Haven't you noticed that your dishes and other kitchen utensils are coming out of the dishwasher with a bad smell? If this has happened to you, it is because your dishwasher needs regular cleaning and yours is crying out for it. It is not too late to learn how to clean it and here at Natulim we will be your allies to teach you this entire process.
The dishwasher is an essential appliance in your home. Therefore, cleaning it completely guarantees proper functioning and a longer useful life. Superficial cleaning of the external part is not enough, you must pay attention to the internal part, which is essential for everything to run well. Parts as essential as its blades, filter, drain and interior door tend to accumulate residue that over time hinders the washing cycle of the appliance.
The best of all is that you can clean your dishwasher with a few products and you surely have it at your fingertips because it is for domestic use. Let's get to work, let the cleaning begin!
Steps to clean the dishwasher completely
By cleaning the dishwasher completely we will be preventing bad odors, blockages, accumulation of waste, reproduction of bacteria, among others. Therefore, it is necessary to wash it correctly. Here we tell you how to do it:
Step 1: Make sure to check that the dishwasher is empty, that is, without dishes or other utensils that could hinder the cleaning process.
Step 2: Open the dishwasher and remove the upper and lower basket, and any other removable accessories that are there, such as the glass or cutlery holder that some models come with.
Step 3: Remove the filter, it is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher and is removed by turning it counterclockwise. Continue washing it with the help of water and liquid soap of your choice. If it is very dirty, use a soft bristle brush to remove any remaining residue. When finished with the filter, return it to its original position.
Step 4: The dishwasher has blades on the top and bottom, locate them and test by turning them to make sure there is nothing obstructing them. Remove the blades and clean them under running water or, if necessary, with a mild detergent. When drying them, return them to their place and check that they spin normally.
Step 5: Look in the lower area of the dishwasher for the drain . Get rid of any waste that is there. If you have blockages, use a small toothbrush and wash the drain with warm water to loosen any debris.
Step 6: Examine the bottom door for stains and grease buildup. Using a cloth dampened with dish soap or other degreasing solution, clean the area.
Step 7: All dishwashers have a self-wash cycle, it is necessary to apply it when you finish your initial cleaning so that there are no traces of the liquids you used to clean. To obtain a better result, it is advisable to use Dishwashing Tablets during this self-washing cycle.
From experience we recommend and use the 6-in-1 Eco Dishwasher Tablets, for their anti-grease cleaning effectiveness, brightening effect and quick drying. Try them for maximum cleaning!
By completing each of these steps, your dishwasher will be ready to work efficiently, looking clean and smelling fresh. You can repeat this procedure every 15 days or every month, everything will depend on the use you give to your dishwasher.
Clean dishwasher filter
The dishwasher filter is essential in the drainage system, it is responsible for trapping waste, from the largest to the smallest. If the filter is clogged, the equipment will not perform as well and may even be damaged by the extra effort. Therefore, knowing how to clean the dishwasher filter is crucial to ensure that water circulates freely during wash cycles.
We explain how to clean the filter with materials that you have at your disposal:
- Unplug the appliance: Before starting cleaning, make sure that the dishwasher is turned off and, above all, that it is disconnected from the electrical power. Your safety is important.
- Find the filter: To locate the filter you will have to remove the upper and lower baskets. In general, it is always at the bottom and very close to the water drain.
- Remove it: Removing the filter may vary depending on the model of your dishwasher. You can look for the appliance's user manual to serve as a guide and avoid mistakes.
- Clean with water: To begin cleaning the filter, run it under running water to remove dirt and other accumulated debris.
- Immerse the filter in hot water: If it has accumulated grease, the ideal is to let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes in hot water with vinegar. This will help loosen any stubborn residue.
- Brush the entire filter: If there is deeply stuck-on debris, use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of it. Take care of cleaning the inside and outside of the filter so that it is completely free.
- Return the filter and baskets to their place: Once the filter is clean and dry, fit it back into place and verify that it is installed correctly according to its manual. Put the baskets where they belong.
- Test the dishwasher: After installing the completely clean filter, turn on the dishwasher to make sure it is working as usual.
The best maintenance for your dishwasher filter is prevention. It is recommended that all utensils you place in the dishwasher be free of debris, to reduce the amount of debris entering the filter.
