how to clean a dishwasher

hilstep2000

Washing soda, on the hottest wash.

cyberbob

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

a little drop of bleach

I'd be very careful when using bleach. Bleach can react with both Stainless steel and Aluminium and . Stainless steel is sensitive to chlorine and contact with it can result to damage to the protective film layer. Aluminium also has a surface film that can be damaged by the use of bleach. Diluted bleach probably wouldn't do this. As most dishwashers have elements of Aluminium and Steel in them it's not worth the risk on an expensive item like a dishwasher.

I normally put half a cup of vinegar in it every month on the hottest cycle.

jcr16

i put say half cup of soda crystal or vinegar in on a hot empty wash.

to help it smell fresh once a week i put half a lemon in the cutlery holder. and after every use i wipe the edge of the dor around.

Maybeanotherday

I also use white vinger for the washer too

bees**knees

I put mine through a clean cycle at the beginning of each month. I do a hot wash in an empty machine. Sometimes I use the dishwasher cleaning tablets or powder, sometimes washing soda and vinegar as other posters have suggested.

You might get away with never doing it but to be honest ( from bitter experience) its worthwhile just remembering to do it every so often. The outlet pipes can get clogged with grease and food and the cost of a repair man to get rid of a blockage doesn't bear thinking about these days !!

BUXTONRABBIT

I wasn't aware that dishwashers needed cleaning. However, when mine stops cleaning properly I take off the spraying arms and poke the holes as bits tend to get stuck in them (especially rice)

Catslovelycats

ariba10 wrote: »

We have never put Salt in our dishwasher (We live in a soft water area) but our neighbours say that we should.

The power of advertising.

Interesting. Mine doesn't wash things properly when the salt has run out. I discovered this when it suddenyl didn't wash things very well then seemed to stop cleaning things altogether :eek:. Realised the salt had run out, refilled it and all was fine again.:)

Catslovelycats

where in the washer do people put the vinegar/soda etc?

Dippypud

My DH puts the vinegar in the rinse aid compartment for everyday washes.

I sling in 2 tablespoons full of soda in the bottom of the washer on a clean cycle or hottest wash if yours doesn't have cleaning cycle.

bees**knees

Mine does a pre-rinse before the long wash cycle so I put the washing soda in the little tablet compartment so it comes out for the hot wash.