Our dishwashers are our trusty allies, keeping our kitchenware spotless. But did you know that the same appliance can harbor a hidden enemy?
The moist and humid interior of a dishwasher is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can compromise its hygiene, cleanliness, and performance.
While you might know how to clean your dishwasher regularly, having a moldy dishwasher is a different story. But this hidden menace can be easily eliminated from every part of the dishwasher through a simple and stress-free process.
In this article, we’ll explain how to clean mold from dishwasher and say goodbye to these eyesores and their funky smell.
So, you are ready to get your dishwasher sparkling clean, scroll on down!
Where does the mold come from?
Mold grows in warm, damp, and dark environments, making dishwashers a perfect breeding ground for mold. It normally grows around areas that remain wet, like crevices and rubber parts, including the seals around the door, gaskets, and drain covers.
Additionally, this fungus can endure even the longest and hottest program and cycles, making it essential to address it with a thorough and deep cleaning.
How to get mold out of a dishwasher?
If your dishwasher has a mold problem, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following:
- Seeing spots of mold, often on the rubber gaskets, around the drain, or near the detergent dispenser.
- Smelling a musty odor coming from the dishwasher.
- Dishes that don’t smell clean after a cleaning cycle.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to tackle your dishwasher’s mold problem.
1. Empty the dishwasher
Before beginning, empty the dishwasher of all dishes. Next, take out all racks and any removable baskets or trays and soak them in a sink or tub filled with hot, soapy water.
2. Clean the filter
Your dishwasher features a filter designed to catch food particles and debris, a common spot for mold growth. To clean it, follow the steps below:
- Locate the filter (it should look like a short cylindrical tube), twist it to unlock it, and then gently remove it from the machine. It may have two parts: the tube and a flat filter beneath it. This will also have to be removed.
- Run your filter under running water to clean it, removing any visible debris.
- You may need to use dish soap and an old, soft sponge to remove any stubborn limescale and food.
- Do this gently, though – you don’t want to break the filter mesh.
- Replace the filter into the machine and lock it back into place.
Learn about dishwasher filters and how to clean them, from spotting the signs that they are overdue to cleaning the different filters available.
3. Scrub every surface
After removing the racks and filter, use a scrub brush with hot, soapy water (a few drops of dish soap work well) to clean all interior surfaces.
Focus on rubber seals and gaskets, the detergent dispenser, the area around the filter, and the dishwasher's bottom. Wipe away any soap residue with a damp rag or paper towel.
Next, clean the racks, baskets, and trays you removed earlier. Scrub each part thoroughly, including the undersides. Rinse them well and place them back into the dishwasher.
4. Sanitize the dishwasher
After scrubbing the entire interior of the dishwasher, it's time to sanitize. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is an excellent choice for sanitizing a moldy dishwasher.
To use your Finish Dishwasher Cleaner, first empty the dishwasher and clear the filter of any leftover food or debris.
- Remove the sticker from the cap of your dishwasher cleaner bottle. Do not remove the cap.
- Place the bottle upside down inside your silverware basket or any bottom dish rack.
- Close the dishwasher and run it on a high-temperature cycle of at least 60⁰C. Do not add any other detergent or cleaning agent to the wash.
- After the full cycle has been completed, open the dishwasher, remove the bottle, and recycle it.
- For heavy builds, you may need to repeat the process.
How to prevent a moldy dishwasher?
After addressing the mold issue in your dishwasher, it's important to implement preventive measures to avoid its recurrence.
1. Leave the dishwasher door open between uses
Enhancing the airflow within your dishwasher can deter mold formation. Try not to completely close the door when the dishwasher is not in use.
Opening the door right after a cycle promotes faster evaporation of moisture, aiding in better dish drying and discouraging the damp environment that fosters mold growth.
Additionally, This simple act helps release trapped odors, ensuring a fresh-smelling dishwasher for your next load. Learn what else you can do to get rid of dishwasher smells.
2. Regularly clean the interior of your dishwasher
There's no need to wait until you see mold to clean your dishwasher. Running a vinegar cycle monthly or as needed can prevent mold growth.
Also, regularly wipe down seals and gaskets with hot, soapy water and clean any detergent residue. Clean the filter every few months or more often if you don't pre-rinse dishes.
