How to clean a dishwasher at home?
Today, a dishwasher can be found in every third kitchen. She perfectly launders dirty dishes with the most complex and unpleasant soiling. Many people think that since the function of such a device is to wash, then it does not require special care. But as you know, any technique requires special attention, as this is directly related to its service life. There are many things you can do to clean your dishwasher at home. But they need to be selected taking into account the model of equipment and the material from which it is made.
to contents ↑How to use a dishwasher?
In order to limit yourself from encountering the problem of breaking the dishwasher, you must adhere to one main rule - use it more often. The dishwasher should work at least once every two days. Thus, the amount of food leftovers in it will be significantly reduced. And the service life of the device will be significantly increased.
to contents ↑Important! It is not recommended to save on electricity and detergents, as this will not extend the operational period of the equipment. Our individual reviews will help you choose the best detergent:
Basic Dishwasher Care Rules
The service life of any household equipment can be extended if you follow several basic rules, and the dishwasher is no exception:
- Check water hoses. If contaminants are present, you can clean them with a toothpick.
- Do not forget to dry the rubber gasket in the door of the dishwasher. This manipulation should be done every 2 months.
- Before loading dishes into the device, thoroughly clean them of large pieces of food.
- To clean dishes thoroughly, select a suitable detergent. Follow the link and learn how to do it. do-it-yourself dishwasher cleaner.
- To clean the dishwasher from clogging, pour a liter of warm vinegar into it once a month. After the machine has worked, wipe it dry and leave the door open so that the pungent smell of vinegar disappears.
- Do not overload the dishwasher with a lot of dirty dishes.
Important! Do not forget that the proper installation of the dirty water drain is also a guarantee of a long life without breakage of the dishwasher. You will find more information in the post. “Dishwasher siphon”.
By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid many malfunctions of your home appliance.
to contents ↑How to wash a dishwasher?
Cleaning a dishwasher at home is not so difficult. The main thing is to follow certain instructions, thanks to which you can do without the help of a qualified specialist:
- Unplug the equipment.
- Check water openings for contamination.
- If debris is stuck in the holes, remove it with tweezers or a thin wire.
- Use a brush and detergent to clean the joints between the cabinet and the doors. A lot of dirt accumulates there, which subsequently emits a nauseating smell.
- Wash compartments by hand. They are easily detachable.
- Remove dirt from the grill and filter. In new models, they are very easy to detach. And in the old ones, they will have to be unscrewed.
Regardless of how you are going to wash the dishwasher - inside or outside, these rules must be observed when cleaning any household equipment.
Important! If you decide to get rid of scale, these rules will not be enough. Along with them, more serious methods should be applied to deal with unpleasant problems.
Scale in the dishwasher
Scale is a common cause of damage to household appliances. It accumulates as a result of prolonged use of equipment.
Important! Most often formed on the heating elements (TENs) of the device.
It is difficult to deal with limescale, therefore it is better to prevent its occurrence by applying preventive measures. In case of untimely measures, do not panic, as there are a lot of descaling agents on the shelves of the stores. Also, many use no less effective improvised substances.
Consider several effective ways to eliminate limescale:
- Vinegar. It is necessary to fill in the lower part of the compartment for dishes 200 ml. Next, turn on the water heating. In the middle of the machine’s workflow, turn it off, leave it for half an hour or more. After - restart the dishwasher.
- Citric acid is one of the universal and high-quality means in cleaning the dishwasher. The amount of substance depends on the severity of the problem. If there is a lot of scale, then the acid must be used in an appropriate volume. 200-400 grams of the substance should be poured into the machine and the wash cycle should be started.
- To clean the Bosch dishwasher, it is recommended to use a high-quality preventive anti-scale descaler. Before using the drug, carefully read the instructions and consult a specialist.
Important! When using improvised means, be sure to observe safety precautions. And when buying such a household appliance, do not forget to ask the consultant about the regulator of water hardness and the protective function against scale.
Proven dishwasher cleaners
Since the household appliance is oriented to washing, in most cases they use the same substances that wash the dishes. Consider several high-quality chemical and improvised substances:
- “Fairy” in tablets and in liquid form. The cleaning agent in tablets softens the water well, eliminates rust and scale. A liquid detergent perfectly washed the dishwasher from fat.
- “Finish” - applied once a month. Eliminates microbes and various types of pollution. Pour a small amount onto the wire rack in the device and start the washing process without dishes.
- Soda with vinegar. It is necessary to unscrew the filter and soak it in soapy water. Next, pour 1 cup of vinegar to the bottom of the device and start the wash cycle. At the end of the process, fill the bottom with a small amount of soda and leave the equipment overnight. Thus, all unpleasant odors and difficult stains disappear.
- Borax. To start, wash the door and bottom of the appliance with regular detergent. Then treat them brown and turn on the machine. At the end of the washing process, add 2 tablespoons of the substance to the detergent drawer.
- Bleach. Great for mold control. Pour one glass of the substance into the detergent drawer and start the appliance. The procedure is carried out without dishes.
to contents ↑Important! Abrasive substances adversely affect the materials of which the device is made; therefore, it is recommended that we take a responsible approach to choosing a cleaning product.
Additional recommendations for using the dishwasher
Despite the usefulness of such a household appliance, there are several nuances that must be taken into account. They affect the life of the dishwasher. It is not recommended to wash the following types of dishes:
- Wooden - loses its original appearance due to a large amount of moisture and high temperature.
- Synthetics - deforms due to high temperature.
- Stainless steel - the color fades as a result of frequent washing in this device.
- Crystal is a very fragile material that is best washed by hand.
- Plastic - unstable to high temperatures.
Important! We examined this topic in more detail on our portal of useful tips in a separate review “What can't be washed in the dishwasher?”
All listed types of dishes should not be cleaned in the dishwasher, as this can adversely affect its performance.
Important! All household appliances should only be used for their intended purpose, taking into account recommendations from the manufacturer.
The quality of washing dishes in the dishwasher is greatly influenced by its proper placement. Follow the link to find out "How to arrange the dishes in the dishwasher?"
to contents ↑Stock footage
In this article, we have offered you several options for cleaning your dishwasher at home. We hope this information was useful to you, and you were able to choose from this list of funds acceptable for yourself in terms of price, effectiveness and method of application. So - your dishwashing equipment will work longer, and you will not bother with daily washing of dishes.