A dishwasher that works well keeps your dishes clean and your kitchen safe. Clean dishes help prevent the spread of germs and keep your family healthy. You can make your dishwasher work better by doing a few simple things. Here are five tips to help your dishwasher clean better.

1. Clean the Filter and Spray Arms

Food and grease can build up in your dishwasher over time. This buildup can block water from reaching your dishes. Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom. Check your owner’s manual to see how to remove and clean it.

Use a soft brush and warm, soapy water to gently clean the filter. Rinse it well before putting it back. Also, check the spray arms. If small holes are blocked by food or debris, use a toothpick or soft brush to clear them. Cleaning these parts helps water flow freely and improves the cleaning process.

2. Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid

The detergent you use matters. Some detergents work better with certain dishwashers or water types. Always read the label and choose the right detergent for your machine.

Using too much detergent can leave a film on your dishes. Follow the instructions on the package for the best results. A rinse aid also helps your dishwasher by reducing spots and water marks on dishes. It helps water slide off the dishes faster and makes them dry better.

3. Load the Dishwasher Correctly

How you load your dishwasher can change how well it cleans. If you place items wrong, water and detergent may not reach all your dishes. Here are some tips for loading your dishwasher:

Place larger items at the bottom. They should not block the water spray.
Leave space between dishes. This helps water and detergent reach every item.
Face items toward the water jets. Arrange dishes so that water can hit them directly.
Secure small items. Place cups and lids in the proper spots so they do not block the spray arms.

Following these steps helps every dish get cleaned well.

4. Keep the Dishwasher Interior Clean

Inside your dishwasher, food particles and soap can leave a film on the walls and door. This film can make your dishwasher smell and may even hold germs. To avoid this, wipe the inside of your dishwasher regularly.

Use a damp cloth and a little mild soap to wipe down the interior. Pay special attention to the area around the door seal, where food can get trapped. Keeping the inside clean helps stop bad smells and keeps your dishwasher working well.

5. Run a Regular Cleaning Cycle

Even when you load and clean your dishwasher well, it is important to run a cleaning cycle. Many dishwashers have a special cleaning cycle. If yours does not, you can run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack.

An empty cleaning cycle helps wash away mineral deposits and any leftover food particles. Running this cycle every few weeks keeps your dishwasher in good shape. It also helps the machine work better and last longer.

Takeaway

Taking care of your dishwasher is important for a clean kitchen and a healthy home. By cleaning the filter and spray arms, using the right detergent and rinse aid, loading the dishwasher correctly, keeping the interior clean, and running a regular cleaning cycle, you help your dishwasher work at its best.

These steps ensure that your dishes come out clean and free of germs. A well-maintained dishwasher helps prevent the spread of illness and makes your kitchen a safer place. Follow these simple tips to enjoy a more efficient dishwasher and a cleaner home.