5 handy tips for a sparkling-clean dishwasher

It might just be our favorite appliance in the kitchen: the dishwasher. What would we do without it? Spend hours washing dishes, that’s for sure. You could almost forget that the machine itself also needs a thorough cleaning every now and then. So how do you do it smartly? What should you pay attention to? With these tips, cleaning it will be a piece of cake.

With our 5-step plan for a sparkling-clean dishwasher, you’re already well on your way. Still, there are plenty of extra tips and tricks for the cleaning job. Things you may not immediately think of, but that will make you go, ‘oh yeah,’ afterward.

1. Keep a close eye on the filter

The filter serves an important function in your dishwasher. Thanks to this little thing, food scraps don’t end up stuck in the pump, causing the whole thing to clog. Food scraps can, however, get trapped in the filter. Does your dishwasher smell? You can assume that leftover food scraps in the filter are to blame. Remove it from the dishwasher once every 4 weeks and clean it. It doesn’t have to be a complicated chore. Simply remove the food scraps with a cloth and then rinse the filter under the tap.

Speaking of the filter: there’s an ongoing debate about whether or not you should rinse your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. FavorFlav’s Lauretta once wrote that it’s not necessarily needed. The enzymes in your dishwasher detergent can’t attach themselves to food scraps otherwise, which means they’re essentially useless. On the other hand, you do run the risk of clogging the filter. I rinse mine out automatically anyway. Do whatever you like.

2. Tackle limescale head-on

Limescale is caused by the water the dishwasher uses to clean your dirty dishes. Did you know that the amount of limescale in the water depends on the region where you live? In the Randstad, for example, there’s more limescale in the water than in the countryside. Even houses in the same region can differ. Anyway, you’ll want to tackle limescale in your dishwasher head-on. How do you do that? First, empty the machine completely. Then run a program at a minimum of 60 degrees, without a dishwasher tablet. After half an hour, pause the program, open the dishwasher door and pour vinegar or a special machine cleaner over the bottom. Close the door and run the same program again—this time from beginning to end. If you do this twice a year, you’ll be extra kind to your dishwasher.

Tip: also check whether the holes in the spray arms are blocked by limescale. Limescale can form anywhere, including there. Poke through the holes with a needle or cocktail stick to remove the limescale.

3. Don’t forget the rubber seals

There are rubber seals in the dishwasher door. They protect the door when opening and closing it. Don’t be fooled: a lot of dirt accumulates here. Dirt you can’t see with the naked eye, but can definitely smell because of the odor. So clean the rubber seals monthly. A simple solution of soapy water and a cloth will already do a lot of good.

4. Don’t skimp on rinse aid

All-in-one dishwasher tablets are basically the best cleaning products for your dishwasher. They contain detergent, salt and rinse aid. Real powerhouses for your dishes. Still, it’s wise not to let these little tablets do all the work on their own. You’ll get better results if you add a little extra rinse aid to your dishwasher. The salts and acids in this product help remove limescale and kill bacteria. It also makes your dishes dry faster and leaves them beautifully shiny. The real wonder product? Rinse aid! Tip: don’t go overboard. If a sticky layer remains on your dishes, you’ve probably used too much rinse aid.

5. Load the machine sensibly

There’s a strategy for loading your dishwasher the best way. There’s a reason for it. That enormous soup ladle can easily block the spray arms completely. And if you place one pan half on top of another? Then you’re guaranteed to have to run the dishwasher for another cycle. There are also things you should NEVER put in the dishwasher. Your expensive knives, your grandmother’s antiques and aluminum pans, for example.

Oh, before you start loading: check the condition of some of the things you want to put in the dishwasher. Those lasagna leftovers that have been sitting in the baking dish for 3 days won’t come off that easily. It’s best to soak dishes with stubborn dirt in warm water for a while. After that, they’re ready for their dishwasher cycle.

Also read:

• LIFEHACK: this is how your wine glass will ALWAYS fit in the dishwasher
• Unbelievable but true: a steak from the dishwasher
• Bizarre: you can cook your food in the dishwasher

Source: Radar AVROTROS