How to clean a dishwasher

If you use your dishwasher regularly, there is likely to be some build-up of food particles, grease, and even hard water minerals on both the filter and interior walls, which can lead to odours and inefficiency over time. A dirty dishwasher can make your dishes less clean or even dirtier, leave your glasses with watermarks, and harbour harmful bacteria and mould. So, it’s essential to keep on top of cleaning so it can keep working and running efficiently for many years to come. Some newer, top-brand dishwashers, such as Samsung, AEG or Bosch dishwashers, feature a self-cleaning or auto-cleaning mode designed to clean hard-to-reach areas and offer a deep clean. Please refer to your dishwasher’s instruction manual.

So, how often should you clean your dishwasher?

We advise removing any visible food particles from the bottom of your dishwasher and inside the filter after each load. Wipe the door edges and seals to get rid of any greasy residue or gunk, and remove and clean your filter on a weekly basis. The exterior is important, too. We suggest wiping the exterior and interior to prevent spotting and dirt build-up when necessary.

For a much deeper clean, follow these six simple steps to maintain a sparkling clean dishwasher and ensure it continues to clean your dishes effectively. This applies to all types of dishwashers, whether freestanding or integrated.

Start by emptying dishes, glasses and utensils from your dishwasher.
Unscrew and remove the filter, which is usually found at the bottom of your dishwasher. Rinse it under clean running water to remove any debris, or clean it with a sponge.
Clear the filter base of any trapped debris. Once the filter and filter base are clean, screw or click the filter securely back into place.
Now, let’s focus on the inside of your dishwasher. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one-part white vinegar and two parts water solution. Place it in the top rack, shut the door, and run a regular cycle; this helps dissolve any grease build-up on the inside walls.
Remove the bowl and wipe down the insides once the cycle has completed.
Additionally, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom and run a hot water rinse cycle to tackle any remaining residue.

We advise doing this every few weeks.

How to get rid of odours & avoid a smelly dishwasher

Leftover food is usually the root of all dishwasher odour problems; eliminating them is straightforward.

First, inspect and clean your dishwasher’s filter, as trapped food particles can cause unpleasant smells.
Then, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one-part white vinegar and two parts water solution. Place it in the top rack, shut the door, and run a regular cycle; this neutralises lingering odours and removes grease build-up.
Follow up with a baking soda rinse; sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot water rinse cycle to tackle any lingering odours.
For a final touch, run a short cycle with vinegar and water solution, and baking soda to further freshen your dishwasher.