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# **Most People Don’t Clean Their Dishwasher When They Should: Here Are Tips to Know When and How to Clean It Right**
Your dishwasher is a workhorse in your kitchen, cleaning the dishes and saving you time and effort. But have you ever wondered if **your dishwasher needs cleaning too**? Most people don’t clean their dishwashers as often as they should, and over time, that can lead to unpleasant smells, inefficient washing, and even the buildup of grime. Fortunately, cleaning your dishwasher is **quick and easy**—and it’s essential for keeping it running at its best.
In this article, we’ll walk you through **when** and **how to clean your dishwasher** properly to ensure that it stays in top shape and continues to do its job effectively.
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## **Why You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher**
While dishwashers are designed to clean your dishes, they aren’t self-cleaning. Food particles, soap scum, and mineral deposits can accumulate in various parts of your dishwasher over time. If left unchecked, these buildups can result in:
– **Unpleasant odors**
– **Clogged spray arms** that affect water pressure
– **Inefficient cleaning** of your dishes
– **Mold and mildew growth** due to trapped moisture
Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will help maintain its **performance** and extend its **lifespan**, ensuring that your dishes are sparkling clean every time.
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## **When Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?**
You might not realize it, but your dishwasher needs cleaning more often than you think. Here’s a simple guide on when to clean it:
1. **Monthly** – Give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning once a month to prevent buildup and odors.
2. **After Any Strong Smells** – If you notice **bad smells** coming from your dishwasher, it’s time to clean it.
3. **When Cleaning Performance Drops** – If your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they used to, a cleaning might be necessary.
4. **When You See Visible Debris** – If you notice food particles or grime buildup inside the dishwasher, it’s time to clean it.
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## **How to Clean Your Dishwasher the Right Way**
### **Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher**
Before starting, make sure your dishwasher is **empty**. You don’t want to risk getting any debris on your clean dishes while you clean.
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### **Step 2: Clean the Filter**
Your dishwasher likely has a **filter** at the bottom that traps food particles and debris. It’s essential to clean this regularly to maintain your dishwasher’s performance.
🔧 Remove the filter and rinse it under **warm water** to remove any debris. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away stubborn buildup.
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### **Step 3: Wipe Down the Door and Edges**
Over time, **food particles** and **water spots** can accumulate around the door seals and edges of your dishwasher.
🧽 Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the door, door seals, and edges. Pay special attention to the rubber gasket, as food and grime can often get stuck here.
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### **Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms**
The spray arms are responsible for distributing water throughout the dishwasher. Over time, they can get clogged with debris or mineral deposits.
🌀 Remove the spray arms and rinse them under **warm water**. If you notice any clogged holes, use a **toothpick or a small brush** to clean them out. You can also soak the spray arms in a mixture of **warm water and vinegar** for 10-15 minutes to dissolve any mineral buildup.
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### **Step 5: Clean the Interior Walls**
The interior walls of your dishwasher can accumulate soap scum, mineral deposits, and grime. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with a mixture of **warm water and vinegar** to clean the walls. You can also use a **dishwasher cleaner** for more thorough cleaning.
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### **Step 6: Run a Cleaning Cycle**
Once you’ve wiped down all the parts of your dishwasher, it’s time to run a **cleaning cycle**.
🔹 **Vinegar Cleaning Cycle**: Place a **cup of white vinegar** in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle with the dishwasher empty. The vinegar will help dissolve mineral deposits and eliminate odors.
🔹 **Baking Soda Cleaning Cycle**: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle **baking soda** on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another **hot water cycle**. This will help freshen up the interior and remove any remaining odors.
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