the-appliance-care-compsny-logo

(816) 331-1515​
(913) 327-1515​

how to clean a dishwasher that smells

How to Clean a Dishwasher: The Ultimate Guide

You may not think about it often, but your dishwasher needs to be cleaned just like anything else in your home. In fact, if you don’t clean your dishwasher regularly, it can start to smell bad and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Not only is that gross, but it can also make your dishes less clean than they should be. Are you wondering how to clean a dishwasher that smells? We’ll walk you through the steps!

Our Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Dishwasher

In this guide, we will teach you the best way to clean a dishwasher using vinegar and baking soda. We’ll also show you how to unclog a dishwasher using vinegar and baking soda solution, as well as how to prevent water spots on glassware. So whether your dishwasher is smelly, full of gunk, or just isn’t getting your dishes as clean as you’d like, this guide will help you get it back to tip-top shape.

How To Clean A Dishwasher

How to Clean a Dishwasher

Before you start cleaning your dishwasher, it’s important to clear out any dishes or food scraps that might be clogging up the works. Once your dishwasher is empty, you can begin the cleaning process.

Next, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher and scrub it with a sponge moistened with warm water to remove any built-up grime.

To clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda, start by sprinkling a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Then, add a cup of white vinegar to a bowl and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run your dishwasher on the hottest setting, and allow the cycle to complete.

Once the cycle is finished, open the dishwasher, let it air out, and cool down for a few minutes. Finally, wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

What Is the Best Way to Clean a Dishwasher Filter?

A dishwasher filter helps to keep your dishes clean by trapping food particles and debris. Over time, the filter can become clogged with gunk, reducing efficiency. Are you wondering how to clean a dishwasher filter?

how to clean a dishwasher filter
Woman cleaning Dishwasher Model-Released

To clean a dishwasher filter, start by removing it from the dishwasher. Please reference your dishwasher’s owner’s manual for any special steps for filter removal. Next, soak the dirty filter in hot water for about 20 minutes.

If your filter is very dirty, you may need to scrub it with a brush to remove all the debris. Once the filter is clean, rinse it off with water and place it back in the dishwasher.

Will Vinegar Unclog a Dishwasher?

Vinegar can be used as a natural way to unclog your dishwasher. Are you wondering how to clean a dishwasher drain trap? To unclog your dishwasher with vinegar, start by pouring a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Then, run your dishwasher on the hottest setting and allow the cycle to complete.

If your dishwasher is still clogged, you may need to repeat this process. If it is still unsuccessful, it may be time to call a professional dishwasher repair technician.

How to Unclog a Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try and unclog it.

How to Clean a Clogged Dishwasher:

  1. First, start by pouring a cup of white vinegar down the drain, as mentioned above.
  2. Next, clear the garbage disposal by allowing it to run before starting the dishwasher.
  3. If the garbage disposal is clogged, clear it by using a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain of the garbage disposal and push and pull the plunger up and down to create suction. Once you’ve cleared the clog, run the garbage disposal while flushing the sink with water. If your garbage disposal is not working and is causing your dishwasher to clog, call a professional garbage disposal repair technician.
  4. You’ll also want to check the air gap to clean a clogged dishwasher. An air gap helps to keep your dishwasher from clogging by allowing water to flow freely between the dishwasher and the sink. To clean an air gap, start by removing the cover and use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt or grime. Finally, replace the cover and check to ensure it is properly sealed.
how to clean a clogged dishwasher

What Is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher?

The best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher is to use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner. This cleaner is designed specifically for dishwashers and helps to remove any built-up grime, food, or soap scum.

To use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, start by placing a tablet in the bottom of your dishwasher. Then, run your dishwasher on the hottest setting and allow the cycle to complete.

affresh dishwasher cleaner
Image Source: Affresh on Amazon

Once the cycle is finished, wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

How Do You Prevent Water Spots on Glassware?

Water spots on glassware can be caused by hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and these minerals can leave behind spots on dishes, glasses, and silverware.

How to prevent water marks on glassware

To prevent hard water spots, you’ll want to use a rinse agent with every cleaning cycle. A rinse agent helps to remove mineral deposits from your dishes, glasses, and silverware. To use a rinse agent, start by adding it to the dispenser of your dishwasher. Run your dishwasher as normal. The dispenser will release the rinse agent as needed at the end of the cycle to help avoid water spots.

The Appliance Care Company can help if you have problems with your dishwasher. We are experts in dishwasher repair and can help get your dishwasher running like new. We have a team of experienced technicians who can diagnose and fix any problem with your dishwasher. Give us a call today to get your dishwasher cleaning like new again!

Savings for You

Want to Save $15 Off Service?

Sign up today for coupons and insider tips for your home appliances!

Recent Posts
Categories

$150 Rebate on Select Speed Queen Appliances