Cleaning the dishwasher: tips for cleanliness

Regularly cleaning the dishwasher is very important, as it is an indispensable household appliance that cleans dishes, cutlery and pots on a daily basis. To ensure it operates efficiently over the long term and to avoid unpleasant odors or deposits, regular cleaning is necessary. Contamination from food residues, limescale deposits and grease can impair the machine’s performance. In this article you will learn how to clean your dishwasher thoroughly, which household methods are suitable for this, and how to maintain hygiene and freshness over the long term.

Why is cleaning the dishwasher important?

Although the dishwasher regularly comes into contact with water, food residues, grease, limescale and bacteria accumulate over time. A soiled machine can lead to various problems:

• Unpleasant odors: Remove food residues and grease deposits, as these cause foul smells.
• Poor cleaning performance: If the machine is dirty, dishes will no longer be thoroughly clean.
• Clogged pipes and filters: Deposits can obstruct the water supply and damage the machine.
• Limescale deposits: Limescale can affect the spray arms and heating elements, causing the machine to consume more energy.

Regular cleaning not only ensures hygienically clean dishes, but also extends the service life of the dishwasher.

How often should the dishwasher be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how the machine is used. As a rule:

• After each use: Remove coarse food residues. Wipe the door seals with a cloth.
• Weekly: Check the strainer and filter for contamination and clean them regularly.
• Monthly: Perform a thorough cleaning using household methods or specialized dishwasher cleaners. We recommend the AlmaWin dishwasher cleaner.
• Every 3 to 4 months: Check spray arms and hoses for limescale deposits and descale them.

Step-by-step guide to cleaning the dishwasher

1. Coarse cleaning after every wash cycle

After each use, remove coarse food residues to avoid blockages. Also wipe the seals and the inside of the door with a damp cloth.

2. Cleaning the strainer

The filter in the bottom of the dishwasher catches food residues and should be cleaned regularly:

• Remove the filter from the appliance.
• Rinse it thoroughly under warm water.
• Use a brush or an old toothbrush to remove stubborn residues.
• Reinsert the filter after cleaning.

3. Clean spray arms

The spray arms ensure even distribution of water during the wash cycle. If they are clogged, the dishes will not be properly cleaned. To clean the spray arms:

• Remove the spray arms carefully.
• Rinse them under running water.
• Use a needle or a paperclip to clean clogged nozzles.
• Reinstall the spray arms after cleaning.

4. Clean the interior of the dishwasher

Clean the interior of the appliance regularly. Remove grease and limescale from the interior. Household remedies such as vinegar or baking soda are suitable for this. Alternatively we recommend the Sodasan vinegar cleaner.

• Place a bowl with vinegar (approx. 200 ml) on the top rack and start a hot wash cycle without dishes. Vinegar dissolves limescale deposits and removes odors.
• Alternatively you can sprinkle baking soda (approx. 2 tablespoons) on the bottom of the machine and also start a hot wash cycle. Baking soda removes grease and neutralizes odors.

5. Clean door seals and rubber parts

Door seals can develop mold or deposits over time. Clean them thoroughly as follows:

• Mix a solution of water and vinegar.
• Wipe the seals with a sponge or a microfiber cloth.
• Dry the seals with a clean cloth.

6. Clean the cutlery basket and dish racks

The baskets for cutlery and dishes should be removed regularly and cleaned with warm water and dishwashing detergent. Pay attention to any deposits in the gaps.

7. Descaling the dishwasher

With hard water, limescale deposits can form in the machine. Remove limescale effectively as follows:

• Use citric acid (approx. 3 tbsp) and place it in the powder compartment. Run the machine on the hottest program.
• Alternatively, we recommend the Sonett limescale remover.
• Alternatively, you can use specialized dishwasher descalers.

Cleaning the dishwasher – sustainable household remedies

Instead of using aggressive chemical cleaners, there are environmentally friendly household remedies that are just as effective:

1. Vinegar: Dissolves limescale and grease, removes odors.
2. Baking soda (baking powder): Acts against grease and neutralizes unpleasant odors.
3. Citric acid: Effective against limescale, provides a fresh scent.
4. Dishwashing detergent: Can be used to clean door seals and baskets. We recommend the dishwashing detergents from AlmaWin, Sodasan and Sonett.

Household remedies are not only inexpensive but also gentler on the environment and avoid the use of unnecessary chemicals. Alternatively, we recommend the certified AlmaWin dishwasher cleaner.

Tips to prevent dirt and buildup

To keep your dishwasher cleaner for longer and reduce the frequency of required cleaning, observe the following tips:

1. Remove food residues: Scrape coarse residues from dishes before loading them into the appliance.
2. Run hot cycles regularly: A hot wash program prevents grease buildup.
3. Use dishwasher salt: Prevents limescale buildup and improves cleaning performance.
4. Load the baskets correctly: Ensure that the spray arms are not obstructed.
5. Secure lids of plastic containers: Lightweight parts can come loose and block the spray arms.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning of the dishwasher ensures hygienically clean dishes, prevents unpleasant odors and extends the service life of the appliance. With simple household remedies such as vinegar, baking soda and citric acid, the machine can be cleaned effectively without burdening the environment. Preventive measures reduce the need for intensive cleaning. Those who maintain their dishwasher regularly not only save money but also maintain consistently reliable cleaning performance.

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