The dishwashers have helped millions of women around the world to have more time for themselves. It is the machine that we love so much that every time we notice something is not right with it, our heart skips a beat. With so many daily obligations, homework, work and so many other things we do during the day, washing dishes would be just a burden. However, even though these machines are used for washing dishes, they also need to be cleaned from time to time to be able to function properly.
In order to create the habit of cleaning your dishwasher regularly, it is important to understand why it is necessary to do it on a daily basis. Most people simply assume that every time we use it, it will clean itself. Unfortunately for us, this is not the case. Even small particles, a detergent that failed to dissolve, grease, and tiny parts of food can build up over time and cause odor and decrease the effectiveness of the machine.
Even though you may think that you can simply put some fresheners inside and solve the issue or accept it as something to live with, either way, it is not exactly the right one. Instead, deal with the issue head-on and resolve one thing at a time. We are sure that when you follow the steps from our list, the odor and the spots on the dishes will be the thing of the past. We have gathered a few tips for you so you can prolong its use as much as possible. Some should be applied daily, while others can be done once a week, or even monthly. Each one is important and it will help you resolve the issue easily.
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Remove the food of the dishes
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The best way to preserve your machine is to take care of it daily. Before placing the dishes in the machine, use a sponge to remove all the traces of food. This will impact its overall functioning significantly and also make the maintenance a breeze. In case there are still some traces of food left in the machine, remove them as soon as you notice it. Keep in mind that the buildup of these small food remaining can build over time and cause bigger problems. By wiping your plates before you place them in the machine, you will significantly decrease the issues over time.
Clean the filter
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The filter is usually the biggest problem area to focus on, especially if you tend to skip removing food from your plates. If it clogs, you should know that it will cause major issues in the future, including spots on your dishes. This can be avoided easily, so remove it and rinse it under the pressure to make sure that all the residue is removed. If there are lots of small particles or grease, you can use a toothbrush to make it easier for you to clean it. Be gentle and use a little bit of detergent to make sure it is spotless in the end. When you are done, inspect it once more to make sure that it is clean and put it back. If you are completely new to this because you just bought a machine, check the manual to make sure you are looking at the right place.
Wipe it away from time to time
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Washing machines need a good clean up from time to time on the inside and outside as well. Use a sponge and gently clean the doors because when the machine is working, the water splashes on the doors and can cause grease to build up. Any residue can cause issues and it is definitely something you should prevent as much as possible. Inspect the machine carefully and see if there is any problem area that you should pay attention to. Wiping won’t take more than a few minutes of your time, but it will mean a lot in the long run for sure.
Use the power of vinegar and baking soda
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The drain should be cleaned at least once a month. If there is any food left there, you should remove it, because that can cause various issues with the overall functioning of your machine. Vinegar is known for its many uses in households. Fill a cup with white vinegar and place it in the dishwasher. Turn it on and make sure you choose a program with hot water. This is crucial for removing any leftovers, grease, and odors that may be causing issues. If you want an even better effect, sprinkle baking soda inside the racks and the combination of the vinegar and baking soda will do wonders for your machine. It is a powerful combination for fighting grease in the household and it is pretty affordable as well.
Use a cleaning tablet
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Homemade cleaning power mix of vinegar and baking soda is powerful, but if you want to make sure that you are taking care of your machine properly and the best way possible, use a cleaning tablet at least once a month. There are some great tablets on the market that have a special combination of ingredients that will help you maintain your dishwasher in perfect condition. Just make sure that the dishwasher is completely empty when you use it because they are specially made to clean the machine, they are pretty strong for the dishes.
These were the basic steps for maintaining your dishwasher clean and in perfect condition. Don’t skip any of these steps if you want to have your machine working flawlessly for years to come. Every time you wish to skip any of these steps, remember just how pricey they can be and you will realize that this small effort is truly worth it. Considering how much of a help one good washing machine is, a few minutes of our time daily will do wonders, but won’t be a burden. Click here to find more great tips for keeping your dishwasher clean and in perfect condition.
