Nine Steps to A Clean Dishwasher

​When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher? The most common answer is well… never. Crosley Home Products wants to help keep your appliances running to the best of their ability, so see below for some easy step-by-step instructions on how to clean your dishwasher.
 
1.Empty the dishwasher – After running a cycle, remove everything from dishwasher. Remove racks that can be taken out.
2.Check the Spinning Arm – Using a small, pointed tool (think: toothpick!) remove any debris or buildup on the holes of the spinning arm(s). This is where the water sprays out during a cycle, so it’s very important that they are clear!
3.Wash all of the pieces – wash everything that was removed with warm, soapy water.
4.Clean your filter – Take a soft bristled toothbrush and wash the filter screen with warm, soapy water.
5.Wipe it down – Soak a cloth in warm water and vinegar before you wipe down the bottom of the door and the door seal. For tight areas, bring out that toothbrush again!
6.Clean the inside walls – Wipe down the interior walls of your dishwasher with a damp sponge or cloth.
7.Don’t forget the Utensil Rack – scrub your utensil rack with warm, soapy water to ensure any debris has been removed.
8.Run Empty Cycle – Return all pieces and racks that have been removed. Next, to remove the hard waster spots, add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher and run on a low power cycle. For an extra boost of cleaning, pause the cycle halfway through and let the vinegar solution sit in the bottom for 20 minutes, then continue the cycle.
9.Clean the Exterior – Using a stainless-steel spray, wipe down the exterior door of your dishwasher. For a streak-free finish, spray the cleaner directly on a cloth rather than the appliance.

photo credit: Getty Images