So, you’re gearing up to showcase your humble abode to potential buyers. That’s fantastic! But before you roll out the welcome mat, let’s talk about something that often goes unnoticed—the unsung hero of your kitchen, the dishwasher. If your glassware has a cloudy residue, if there seems to be a funky aroma wafting from inside it, or if it’s just not draining quite right, it’s probably time to show the dishwasher some TLC.
Gleaming, fresh-smelling appliances look new and well-maintained — that’s important to potential buyers. Taking a few moments to pamper your dishwasher, both inside and out, might seem like a hefty task, but trust us, the payoff is worth it. Your kitchen will be ready to steal the spotlight during those crucial showings.
The great news is that armed with just a few simple cleaning tools, you can transform your dishwasher into a sparkling marvel. Not only will it look brand-new, but it’ll also run more efficiently than ever. Let’s take a closer look at how to deep clean a dishwasher
Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Arsenal
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
Before we talk about the details of how to clean your dishwasher, let’s gather the necessary cleaning supplies. For this method, you’ll want to have the following tools at your disposal:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toothpick
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber gloves
Steer clear of using bleach to clean your dishwasher. It has the potential to damage the appliance, particularly if it has a stainless steel interior or components. Play it safe and opt for alternative cleaning solutions.
Step 2: Disassemble and Soak
To reach every nook and cranny, start by removing the filter (usually located at the bottom of the machine interior), utensil holders, and dish racks (if possible). It’s worth noting that while some filters easily twist off, others may require tools for unscrewing. Once removed, place the filter in a solution of warm water and one cup of white distilled vinegar solution (utilize about half of your sink for this). Allow it to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes.
While the filter is soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the gaps and mesh in the filter. Before reinstalling the clean dishwasher filter, make sure the surrounding area is wiped down to eliminate any lingering food scraps or odors.
Step 3: Debris Check and Precision Cleaning
With a clear view inside your dishwasher, it’s time to tackle any lurking debris. Using hot, soapy water, gently wipe down the interior walls and corners for a thorough cleanse. During this step, be sure to spend some time focusing on the spray arms. These arms have small holes that can trap food debris, impeding water flow to your dishes. Inspect the arms and dispenser, and delve into all the tiny holes and slots where water sprays out. If you spot any food particles or debris nestled in these nooks, use a toothbrush or toothpick to clean it out. Also, don’t forget the door seal – it’s a surprising magnet for slimy grime and odor buildup.
Step 4: Vinegar and Baking Soda Magic
How do you clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?
After the manual cleaning session, it’s time to elevate your dishwasher’s sparkle with the dynamic duo of vinegar and baking soda.
- Run a vinegar cycle. To begin, put the now clean filter, racks, and utensil holders back into the machine. Next, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup of white vinegar, placing it at the bottom of the empty dishwasher. (I prefer to place a second cup of vinegar on the top shelf of the dishwasher as well.) Run a hot water cycle to let the vinegar work its acidic magic, breaking down lingering bits of food, grease, soap scum, residue, and grime. Don’t add dishwashing liquid, and skip the heated drying cycle to save on energy costs.
HARRIS Cleaning Vinegar All Purpose Household Surface Cleaner, 128oz
- Follow up with a baking soda cycle. Once the initial cycle concludes, sprinkle one cup of baking soda along the dishwasher’s bottom and run a short hot water rinse cycle (skip the drying cycle). After the cycle completes, open the dishwasher door to allow the interior to air dry. This step helps remove stains and leaves a fresh scent in your appliance. The result? A brilliantly clean and odor-free dishwasher ready to sparkle for your potential homebuyers.
Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda Shaker 12 Oz (Pack of 2)
Never mix the vinegar and baking soda in the same cleaning cycle. As I’ve discussed in previous cleaning articles, baking soda and vinegar mixed together cancel each other out. This is just basic chemistry, y’all. Combining baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide (which explains the fizzing bubbles–they’re not actually “scrubbing” anything) and salty water (water is a great cleaner, but come on, we need something tougher here).
Step 5: Outer Door Brilliance
For a pristine outer dishwasher door, opt for a cleaner specifically designed for your dishwasher’s surface—especially important for materials like stainless steel. Avoid all-purpose cleaners, as they can leave streaks or potentially scratch sensitive surfaces.
Alternatively, you can whip up a DIY cleaner using a blend of dish soap, water, and white vinegar. Take a microfiber cloth, dip it into the soapy solution, squeeze out excess liquid, and gently wipe along the surface grain. Rinse the cloth and give it another pass. Follow up with a drop of olive oil or baby oil on a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks for a gleaming, fingerprint-free finish.
FAQs: Maintaining Dishwasher Excellence
Want to make sure you keep the dishwasher in your new home clean and fresh, too? Here are a few questions our home staging clients commonly ask when it comes to keeping their dishwasher sparkling and ensuring its ongoing top-notch performance.
How do you know when it’s time to clean your dishwasher?
We recommend a routine cleaning every four weeks, but there’s a clear signal: if your dishes emerge with lingering gunk, it’s a surefire sign your dishwasher needs a deep clean. To keep your dishwasher clean longer, always rinse food waste off dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Ensure no food stickers or other materials that won’t easily dissolve go into the dishwasher. You’ll also want to avoid overloading a dishwasher so that the water can circulate easily.
What’s the best way to clean and deodorize a dishwasher?
Follow the comprehensive cleaning routine detailed above for a spotless dishwasher. If your dishwasher has a self-cleaning sanitizing cycle, run it every few weeks to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and residual food soil. If that’s not an option, dishwasher cleaners like Affresh can be a worthy alternative.
Affresh W10549851 Dishwasher Cleaner 6 Tablets
Preparing to Sell a Home? We Can Help!
Do you need a little guidance preparing your home for a faster, more profitable sale? Three Bears Home Staging can help you make it “just right!” Take a look below at all the ways we’re helping homeowners.
Vannessa Rhoades
Vannessa Rhoades is the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive, empowering virtual consultations that help homeowners and real estate agents all across the country sell more quickly and for more money.
