Cleaning your dishwasher can seem like a contradiction in terms - after all, the machine is there to clean. Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. Dishwashers need maintenance to do a good job. Hello Clean has picked out the best tricks for a clean dishwasher.
Did you know that your dishwasher should be cleaned at least four times a year? Shockingly few people know this, except for those of us who work in home cleaning Of course. If you notice bad odours or that your dishes are not getting clean, you may need to clean them more often. By continuously maintaining your machine, you will increase its lifespan and the performance of your dishes.
Causes of dishwasher not draining water
If you find that your dishwasher has stopped draining water, there may be several reasons. Do a quick troubleshooting by checking that there is no food residue left in the filter at the bottom of the machine. Also, check that the drain hose is connected correctly and is not loose. Sometimes the drain may be blocked and the dishwasher will not discharge water. Check whether the drain is bent or blocked.
Should you descale your dishwasher?
The answer is yes, water creates deposits that collect inside the dishwasher. To descale the dishwasher, you can use a really good housewife tips, either with citric acid or vinegar. Pour citric acid or vinegar into the tablet compartment and switch on a short programme. When the dishwasher is finished, simply wipe it out with a cloth.
Getting rid of bad odours in the dishwasher
There is probably no worse smell than old food that has been in a dishwasher for too long. The odour is often stale and can occur even when the machine is half full. Start by cleaning all parts of the dishwasher, such as the baskets, the cutlery drawer and the filter. Don't forget the spray arms that circulate and distribute the water evenly. The spray arms are an area that few people look at, but it's actually a part of the machine that attracts a lot of food debris. Finish by cleaning the outside of the machine. If the problem persists, you can use either vinegar or citric acid as described above:
Clean dishwasher with citric acid:
Pour two tablespoons of citric acid into the bottom of the machine. Run a normal programme with no dishes in it. When the machine is ready, switch it on again - this time with one tablet in it.
Clean dishwasher with vinegar:
Vinegar is known to be an effective cleaning agent in several contexts, it also works to remove odours in the dishwasher. Pour a decilitre of vinegar into the machine and run a programme with dishes in it. It's that easy to remove the odour!
How often should you add salt to the dishwasher?
Dishwasher salt has an important function - it can determine whether your dishes come out clean or dirty. The salt helps hard water become softer and is needed to remove any food residue. The first time you use a new dishwasher, you should add a good amount of salt, about one kilo. After a period of use, add a few tablespoons every month to maintain the right softness of the water.
Cleaning the dishwasher = durability
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher not only extends the life of the appliance but also contributes to its sustainability in several ways. By removing food residues, limescale and other deposits from the inside of the dishwasher, you ensure its efficiency and performance. A clean dishwasher uses less energy and water, reducing its environmental impact.
