Isn’t it great that after a delicious meal, we no longer have to worry about washing dirty plates, dishes, pots, and glassware with our hands? Because we have the dishwasher to take care of it now.
However, dishwashers are among the unsung heroes of our homes and are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. That seems unfair.
Your dishwasher spends so much time and energy washing and removing the grimiest stains from cookware, so it deserves a little love, too. Also, no one wants to run a dirty, stinky dishwasher that works poorly.
Even though most of us already know how to clean a dishwasher, there are still some dishwasher cleaning hacks that are simpler, harmful, eco-friendly, and time-efficient.
1. Cleaning the trays with a toothbrush
Food particles and debris accumulate on the dishwasher tray, and since they are soggy, touching them while cleaning cutlery trays and baskets, which have tricky gaps to clean, feels gross. Well, not anymore. Use a toothbrush to clean such tight corners and crevices, allowing you to reach such places effectively.
Add a little Finish Dishwasher Cleaner ‐ #1 recommended dishwasher cleaner by leading manufacturers ‐ to the bristles and dip them in water before scrubbing corners, edges, and any area where residue may build up. After that, rinse the tray thoroughly and place it back into the dishwasher after letting it dry.
2. Putting a lemon inside the dishwasher
Place a half-cut lemon on the top rack and start a hot water cycle, which will help you maintain cleanliness and freshness.
The citric acid inside the lemon acts as a natural cleaner, and even though it can never be as effective as Finish in guaranteeing ultimate clean and shine, it does help break down grease, eliminate odors, and remove limescale and other mineral deposits.
This simple and eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning hack leaves a pleasant and zesty scent, ensuring your dishes emerge clean and with a hint of natural freshness.
Since we discussed putting a lemon inside the dishwasher, it’s only fair that we’ll also let you know about 15 things you should never put inside your dishwasher.
3. Cleaning the door seal with a sponge
Is the inside of your dishwasher clean and shiny but smells unpleasant every time you open the door? Even though most of us are already aware of how to clean a dishwasher, there are a few prime spots for gunk to build up that could easily go unnoticed.
One such place is the door seal (the gasket); cleaning it is very important. Over time, the door seal can become a stockpile of dirt, grime, and food residues, leading to unpleasant odors and potential bacterial growth.
Create a mixture of warm water and Finish Dishwasher Cleaner, soak a firm sponge, and use it to wipe down the door seal to remove the debris, ensuring a clean and odor-free environment within the dishwasher.
Using a sponge allows you to access the tight spaces where these deposits pile up. Create a mixture of warm water and Finish Dishwasher Cleaner, soak the sponge, and wipe down to remove the debris.
4. Cleaning the spray arm with a toothpick
The spray arm’s nozzles have tiny holes that can clog due to food particles and debris, compromising its ability to distribute water evenly. But cleaning it with a normal cleaning brush is difficult.
Using a toothpick lets you poke through the tiny holes to gently dislodge and remove any lodged material, restoring the spray arm's functionality. Do this over the dustbin to save yourself from cleaning up any nasty surprises.
5. Adding dishwasher salt
Harnessing the power of salt is another natural hack for dishwasher maintenance. Adding Finish Dishwasher Salt ‐ #1 recommendation by leading dishwasher manufacturers ‐ prevent limescale and white residue buildup and ensure optimal dishwashing cleaning and performance.
Fill the dishwasher tank with the dishwasher salt according to manufacturer instructions. For the best dishwashing performance, always keep the salt tank full. In some dishwashers, a red light blinks when the salt levels are low. Make sure to refill salt accordingly when that happens.
