Dishwasher Not Cleaning? It's time to Clean the Dishwasher

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Is your dishwasher not cleaning? Is the dishwasher simply letting you down? Well, it is probably time to clean the dishwasher.

You would think with the amount of detergent you put in, and the amount of times it runs hot water through it would clean itself. But no, dishwashers need cleaning too.

This is something that needs to be done monthly, but actually doesn’t take long to do.

Table of Contents

Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Check the Filter

The first thing to do every month, and trust me it needs to be done that regularly. This is mine after 3 weeks. Disgusting right, and yet if I left this any longer the filter would just get full and will eventually stop the dishwasher from working altogether.

If you don’t know where to find the filter, it is super simple. Take out the bottom dish rack and you will see a circular grey thing that can be turned, very easily and removed. I have had a variety of different dishwashers and they all look similar to this one.

All you need to do is run this under a hot tap and scrub it with dishwashing liquid to make it super clean. This is such an important step as if this isn’t completely clean your dishwasher is not cleaning properly.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Naturally

Wet some kitchen towel and clean around all of the seals and especially where the door hinges. I have no idea why, but there always seems to be a lot of grime there.

Cleaning a Dishwasher with Vinegar

The cheapest method and the most natural way to clean your dishwasher is to use white vinegar. Place a small measuring jug of vinegar on the top shelf and run the dishwasher cycle. Do this with nothing else in the machine though. The vinegar will break down any lingering food residue, grease, soap scum, any other grime that is stopping your dishwasher running optimally.

I have a sani option on my dishwasher which I always use when cleaning, I also set it to run a heavy load. Day to day I find an economy option works perfectly, and of course is better for the environment.

Cleaning a Dishwasher with Baking Soda

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a quick hot cycle and you will be left with a beautifully clean and shiny dishwasher.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning? The Easy Fix

If you don’t mind using chemicals in your home, then the quickest and easiest way to clean your dishwasher is to grab a Clorox wipe and clean all of the seals and the door hinges. It really is amazing how much dirt and grime will be on your wipe.

Get some Affresh dishwasher tablets and either add one to your detergent compartment if you are running empty. Or for an even quicker clean you can just add it to the bottom of your dishwasher if you are running it with your dishes in.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Add Rinse Aid

Now this actually doesn’t help with “cleaning” your dishes, however, it certainly helps a lot with water spots. Glasses in particular look so much cleaner if you run your dishwasher with Rinse Aid. Personally I like this Finish Rinse Aid Jet-Dry as I think it is great. However, if I am completely honest I will always go for the cheapest one in the shops! So this one was on offer when I purchased it!