottom part of the dishwasher, then pour over a tablespoon or two of white vinegar so that it starts fizzing, and then set the dishwasher on a hot cycle.

For intense cleaning

1. Remove filters, racks and utensil holders..

and soak in vinegar and washing-up liquid for a couple of hours.

2. Good quality dishwasher cleaning tablet

If you want to get your dishwasher really clean and don’t like the smell of vinegar, choose a good quality dishwashing tablet (don’t waste money on ones that don’t work!).

And to keep your dishwasher sparkling clean make sure to clean your dishwasher at least once a month with one of these.

My favourite is Finish Dishwasher Cleaner, which you can buy it as a pack of four (with three in each).

The great thing about this dishwasher cleaner is that the dishwasher doesn’t have to be empty.

3. Clean the gasket with a soft brush

To clean the gasket simply get a brush and use it to clean the rubber seal. Don’t put detergents or products on the gasket as this could destroy it.

Wipe clean with some kitchen role or a damp cloth.

How often should I clean the dishwasher?

Daily – remove debris

Weekly – clean the filter, wipe down inside door

Monthly– deep clean the inside

That’s it for now! If you found this post useful please share it with a friend.