The thing that cleans your dishes needs cleaning, too! We’re dishing out our odor and grime-eliminating dishwasher cleaning moves that work every time. Gather These Tools: Dish Detergent, White Vinegar, Oxygen Bleach, Cleaning Cloths
STEP 1: Clear Food & Debris Food and debris lingering in your dishwasher’s food trap will cause odors and prevent a spotless clean. To clear out buildup, locate the trap under the lower sprayer and remove it entirely. Wash it in the sink using a small amount of liquid dish detergent. Rinse well. Before re-inserting it into the machine, wipe down the area where the food trap was positioned with a damp clean cotton cloth. Take care to remove any excess food debris from the trap as well.
STEP 2: Seal the Deal Spray seals, rubber gaskets, and the exterior with a streak-free surface cleaning solution. In a pinch, you can also make a solution with 1 capful of liquid dish detergent and 12-16 oz of warm water in a spray bottle or bucket. Wipe away grime with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
STEP 3: Final Rinse For an all-encompassing clean, add ¼ cup of pure white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of chlorine-free, oxygen-based bleach alternative to the dishwasher and run a normal load free of dishware. This is especially effective for removing any soap scum and filmy residue caused by hard water. Run a quick cycle free of any detergent or cleansers afterwards to remove any leftover residue.
