How to Clean Your Dishwasher Practically and Effectively

Many people today choose to have a dishwasher at home. Overall, it's easy to use and saves a lot of time: in five minutes the kitchen is tidy.

But generally what few people remember is that the dishwasher also needs to be washed! It is common for some people to think that if the dishes are coming out clean, the dishwasher is clean too!

Unfortunately, this is not the case: Food residues accumulate over time and, if not removed, may even reduce machine performance.

Fábio Marques, Service Engineering Manager at Whirlpool Latin America, explains that in order to conserve the product, it is important to remove as much solid waste as possible, avoiding clogging of the pipes. "After each wash, you need to check if there is any food residue clogging the propeller holes and clean the machine filters with running water and soft brush," he says.

How and when to clean the dishwasher?

Below, Marques teaches how to clean the dishwasher and suggests that it be done after each wash:

Read also: 7 tips for using the dishwasher efficiently

External part

1. Before you start cleaning the product, unplug it.
2. For the outside of the appliance, use only a damp cloth to clean. To avoid damage to the product, do not use abrasive products such as steel sponges, solvents or alcohol.
3. After cleaning, it is still recommended to wipe the product dry and soft.

Filters

The cleaning of the filters should happen after each washing performed by the machine, as Marques explains:

1. Remove the lower basket by pulling it straight out and lift to remove;
2. Remove the filter set;
3. Clean the filters under running water, being careful not to damage the screen. If necessary, use a soft brush;
4. Return the lower basket to the starting position.

Also according to Marques, after each wash, it is necessary to check if there is any food residue obstructing the upper and lower propeller holes:

Higher

Read also: How to wash the dishes

1. Turn the lock that is positioned in the center of the propeller clockwise and remove the propeller by pulling it downwards;
2. Remove the propeller, wash the inside and the holes in running water;
3. Adjust the propeller in place by snapping the lock onto the propeller bracket. Turn the lock counterclockwise to secure the propeller. The lock should be tightened properly until you hear a click;
4. Release the propeller and rotate it to verify that it has been correctly positioned.

Bottom

1. Remove the lower basket by pulling it out to the limit. Lift it to remove it;
2. Hold the lock that is positioned in the center of the propeller, rotate the propeller counterclockwise and pull it to remove it;
3. Remove the propeller and wash the inside and the holes in running water;
4. Replace the propeller where it was removed from, holding the lock and turning the propeller clockwise to secure it;
5. Release the propeller and rotate it to verify that it is well positioned;
6. Return the lower basket to the starting position by positioning the casters on the rails and push the basket inwards.

Dishwasher deep cleaning

This type of cleaning is deeper? It does not need to be done often, but it is a good suggestion if you have noticed that your dishwasher is very dirty (and that you are not in the habit of cleaning it after use).

1. Remove the removable parts from the machine;
2. Put them in the sink with water and add two cups of vinegar, soaking them.
3. Remove the shelves and cutlery holder from the machine;
4. If they fit, soak them in the vinegar water in the sink. Otherwise, dampen a cloth with water and vinegar and wipe over the parts, removing any dirt that you find.
5. Clean the inside of the machine with a damp cloth and, if necessary, use an old toothbrush or other soft bristled brush to help clean the corners (but be very careful not to scratch the machine).
6. Put all parts back in the machine.
7. To help eliminate fungus, do a machine wash process with high temperature water and no dishes inside. Use only a small glass bowl with vinegar on the top shelf and baking soda spread across the bottom.

10 tips for conserving the dishwasher

Below, Fábio Marques gives some guidelines on how to use the dishwasher in the best possible way, avoiding soiling or spoiling:

1. Organizing the dishes in the machine and respecting the basket divisions ensures the washing efficiency, the good use and the conservation of the product.
2. Storage of the dishwasher should be started from the bottom forward.
3. The crockery should not be in contact, as this way, besides avoiding friction and possible damage, the water passage is free.
4. At the top of the basket, it is recommended to accommodate smaller cups, cups, saucers and plates.
5. The pans should be stowed in the bottom basket with their mouths down and slightly tilted.
6. For safety, sharp objects such as knives should be placed with the cables up.
7. The dishwasher should be installed in a place where there is no exposure to sunlight or rain, on a flat and level surface, so that all feet are supported, avoiding chattering, noise or leaks.
8. The product should not be placed on carpet.
9. It is not recommended to install the dishwasher on wall brackets, which may not meet proper conditions and may damage the product.
10. To ensure dishwasher performance, the water pressure required for the product must be adhered to according to the manual's recommendations.

You now know that although the dishwasher often appears to be completely clean, the dishwasher also needs to go through a cleaning process. The ideal is to follow the guidance of cleaning it always after each wash, thus avoiding that it is necessary, later, to do a very "deep" cleaning.

It is also worth remembering that each machine has its particularities, so it is essential to always be aware of the information contained in the manual to maintain your dishwasher well.

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