The dishwasher is probably the hardest-working appliance in your kitchen.  Day-in and day-out, it shows up for duty, cleaning dishes, scrubbing pots, making utensils shine.  And though you may not be able to give it a vacation, by following the steps below, you can help to keep your dishwasher clean and working at optimum performance.

1- Clean the Exterior

If your dishwasher’s front is made of plastic, use a sponge and hot, soapy water to wipe it down.  If it’s stainless steel, stainless cleaner, glass cleaner or another mild all-purpose spray will get rid of any built-up grime.  Be sure not to spray anything directly onto the control panel, as moisture could damage the electrical system.  Instead, spray the cleaner onto a paper towel or cloth and then apply to the dishwasher.  Not only will cleaning the front get rid of any dirt and germs, it will make your dishwasher – and kitchen – look nicer too.

2- Clear out the Filter

Consumer Reports recommends cleaning the filters once a week or so.  “Pull out the bottom rack and remove the filter system, which usually consists of several interlocking parts…Clean the parts individually at the sink, using the spray on your faucet or a sponge; our testers also keep a small brush handy to dislodge coffee grounds and other grainy soil that can clog the mesh filter material.  This is also a good time to check the spray arm for trapped food scraps. It usually lifts off its base with a gentle tug.  Rinse the arm under the faucet, inspecting for clogged holes, which can be cleared with a toothpick or wooden skewer. Some spray arms have an additional hole on their underside that’s meant to shoot water into the filter, keeping it clean. Check it for clogs before reinstalling the spray arm and filter system.”  For a video showing you how to clean the filter, take a look at the Consumer Reports page.

3- Sanitize and Deodorize

Over time even the best dishwashers can start to smell and get discolored on the inside.  White vinegar is an easy and cheap way to remedy both.  Simply pour a cup of white vinegar into an empty dishwasher and run it on the highest temperature setting.  Once completed, you should open the dishwasher to see a sparkling and odor free interior.  If the problem is particularly bad, follow the vinegar cleaning by running the dishwasher with a cup of baking soda added to the bottom.

At Better Housekeeping Shop, we’re confident you’ll find our selection of dishwashers is the best around.  We have a range of options to fit any budget, but we  to never compromise on quality.  Give us a call today, 732.741.4310, and one of our knowledgeable salespeople would be happy to discuss your needs.