Brown stains on the bottom of the door and deposits on the dishes? Then it’s time to clean the dishwasher. And to change a few habits so that the dishes are always clean.
A dishwasher needs to be cleaned more often than a washing machine. This is no wonder either, because, compared to washing, dishes and pots are put in the machine with a large amount of soiling. Just let it run through empty and hot can be useful in a washing machine, but it does not help in a dishwasher.
Problem with prevention
Of course, you can also ensure a clean dishwasher from the outset. Then pack the plate and bowl in the machine only pre-rinsed, never overload the device and let it run frequently. But opinions differ when it comes to the pre-wash. It makes sense to everyone that the machine stays nice and clean if you only put clean dishes in it, but many say: Why do I have a machine if I am supposed to do the washing myself. The ecological balance is also no longer correct if you rinse the plates under hot water beforehand.
Dirt is not always to blame
The dishwasher is cleaned so that dirty residue disappears from the edges of the door. They look disgusting, but don’t interfere with cleaning. The washing result is impaired by the dirt in the washing arms and the filter. But if the dishes are not clean, the mishap can have completely different causes – such as a lack of salt or rinse aid. The machine is often overloaded with several shifts, or the dishes are arranged in such a way that the wash arms cannot rotate. Another classic: Rough handling means that the coupling of the water supply for the upper drawer no longer engages, then the upper wash arm does not receive any water and can no longer clean. If the plastics or metal surfaces in the machine discolour, it is not dirt. The discoloration is due to the detergent used.
The machine stinks
Odors usually do not arise because the dishwasher is hopelessly dirty, but because the machine is not started too often. The housing closes the contents almost airtight with the leftover food on the dishes. If the machine does not run for days in a single household, the content begins to ferment. The only solution: You have to start the appliance every second or third day, even if there are not many dishes in it.
The sieve is slimy
You must remove the machine baskets for cleaning. The project should therefore be started after one run, when there are no dishes in the machine. To do this, first remove the sieve on the bottom. Usually it is locked with a bayonet catch. Coarse dirt is caught in the sieve, but a slime from cleaning agents and food residues often forms there. You have to scrub the strainer in the sink until it flashes. You have to wipe out the depression in the bottom of the machine.
Clog the wash arms
Next, the wash arms are checked. They can be clean, but they often contain grains of rice and muesli and the remains of eggshells. These particles somehow get into the arms but not out because they are too big for the fine nozzles. You clog the nozzles and the dishes are no longer properly clean. A rough surface on the dishes is typical because dirt particles were burned in during the drying process.
If the nozzles are clogged, you have to free the arms from the suspensions. This must be done carefully so that the clip fasteners are not damaged. Now you will need a wire or a thick needle to get the crumbs out of the nozzles. Unfortunately, it is almost never possible to pull the troublemakers outside. You fall into the arm. They have to “flood” it under the tap and try to rinse out the crumbs. If it does not subside, if the remains remain in the arm, it will clog again the first time it is used.
Glue the door and rebate together
When that’s done, turn to the door. Dirt collects on the edges and in the lower fold. It drips down from the dishes when loading, but when the flap is closed, the lye no longer reaches the dirt and cannot be washed away. Over time, fat crusts form, which stick nicely due to the heat of the machine. We recommend brushing the whole thing damp with warm water and a degreaser and letting it soak first. Then brush again and finally wipe off. Most of the dirt collects in the lower fold and it is unfortunately difficult to reach. At least if you don’t want to remove the entire door. Take an old toothbrush and try to get into the gap. A complete cleaning can take time. Repeat the same thing with the hinges. The rubber seal is then gently cleaned and wiped off. Do not proceed too roughly to avoid damaging the rubbers.
Lastly, scrub the bottom corners of the interior and the runners of the baskets. A dish brush is sufficient here. When everything has been cleaned, carefully clip the wash arms back in and place the wash baskets in the machine. If you want to be very thorough, run the machine with detergent – but without dishes and without the lower filter – at the highest temperature.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
