Content

• Steps
• 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 might think that dishwashers can handle their own cleaning as long as they take care of the cleanliness of your dishes. In the meantime, food particles trapped in the filter can cause unpleasant odors and mold growth. To get rid of moldy mildew, rinse the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the filter

1. 1 Pull out the lower dish rack. Just pull on it until it is outside the dishwasher. Make sure there are no dishes on the shelf.
2. 2 Pull out the filter. The filter can be found at the bottom of the dishwasher. Look for the round piece next to the downpipe. Grasp the top of the filter and turn it a quarter turn counterclockwise. Pull the filter towards you to remove it from the mounting hole.
   • In some older models of dishwashers, a coarse waste crusher (or waste grinder) was installed instead of a filter. Since they grind incoming food, then, as a rule, they do not need cleaning.
3. 3 Rinse the filter in the kitchen sink. Turn on the tap and place the filter under warm running water. Apply dish soap to the sponge and wipe the filter. Since the filter is a delicate part, rub gently.
   • If the filter is heavily clogged with food waste, scrub it out with a toothbrush.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   “The dishwasher filter should be cleaned about once every 3 months. Just take it out and rinse it under running water. "

   
   

   

   Ashley matuska

   Cleaning professional Ashley Matuska is the owner and founder of Dashing Maids, a cleaning agency in Denver, Colorado with a focus on sustainability. Has been working in the cleaning industry for over five years.

   Ashley matuska
   Cleaning professional

4. 4 Rinse the filter and replace it. Rinse the filter under hot running water. Insert the filter into the mounting hole at the bottom of the dishwasher and turn it a quarter turn clockwise. Return the shelf to its rightful place.
   • The filter does not need to be dried before putting it back in the dishwasher.

Part 2 of 3: Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda

1. 1 Pour one cup (240 ml) of vinegar into a plastic container. Place an open container on the top shelf. Close the dishwasher and start a hot water cycle. The vinegar will remove dirt and mold that may have accumulated inside the dishwasher.
   • With the exception of the container filled with vinegar, the dishwasher must be completely empty.
2. 2 Place 240 grams of baking soda in the dishwasher. Make sure the dishwasher is empty. Pour the baking soda into the bottom of the car. Leave the baking soda in the dishwasher overnight. Run a short hot wash cycle in the morning. The baking soda will absorb any remaining mold odors.
3. 3 Remove mold residues with a toothbrush. Unlike dishwasher mold, which vinegar and baking soda can handle, certain nooks and crannies (such as door seals and folding arms) may need special attention. Dip your toothbrush in soapy water and scrape off any mold you find.
   • Pay particular attention to the drain and spray arm at the bottom of the dishwasher. High humidity and food particles make them an ideal place for mold to grow. Wipe them thoroughly.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing Mold Growth

1. 1 Clean the dishwasher once a month. It's not enough to just clean the dishwasher when mold appears. The very appearance of mold in the dishwasher is not only unpleasant, but also harmful to you. Regular cleaning will prevent not only mold growth, but also the health problems it causes.
2. 2 Leave the door slightly ajar between cycles. Water remaining in the dishwasher between wash cycles creates a humid environment. Add food particles here and you have the perfect place for mold to grow. An open door will allow air to flow through the dishwasher, preventing mold growth.
3. 3 Empty the dishwasher and start a wash cycle. Even if there are no dishes inside, be sure to add detergent to the dishwasher. If your dishwasher is equipped with a sanitization function, be sure to turn it on. This will increase the temperature of the water, making the cleaning more effective.
   • Use a chlorine-based detergent to clean your dishwasher better.
   • After completing the cleaning cycle, make sure the door remains slightly ajar.

Tips

• If mold continues to appear, the drain in the dishwasher may be clogged. Try cleaning it too.
• Do not leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher for a long time, as this can lead to mold growth.