You can also try glass cleaner. Glass cleaner works best on stainless steel surfaces.
Avoid splashing lots of water or glass cleaner on the door. Many dishwashers have electronic components that can be damaged by excess moisture. Apply the cleaning solution to a cloth or sponge first.
If you neglect these parts, they will quickly dirty up your dishwasher no matter how well you clean its insides. Wipe them down regularly to keep the drain clean.
Anything from tomato chunks to shells and broken glass can block the drain. Get rid of them as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to your pipes or dishwasher. Clogs are often responsible for slow-draining dishwashers. Wiping the drain periodically can save you a call to a plumber.
Tougher stains on the walls may require additional treatment, such as from a wash cycle with vinegar or baking soda.
Water may not reach these areas when you run the dishwasher. The only way to clean them out is to pay close attention when cleaning the dishwasher by hand.
Dish soap can clog up the dishwasher’s components, so play it safe by rinsing off as much of it as you can.
Most filter systems consist of several interlocking parts. Check your owner’s manual for precise instructions on how to remove them. The filter grinds up larger food scraps so they don’t get caught in the drain. This means the filter can easily get clogged and start to stink, so check it often to keep it in working order.
If you have a faucet or hose with a strong spray setting, make use of it to eliminate debris in tough to reach areas.
Wipe away any food particles you see so they cannot clog the sprayer’s holes.
You can also use hanging wire or wood skewers to clear the holes. If your dishes don’t seem to get very wet or clean when you operate the dishwasher, a clogged spray arm may be the cause.
Vinegar is effective at removing stubborn grease and grime as well as bad odors. Try using it if you can’t get your dishwasher pristine with soap and water alone. You can also use store-bought cleaners. Many liquid additives are stronger than vinegar and more effectively treat mineral discolorations.
You may need to run the dishwasher through multiple cycles before it is completely clean and odorless. Add more vinegar as necessary.
Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so it will clear up any food particles remaining in the dishwasher.
If the dishwasher still isn’t clean, you may need to use a stronger cleaner. More vinegar, lemon juice, or a commercial cleaner can help. Avoid using more baking soda.
If your dishwasher is stainless steel, avoid using bleach! Bleach will cause serious damage. Instead, scrub the spots off with plenty of warm water, soap, and commercial cleansers. Use no more than 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach at a time. Be careful, since bleach is caustic and the fumes are unpleasant to breathe in.
Bleach is the most effective way of eliminating mold and mildew spores. Have some available in case vinegar and baking soda do not work. Never mix bleach with vinegar. Combined, the products create toxic chlorine gas. Use each cleaner separately, rinsing out the dishwasher each time.
