DIY: Get Your Dishwasher Looking and Smelling Brand New

Did you know 68% of Americans use a dishwasher an average of three times a week? We heavily rely on this machine to clean the bulk of our dishes, minimizing time spent on chores. Nothing is more irritating than running the dishwasher, going to unload it, and pulling out dishes that are still dirty and smelly. Over time, it’s common for a large amount of dirty food and grime to build up inside the dishwasher. Prevent smelly odors and perpetually dirty dishes by following the steps below to get your dishwasher looking brand new again:

Step 1: Clean the Drain/Food Strainer

Remove the bottom dish rack, and look for the drain strainer. Once located, remove any leftover food particles stuck inside the strainer. This could be one of the main causes of the odor.

Step 2: Wipe down the Dishwasher

Using hot soapy water and a sponge/damp cloth, wipe down everything inside of the dishwasher including the dish racks, side walls, and the dishwasher door. This process will remove any leftover odors and food particle/mineral build up. Never use bleach or other chemicals when cleaning your dishwasher.

Step 3: Steam Bath

You can purchase a dishwasher cleaning product, or simply use white vinegar to complete this last step. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup (8 ounces) of the white vinegar, and place it between the prongs on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on the hottest possible water setting, without any detergent. The vinegar will break down any remaining grime and odor. Leave the dishwasher door opened so the inside can fully dry after the cycle is complete.

Some problems can only be fixed by a professional. Call Catons Plumbing, Drains & Water Cleanup or schedule a service online if the steps listed above still don’t fix the issue. We will have things back in working order in no time.