Preparing Your Appliances for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

It is important to clean your dishwasher monthly to keep it looking new and running well. The dishwasher door attracts fingerprints, and the interior accumulates residue of food particles, grease, and soap scum. These deposits look bad and begin to make your dishwasher stink because of bacteria that thrive in warm, moist, and dark places.

That said, you may need to take note of the following pointers below with regards to the proper cleaning of your dishwasher.

1. Focus on the Door

To clean your dishwasher door and keep it fingerprint-free, wipe the outside with a cloth dampened with warm, sudsy water. You can also come up with a homemade dishwasher cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 quart of water. Avoid using harsh cleansers or tough scouring pads that might scratch the dishwasher's finish. Once the door is clean, wipe it dry with a soft cloth. If any fingerprints or smudges are remaining, wipe them away with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

2. Focus on the Tub

The second step to cleaning your dishwasher is to remove any debris from the bottom. Use a handful of paper towels to grab any debris from the base of the dishwasher around the drain.

To clean a dishwasher with vinegar, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a full cycle. Choose the hottest water possible to disinfect the unit while it is being cleaned. When the dishwashing cycle is complete, wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with paper towels or a clean, dry cloth.

3. Focus on the Accessories and Parts

Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any food particles or grease. You can use a bar of mild dish soap or white vinegar for tough stains. Rinse the interior well and dry it with a clean towel. Finally, replace the racks and holders.

4. Focus on the Dishwasher Filter

To reach the dishwasher filter, remove the bottom dish rack. The dishwasher filter is typically located in the back corner of the appliance. To clean it, remove the filter and rinse it under hot water to remove any food particles or debris. Then, wipe out the area beneath the filter inside the dishwasher with a damp cloth, sponge, or toothbrush. Finally, replace the clean filter back in its original position.

Dishwasher filters should be cleaned according to the instructions in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of dishwasher, the filters may need to be cleaned more or less often.

5. Focus on the Rust Stains

You can try using a rust-removal product if your dishwasher leaves mineral or rust stains. These can usually be found in the laundry detergent aisle of your local home center. Follow the instructions on the product, and run an empty dishwasher cycle to clean it out.

If your home's water source is high in rust, you'll likely need to clean your surfaces regularly to prevent staining. You can also install a water filter to help control the rust in your home's water.

Conclusion

Overall, following these tips should help you keep your dishwasher clean and functioning properly. By regularly cleaning your dishwasher, you can avoid the build-up of dirt and grease, which can lead to problems such as poor drainage and machine failure.

If you are looking for a company that provides dishwasher maintenance in Montgomery, TX, look no further than our services here at Lone Star Appliance Repair. We are your lifelong partners in appliance maintenance and repair, and we help you keep your home running smoothly with help from our Conroe team! Call us today for more information about our repair and maintenance services.