Yahoo Lifestyle The Clever Tip to Getting Your Dishwasher Cleaning Like New
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When you're facing a sink full of soiled glasses, plates and pots and pans, the best dishwashers serve as the true heroes. Today's models are well-equipped to handle all kinds of messes, including tall tasks like greasy, starchy messes and baked-on cheese. (We know, because when we test dishwashers, we throw some seriously dirty jobs their way — think burned-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and more.) But as capable as they are, they're not miracle-workers. Your dishwasher needs TLC to operate at the top of its game.
You should never assume your dishwasher doesn't need to be cleaned, says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "It’s not a garbage disposal, and it doesn't clean itself with every cycle."
Like any other appliance you may have in your home, a dishwasher requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it running effectively. That's because bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent and water minerals can build up on the dishwasher's filter and interior walls over time. They can even clog the spray arms. Even worse, a dirty dishwasher can harbor bacteria and mold, making your dishes dirtier rather than cleaner (spots and film on glasses, plates and utensils provide a tell-tale clue).
To make sure your dishwasher is clean and ready to make whatever you place inside sparkle, you should be giving it a good clean every month.
Follow Forté's top tip:
Wipe excess food from dishes before loading. You don’t need to rinse them, as that wastes water, but wiping away excess food helps keep the filter cleaner.
Add detergent packs to the dispenser. Don't just toss detergent in the bottom of the machine; doing so will cause them to dissolve in the prewash and be washed away before the main cycle begins. You should also buy only what you can use within two months, and store the product in a cool, dry spot (i.e. not under the sink, where the detergent is prone to clumping or deteriorating).
Do a quick sweep after every load. Once the dishwasher is empty, remove any bits of food or small debris (like beans, macaroni or olive pits) that may have collected around the filter during the cycle.
Clean the filter. The filter, which is typically found below the bottom spray arm, should be cleaned about once every week or two, depending on usage. After removing it, rinse it under hot running water, scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse and replace. If you're not sure how to remove it, check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details.
Do a weekly once-over. Wipe down the door edges and gasket to get rid of any debris. It's also a good idea to clean the front, wiping the handle and control panel whenever you see spots or splatter.
Use a dishwasher cleaner. We recommend using a cleaner from brands like Cascade (a GH Seal holder) or affresh once per month to help rid the tub, spray arms and pump of buildup.
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