Have you ever taken a new glass from the counter and noticed gunk at its bottom? This may be because your dishwasher is not cleaning properly as it should. Do not wait any longer as the problem may persist further to eventually become an even larger issue. Continue reading the article to find out about some helpful tips that you can try out on your dishwasher to let it work like new again.
Essential Supplies
The main aim of this article is to provide you with guidelines that you can follow to take proper care of your dishwasher when it is not cleaning as it used to. The supplies that you need are as follows:
- ¼ inch ratchet socket
- Ratchet
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Fine steel wool
- Putty knife
- Sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Steel wire
The tips that we provide are easy to follow and can be done within less than an hour or so.
Remove and Unclog Spray Arms
The main problem that most homeowners face with their dishwasher is clogged spray arms. It is how the hard water and non-phosphate dishwasher detergent work together to cause this problem. For stainless steel dishwashers, simply dumping a ton of liquid dishwasher soap during a wash cycle may cause soap residue to build up. This is bad for your dishwasher as its spray arms will be regularly clogged. You need to first remove the top and middle spray arms with the help of a ratchet and socket before checking the spray arm holes for clogs. Remove any debris using the steel wire like a dental floss to extensively clear out the holes individually.
Soak in White Vinegar
Removing any bits of food or scale from the spray arm holes can get your dishwasher cleaning a lot better than before. Since you have removed the spray arms, you can take the chance to soak them in white vinegar to naturally break down any scale and soap buildup.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Dishwasher
You need to regularly look inside your dishwasher to spot any dirt. Do this at least once a month to ensure your dishwasher remains in a tip-top condition at all times. Check for glass bits, food remnants, sticks, and any other items stuck inside and remove them promptly. Feel around the inside of your dishwasher to check the areas that are out of your sight. Your dishwasher also comes equipped with a filter with fine mesh which you can run under hot water to clear any debris.
Eliminating Scale and Residue Buildup
Combine some white vinegar with baking soda to form a paste that is slightly thicker in consistency than pancake batter. Spread this mixture onto any scale or residue buildup that you see on the bottom of your dishwasher. This may also be done after you have gently scraped off the buildup using a plastic putty knife. After the paste has dried up, simply wipe it off and you will notice the area getting clean like new again. Depending on the thickness of the buildup, the white vinegar and baking soda process may need to be done several times.
