how to clean a dishwasher

lilac_lady

I use the economy wash on mine a lot but every so often I use the hottest setting and that keeps it clean.

MummyYummy

Yuck! Some of the plastic parts in my dishwasher have a black "mould" on them. Not sure if it's mould or not but looks like it. I didn't notice it there towards the end of last week, we've been away for the weekend and came back today. My OH had closed the dishwasher door on Thursday night and there was a bit of water in the bottom of it - which is probably what caused it.

How can I get rid of it? I've done 2 washes and it's still there.

Thanks in advance xxxx

rrf494g

use black mould cleaner

MummyYummy

Thanks for the reply. Is this cleaner safe to use in the dishwasher? Is there a more OS way of getting rid?

zippychick

Hi MY

You will find plenty of suggestions in here - Cleaning a dishwasher

Dishwasher tips may also have some suggestions

I know it isn't dishwasher specific - but you may find some ideas in bathroom mould help please or removing mould from kitchen items

I'll merge this later on when you get some more suggestions
thanks
Zip

bettyB_2

Hello

I have just moved into a new house (appliances were already here) and used the diswasher once. Now it's got loads of standing water at the bottom and I don't know why - assume the old owners did't take care of it or use any salts (hard water area) and it's clogged up.

i've never had a dishwasher before so i dont know much about maintainence.

we've had the drain out and poked around but can't find any blockages.

I was wondernig if there's a way to descale and unblock it using vinegar/bicarb/other household items??

I am worried about running it as i dont want to end up flooding the kitchen or something!!!

thanks

Betty x

cyberbob

Are you sure the standing water isn't because it hasn't emptied at the end of the cycle?

valk_scot

Have you taken out all the filters (usually down at the bottom inside and unscrew) and cleaned them out? You can also check for the pipe being bunged up at this end using something soft and flexible like a drinking straw. Just poke the first couple of inches into the pipe, not the whole length.

Then try running a short cycle with nothing in it and opening it every so often to see what's going on. It might not be pumpling out at the end of the wash or rinse. But if you can hear it trying to and the water level dropping, even slowly, it's more likely to be a blockage.

As to cleaning it out, I'd go for a good branded make of one shot dishwasher cleaner designed to clean up furred pipes and deal with greasy gloop. Yes you can use different combos of this and that but the one shot washes are'nt that much more expensive tbh and have the right balance of chemicals to work effectively.

bettyB_2

cyberbob wrote: »

Are you sure the standing water isn't because it hasn't emptied at the end of the cycle?

maybe, i dont know - is there a setting for that??
it didnt even come with instructions!!
i will try to find some online, it's quite a new one.

valk_scot wrote: »

Have you taken out all the filters (usually down at the bottom inside and unscrew) and cleaned them out? You can also check for the pipe being bunged up at this end using something soft and flexible like a drinking straw. Just poke the first couple of inches into the pipe, not the whole length.

We have taken out all the fittings at the bottom and it all seems fine, but i never though of using a drinking sraw so i will try again and have a better poke around.

valk_scot wrote: »

Then try running a short cycle with nothing in it and opening it every so often to see what's going on. It might not be pumpling out at the end of the wash or rinse. But if you can hear it trying to and the water level dropping, even slowly, it's more likely to be a blockage.

As to cleaning it out, I'd go for a good branded make of one shot dishwasher cleaner designed to clean up furred pipes and deal with greasy gloop. Yes you can use different combos of this and that but the one shot washes are'nt that much more expensive tbh and have the right balance of chemicals to work effectively.

ok thanks, i'll try that and also try to find a one shot wash. thanks for your advice.

aligerdie

I'd empty the water out with a cup, and start a new cycle with nothing in apart from a cup full of vinegar on the top rack.

Put it on the hottest cycle and it'll give it a good clean.

If there's still water in the bottom at the end of the cycle, there may be a problem with the pump. A small fragment of crockery, food, or glass can get stuck & block the propeller thing so it doesn't drain.