Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the filter
• Part 2 of 3: Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing mold growth
• Tips

You may think that a dishwasher cleans itself well enough while doing the dishes. However, food debris can remain in the filter, which can cause your dishwasher to smell and even mold to grow. You can clean the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda to get rid of any mold.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the filter

1. Pull out the bottom rack. Simply slide the rack along the rails until it releases. Make sure there are no plates and other items in the rack when you take it out.
2. Take out the filter. You can find it in the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. It is usually round and located near the revolving nozzle. Grasp the top of the filter and turn it a quarter turn counterclockwise so that you can pull it loose with a slight tug.
   • Older dishwashers sometimes have a food waste disposer instead of a filter. Such a part grinds up fallen food residues and usually does not need to be cleaned. Be aware that food waste disposers are prohibited in our country.
3. Wash the filter in the sink. Turn on the tap and hold the filter under the warm running water. Put a little washing-up liquid on a kitchen sponge and rub it over the filter. Proceed with caution as the filter can be quite delicate.
   • If there are stubborn food residues in the filter, you can remove them with a toothbrush.
   EXPERT TIP

   "Clean your dishwasher's filter about once every three months. Just take it out of the dishwasher and rinse it under the tap."

   
   

   Rinse the filter and put it back in the dishwasher. Rinse the filter under the hot tap. Place it back on the bottom of the dishwasher and turn it a quarter turn clockwise to make it barrel. Slide the rack back onto the dishwasher rails.

   • You don't have to let the filter dry before you put it back in the dishwasher.

Part 2 of 3: Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda

1. Fill a microwave-safe cup or bowl with 250 ml of vinegar. Place the cup or bowl on the top rack and do not close it. Close the dishwasher and start a dishwashing program with hot water. The vinegar will remove the build-up of dirt and mold in the dishwasher.
   • Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty, except for the cup or bowl of vinegar.
2. Sprinkle 250 grams of baking soda in the dishwasher. Make sure the dishwasher is empty. Sprinkle the baking soda on the bottom. Leave the baking soda in the dishwasher overnight. Then start a short dishwashing program with hot water. The baking soda will remove the mold odor from the dishwasher.
3. Scrub off the last remnants of mold with a toothbrush. Vinegar and baking soda will remove any mold from the sides, but removing mold from the cracks and corners (such as the door gasket and spray arms) may require a little more effort. Dip the toothbrush in soapy water and scrub away any mold residue you can find.
   • Pay close attention to the drain and the spray arm at the bottom of the dishwasher. Moisture and food debris can collect there, making it a good place for mold. Scrub these parts thoroughly.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing mold growth

1. Clean your dishwasher once a month. Don't just clean your dishwasher when mold starts to grow in it. Mold is not only dirty, it can also be unhealthy. Regular cleaning of your dishwasher prevents mold growth and health problems.
2. Leave the door slightly open between washes. Moisture can remain in the dishwasher between washes, creating a very humid environment. Together with the food residues in the appliance, this ensures that your dishwasher becomes the ideal environment for mold to grow in. Leaving the door ajar will allow air to flow through the dishwasher and prevent mold from growing in it.
3. Empty the dishwasher and run it through a cleaning program. Even if you don't have dishes, you can put some detergent in the dishwasher. If your dishwasher has a cleaning program, choose that. Your dishwasher will then use hotter water and will be cleaned better /
   • You can use a chlorine-based cleaner to clean the dishwasher more thoroughly.
   • Make sure to leave the door ajar when the cleaning program is over.

Tips

• If mold continues to grow in your dishwasher, the drain may be clogged. Make sure to clean and unclog the drain.
• Do not leave your dirty dishes in the dishwasher for a long time, as this can cause mold to grow in your dishwasher.