Hello, DIY enthusiasts! Today, we're veering off the well-trodden path of toolbox-tricks and are heading into a territory that's much closer to home yet often overlooked, your ever-reliable dishwasher.
When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Your Cleaner?
You might be thinking, "Wait! I clean my dishwasher by simply using it, right?" Surprisingly, that's a common misconception. In reality, dishwashers, just like us, need to take a bath once in a while too! Over time, bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent, and water minerals can accumulate. Not only does this lead to foul odors, but it can also decrease your dishwasher's efficiency and lifespan.
But don't worry, a good, old, DIY clean-up is easy! Let's gear up and dive right in!
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Armor
To begin, you'll need an empty dishwasher, white vinegar, baking soda, a dishwasher-safe container, a soft cloth or sponge, and toothpicks (yes, toothpicks). Got everything? Perfect, let's get started!
Step 2: Clear Out The Debris
First things first, we're going on a gunk-hunting expedition. Pull out the bottom rack and take a careful look at the drain area. Any food particles or foreign objects in or around the drain can cause nasty smells and hinder machine performance. Neatly arrange these pieces of your gastronomic history on a hard surface and dispose of them properly once we're done here.
Step 3: Vinegar Bath Time!
Securely place the dishwasher-safe container full of white vinegar on the bottom rack of your empty machine. Run a full cycle using the hot-water setting. As a natural grease-buster, vinegar not only eliminates funky odors and grease but also helps to wash away loose food particles.
Step 4: A Sprinkle of Baking Soda
Next, sprinkle a generous handful of baking soda around the bottom of the dishwasher. This time, run a short cycle (again, with hot water). Baking soda acts as a freshener and an abrasive to scrap away stubborn grime, which equals double-whammy cleaning power!
Step 5: Wipe Clean
Once the cycles are complete, give the edges, door, and exterior a good, hearty wipe down with a soft cloth or sponge. You'll be surprised at how much grime accumulates in these sneaky corners over time!
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Use toothpicks (told you they'd come in handy!) to remove any gunk from around the water jets and the spinner's holes. Voila!
Maintenance Tips
Tip 1: Frequency Matters
As a repairman, I recommend cleaning your dishwasher monthly. This frequency will help keep your machine running smoothly and your dishes spotless.
Tip 2: Rinse, But Don't Wash
To keep your dishwasher in top shape, rinse your dishes before loading them, but resist the urge to do their job for them! Pre-washing dishes can actually make your dishwasher less effective.
Tip 3: Keep it Latchy
Leaving the dishwasher door slightly ajar after each wash promotes aeration, discouraging the growth of mildew and bad odor.
Mop-Drop Moment: The Grand Reveal
There you have it, my friends! A sparkling clean dishwasher, ready to dutifully clean those heaps of dishes we love to hate. Remember, a little care goes a long way to prolong the lifespan of your dishwasher and keep it working at its most efficient. By adding this dishwasher maintenance task to your monthly to-do list, you can say goodbye to funky odors, and hello to squeaky-clean dishes! Now, go forth and show that pile of dishes who's boss!