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Your dishwasher might not be doing as good a job as it once did at cleaning mugs, plates, silverware, and glasses. But that doesn’t mean you have to get a whole new one. Here are is how to clean it to improve the performance naturally.
1. Remove Everything Inside
Begin by creating as much space within the appliance. Empty all dishes from within it, as well as the lower rack.
If this rack isn’t rolling properly or there’s another issue with the interior, get new dishwasher parts to restore the appliance. Before doing any work on the appliance, including the cleaning steps below, always disconnect the power for your safety.
2. Clean the Drain Filter
Find the drain and clean around its base with a wet cloth. A common reason for dishwashers not working properly is it’s clogged up.
Over time, food debris can build up within the machine and prevent it from properly draining. So, you’ll want to clean out the drain or drain filter if it’s blocked.
To do so, remove and wash the filter in the sink under warm running water. The pressure of the faucet water on it will help loosen dirt and wash away grease that might be contributing to the blockage without harsh chemicals. It’s part of an eco-friendly house cleaning approach.
If that clears up the problem, then get your screwdriver out to reconnect the filter. The easiest method is to lay all screws in place and then tighten them one at a time. Doing so reduces the risk of accidentally dropping one of the small screws into the bottom of the dishwasher, which is hard to find.
Keep off the drain filter if you are going to the next step.
3. Unblock the Drain
If you’ve got a stubborn drain, then it’s time to remove the catch and filters to get to the deeper problem. Once removed, you’ll be able to look straight down the drain, and you’ll probably see food particles there.
Any easy way to pick away at the debris is to take a wire hanger and bend it to reach down into the drain. Then use a natural baking soda and vinegar mixture to clear out the drain.
4. Mix the Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
This natural remedy is not as harsh as the bottle of drain cleaner that you can buy at the store down the street. It’s an eco-friendly solution; there are no harsh chemicals.
The vinegar and baking soda mixture is easy to use, as well. Use a spoon to pour half a cup of baking soda over the drain. Then add one cup of vinegar to wash down the baking soda and mix with it.
The key is waiting for it to work, which takes about 10 minutes. Just leave it alone during that period and set the kitchen timer, so you know when to get back to it.
While waiting, put on the kettle for hot water. When the 10 minutes is up, then carefully pour the boiling water into the drain. You’re basically washing out the vinegar, baking soda, and any remaining food waste.
5. Test out the Dishwasher
The final step is to hook the dishwasher back up and run a cycle to see how it works. Proper drainage will help your dishware look its best and, more importantly, be clean of bacteria for hygienic purposes.