HOW TO CLEAN A DISHWASHER

Your dishwasher simplifies the daily routine of cleaning mountains of dirty dishes and cookware, but over time, soap scum and long-forgotten food particles build up in these hard-working appliances. This dirty environment not only provides a breeding ground for germs, and it reduces your dishwasher's efficiency.

To keep your dishwasher in peak condition, it needs a deep cleaning once a month. Doing this will help prevent mineral deposits and hard water stains, as well as musty odors from accumulated grease, food debris and soap scum.

Despite advice on the internet, cleaning a dishwasher with vinegar can actually lead to irreversible damage. Vinegar is nearly the same pH as sulfuric acid, and it can break down the rubber gaskets and hoses inside your dishwasher. It's important to note that some commercial dishwasher detergents are also acidic and may even contain vinegar. Not the best choice for dishwashers.

Similar internet tips swear by using a cup of baking soda as the best way to clean a dishwasher, but this can increase the alkalinity of the water inside. This can cause more scaling on the interior walls and in the plumbing which ultimately, is one of the things you are working to remove when cleaning. Also, not a good choice.

You want to use a product like Simple Green's Lime Calcium Surface Residue Remover that is specifically formulated to remove tough mineral buildup and hard water stains without degrading rubber gaskets or increasing the alkalinity of the water in your dishwasher.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A DISHWASHER:

1. Clear the drain. Remove the bottom rack and use a paper towel to wipe away food debris from the drain for better water flow.
2. Clean the filter. Remove the filter, spray with Simple Green Lime Calcium Surface Residue Remover, scrub with a stiff non-metallic brush, rinse, and reinstall.
3. Spray Simple Green on all interior surfaces, let sit 3 minutes, then scrub with a wet, non-abrasive pad or soft brush.
4. Clean the spray arm. Remove, scrub, unclog holes with a toothbrush, rinse, and reinstall.
5. Run cycles. Run a full rinse cycle, then a full cold wash cycle on the empty dishwasher. Repeat if needed.

• To avoid splash-back into your eyes, you may want to wear eye protection when cleaning. Consult the dishwasher's owner's manual for any special tips or warranty statements before you begin.
• If you've cleaned your dishwasher and you're still noticing your dishes coming out covered in water spots, the problem is probably hard water. Make sure your rinse-aid reservoir is filled.
• Do not use on mirror backings or allow prolonged contact with natural marble, terrazzo, stone, wood, colored grout, enameled particle board, carpet, fabric, or wallpaper. If spilled, wipe up and rinse with water.