Clean the dishwasher blades
The dishwasher blades, also known as sprinklers, are responsible for making the water inside the dishwasher flow and wash the utensils. These blades, in turn, have holes that tend to become clogged with residue and grease due to use. Therefore, its cleaning is necessary so that it fulfills its function properly. We show you how to clean the dishwasher blades below:
- Open the dishwasher: After unplugging it, open it and remove the trays inside to have easy access to the lower and upper blades.
- Remove the blades: In most dishwasher models, the blades are easy to remove. Most come under pressure or have nuts that must be loosened to remove the entire piece.
- Clean them: Depending on the state of the blade, the first thing you should do is wash them under running water. For better disinfection, let them rest in a container with water and vinegar in equal parts. This will ensure the elimination of bacteria, fungi and particles. Remember that washing must be thorough because the blades have holes where residue accumulates; use a sponge if necessary to ensure that it remains impeccable.
- Dry: When you finish cleaning the blades and verify that they are free of dirt, let them dry.
- Test: Make sure you assemble the blades and that they work perfectly.
The blades are essential rotating parts for the operation of the dishwasher, if they are not in optimal condition, your dishes and other utensils will not have the correct washing cycle. Knowing how to clean them will save you from problems in the future.
Clean dishwasher drain
Dishwashers depend on your care and the drain is one of those elements that can be a real pain in the ass if you don't clean it regularly. Dishes regularly have food residue and grease, which eventually accumulates in the dishwasher drain and can cause clogs. To get rid of all this, you need to pay attention to these tips for cleaning the dishwasher drain:
- Unplug the appliance : Unplug it to prevent it from receiving electrical current and potentially suffering a shock.
- Open the drain cover: Check that the area is free of debris and if so, get rid of it.
- Clean the drain: With a portion of baking soda and 3 of white vinegar in a glass, apply it to the drain and let it act for at least 15 minutes. Finally, pour hot water down the drain. You can repeat this step as many times as you need until you have the dishwasher drain completely free.
The dishwasher drain is one of the areas where waste accumulates the most and which we neglect due to its location. Try to check it from time to time to avoid blockages.
How to clean interior door
One of the parts of the dishwasher that we most often ignore cleaning is the interior door. Although it is not necessary to do it daily, by spending a few minutes once a week you will keep it free of dirt. In addition, you will be preventing grease from accumulating and generating bad odors. This is how you should clean the interior door of your dishwasher:
- Use a damp cloth: With a clean cloth moistened with water and white vinegar, wipe it over the door rubber seals. If there is residue that is difficult to remove, use a soft sponge to scrub this area.
- Clean the inside of the door: Mold tends to grow in this area, so cleaning it with a clean cloth and soap will help eliminate it. Look at the parts where steam accumulates, such as the corners.
- Run the dishwasher: To avoid residue, the liquids you used to clean the internal door, activate a wash cycle, either with water only or a dishwasher cleaner.
- Leave the dishwasher door open: When you finish cleaning the interior door, remember to leave the appliance open for a few minutes so that it dries completely. The buildup of moisture causes mold and mildew to occur over time.
- Keep the door open: After each wash cycle, leave the dishwasher door ajar to allow it to dry and ventilate properly. This will help prevent the buildup of moisture and bad odors.
By following these tips you will be leaving not only the internal door sparkling, but you will also be protecting your dishwasher from bad odors.
Automatic cleaning of the interior of the dishwasher with Natulim Eco Tablets
Do you want to clean the inside of your dishwasher in an easy and practical way? With Natulim Eco Pills you will have the ideal ally for this task. Not only does it offer an impeccable, grease-proof and shiny wash, while taking care of the environment. Its formula is free of preservatives and additives. Likewise, it has a perfume that guarantees maximum purity and safety.
Beyond protecting your dishwasher, it will also add shine to the stainless steel, descale it and offer an extra drying effect. It's a real experience!
How are Natulim Eco Pills used?
With just one tablet you can leave your dishwasher sparkling. These are the steps:
- Insert the entire pill into the box.
- No need to add more products!
- Use your usual washing program. If you do not fill the dishwasher, use the half load program.
- Ready! Impeccable dishes.
With all the advantages that Natulim Eco Pills represent, it is impossible to resist using them. Try them and keep your dishwasher spotless.
No more dirty, smelly dishwashers!
All appliances require maintenance so that they work at their best. The dishwasher is no exception, from now on you know how to clean each of its parts and it won't take you as long. Especially if you use the Natulim Eco Pills that were created to make this task easier for us. If you want to discover more tips and tricks on sustainable cleaning, visit our blog!