Alana Landsberry
The dishwasher is regularly filled with hot water and detergent, so you’d be forgiven if you thought that was enough to keep the machine clean.
It turns out that your dishwasher needs cleaning too.
Here are common signs that it’s time to clean your dishwasher.
How do you know if your dishwasher needs cleaning?
1. Your dishes are coming out cloudy and dirty
Food left on your dishes, or a white powdery substance is a sign that it’s time to clean your dishwasher. It’s recommended you do this at least once a month. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to clean your dishwasher properly.
If you notice cloudy spots on your glasses, the simplest solution is to place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle – this acts as a rinse aid to help combat hard water. It’s a good idea to check your manual before doing this, as some manufacturers advise against using vinegar in a dishwasher.
2. There’s a funny smell coming from your dishwasher
If you have a terrible smell from your dishwasher, the problem could be food particles getting caught in the filter. Check and clean your filter after each use to avoid nasty smells in your kitchen.
3. Water isn’t draining out of your dishwasher properly
If water is still pooling in the bottom of your dishwasher after running a cycle, or if you see water bubbling out of the sink, you might have a clog. If your dishwasher is having issues draining water and you’ve cleaned the filter, it might be time to call an expert to look at your dishwasher.
How often should a dishwasher be cleaned?
It is recommended that the dishwasher is cleaned at least once a month. If it starts to get smelly before a month has passed or shows any signs mentioned above, it’s best to clean it earlier.
Can I run the dishwasher empty to clean it?
We have a step-by-step guide that will tell you how to clean your dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle on empty with a cup of white vinegar.
More dishwasher tips
No need to rinse: while it’s not recommended to rinse dishes, it is good practice to scrape off as much food from your plates as you can before putting them in the dishwasher.
Avoid over-stacking: placing too many dishes in the dishwasher can lead to your dishes not being as clean. It helps to have a little space between items for a proper clean.
Use a laundry bag: to stop small items from falling under the baskets, pop them in a mesh laundry bag.
