How to clean your dishwasher – the easy way

Step-by-step guide:

You haven't forgotten that your dishwasher needs maintenance too, have you? A clean dishwasher works better and can help extend the life of the appliance. A clean dishwasher also helps prevent bacteria and unwanted odours.

Step 1: Remove dirt and food scraps from the dishwasher filter.

The filter is one of the most important parts of the dishwasher, collecting dirt and food scraps from the dishes. That's why it's important to clean the filter regularly. To do this, take the filter out of the dishwasher and rinse it in warm water. Remove food scraps and dirt with a soft brush or a cloth.

Step 2: Clean the inside of the dishwasher

Use a clean cloth or a sponge dipped in warm water and cleaning product, or a very small amount of washing-up liquid, to clean the inside of the dishwasher (too much washing-up liquid results in foam). Be extra careful to clean the bottom and sides, where dirt and food scraps can collect. Also use a toothbrush or a soft brush to clean small spaces that can be hard to reach.

Step 3: Clean the dishwasher's "spray arms"

The spray arms in the dishwasher help spread the water over the dishes to get them clean. But over time, dirt and food scraps can get stuck in the spray arms, which can affect the dishwasher's performance. To clean the spray arms, remove them from the dishwasher and rinse them in warm water. Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to remove any food scraps or dirt that may have got stuck in the arms.

Step 4: Run a cleaning programme

Many dishwashers have a special cleaning programme designed to remove dirt and bacteria from the machine. If your dishwasher has one, follow the instructions to run it. If not, run the dishwasher completely empty with hot water and a dishwasher tablet to clean it. There are also special cleaning tablets made for cleaning your machine.

How often should you clean the dishwasher?

It's important to clean the dishwasher regularly to avoid a build-up of dirt and bacteria. As a general rule, it's recommended to clean the dishwasher once a month, or more often if you use it a lot or notice that the dishes aren't getting as clean as they should. Good luck!