How To Clean Your Dishwasher

If the kitchen is the heart of the home then surely the dishwasher is a major artery. If you’ve ever had your dishwasher break down you know what a huge impact on your time, not to mention your hands, it has. This article helps you to avoid these problems by stepping you through How To Clean Your Dishwasher.

So it’s important to keep that machine in good working order. Here are a few tips on how to prolong the life of your dishwasher and ensure it cleans your dishes effectively.

Whether your machine is integrated or free standing, the outside will regularly need a wipe down. We recommend All Purpose Cleaner on a damp sponge. For stubborn marks use All Purpose Cleaner undiluted on a sponge then wipe with a clean damp sponge when the mark is removed.

For freestanding dishwashers, there is sometimes a seam at the bottom edge of the door. If this is difficult to get a sponge into try a cotton bud or small paint brush soaked in All Purpose Cleaner. If it’s a really narrow seam try a wooden satay stick. Never use a metal item as this can scratch the surface.

If your dishwasher has a stainless-steel façade, give it a final wipe with Stainless Steel Polish to help keep the surface clean and protect against potential rust spots.

With a dishwasher, the sides of the door and where it closes against the side of the machine, can be the place where grime builds up. The residue in cups and glasses as they are upended and put on the shelf can splash and drip unnoticed, causing build-up and sometimes even mould, especially around the rubber seals.

Start by cleaning with All Purpose Cleaner on a damp sponge to remove built up material.

If there are hard to get to seams and crevices try the cotton bud, small paintbrush or satay skewer trick. Follow with a wipe down with Disinfectant. If you notice there is a bit of mould, use the Disinfectant generously and undiluted, and leave for 5-15 minutes before you wipe it down.

1. Start by running a short cycle with an empty machine using Auto Machine Powder or Liquid.
2. Remove all shelves or racks and soak them in All Purpose Cleaner. If they are plastic and are particularly grimy, you can give them a wipe with Bleach, but be sure to rinse it off after 15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t damage the plastic. A toothbrush or paintbrush can help get into any corners where grime may have built up.
3. Remove the filters and clean with undiluted All Purpose Cleaner and a toothbrush. Rinse before returning to the machine.
4. While the racks are soaking, spray or wipe the machine out with a generous amount of Disinfectant. Leave it for 15-20 minutes to allow time for it to do its job. Then run the machine empty using Auto Machine Powder or Liquid.
5. Rinse racks and shelves and return them to the machine.
6. If you feel the need you can run the machine once more while empty, with or without Auto Dish Liquid or Powder.

You shouldn’t need to do a full overhaul more than once a year. But there are a couple of things you should do more regularly:

• Clean solids out of filters every week
• Wipe down where the door meets the sides of the machine weekly
• Run a short empty cycle once a month

For further information on any of the mentioned products, please click through within the article or via the below links.

If you would like further information or advice on the best way to tackle your particular cleaning related problems, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (02) 9838 1220.

Products recommended in this article:

All Purpose Cleaner
Auto Dish Liquid
Auto Dish Powder 
Household Grade Disinfectant
Extra Fragrance Disinfectant
Stainless Steel Polish