How to clean a dishwasher
Your dishwasher works better when it’s clean. By giving it some regular attention, you’ll ensure it’s doing its job, smells fresh, and stays in good working order. We’re sharing our top tips for giving your dishwasher a deep clean.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Remove any leftover food in the drain
Start by emptying your dishwasher and removing the top and bottom racks for easy access. Next, put on some rubber gloves and, using a paper towel, remove and discard any food scraps leftover from previous wash cycles.
Locate your dishwasher’s filter. This is typically found on the bottom of the machine, depending on your dishwasher model. Remove and empty it carefully.
Clean the dishwasher filter
Scrub down the internal filter. This typically gets clogged with food, so regular maintenance will prevent food particles from re-circulating and re-depositing onto clean dishes. It will also help your dishwasher to operate efficiently and prevent any future clogs.
Fill up a bucket or sink with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Gently scrub the filter until the mesh is clean. Set it aside to dry completely before replacing it.
Clean the dishwasher’s walls, seals and detergent tray
Fill a spray bottle with hot, soapy water or a food-safe cleaning spray, and spray any areas that need to be cleaned. Focus on the grease residue on the interior surface of the door, edges, handles and control panel. Gently wipe these down with a microfibre cloth to get rid of any build-up. For any stubborn areas, as well as the rubber seal around the door, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush dipped in hot, soapy water to scrub the residue away.
Check and clean spray arms
Small pieces of food can often get lodged in the spray arms and clog the holes, especially if dishes are not rinsed properly before being placed in the dishwasher. Check for any mineral deposits and clogged holes. Use a toothpick or a small scrub brush to clear out any debris.
Run a deep clean
Once the dishwasher is clean and you’ve removed any potential clogs, use a specialised dishwasher cleaner to give your machine a deep clean. Follow the instructions on the label as to how and where to pour the liquid. Run your dishwasher on the hottest setting for a spotless clean.
Polish stainless steel
If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, the final touch should be removing any fingerprints and smudges with a stainless steel cleaner. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt, then follow with the cleaner on a dry cloth in the direction of the steel grain. Give it a good buff until it shines, focusing on high-touch areas like handles and controls. This is going to give your dishwasher a sparkling clean and help prevent future marks.
Want to get rid of mould in your bathroom?
Check out our article on how to clean and remove mouldy silicone.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
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