If you want your dishwasher to look great, you need to know how to take care of it both on the inside and outside. In this article, we're showing you how to clean a stainless steel dishwasher. How to Clean a Stainless Steel Dishwasher Your dishwasher is your friend. It saves your hands from getting dry and cracked. It washes your dishes when you are exhausted after a night of entertaining. It reduces your water bill and helps you feel better about being a more efficient human for the environment. And, it keeps your glasses and silverware sanitized during times of a global pandemic. It may sound silly, but what would we do without our dishwasher? If you have invested in a pro-style dishwasher, such as the durable stainless-steel model by Thor Kitchen, then you know you can always count on your appliance to get the job done. Isn’t it only natural then that you should take the time to give something back to your dishwasher? Learn how to clean your stainless-steel dishwasher, both in and out, so that it can continue being its best self for you every time you need it. Cleaning the Inside of Your Dishwasher The inside of your dishwasher gets bombarded with all the leftover food particles and germs found on your dishes. Over time, your dishwasher begins to be weighed down by its heavy work and doesn’t necessarily function as efficiently. And, many times, it begins to smell. Good news - a little TLC can ensure a sanitary, fresh, well-functioning dishwasher. What you will need: Rubber gloves White vinegar Baking soda Step One: Access the drain at the bottom of your dishwasher by removing the lower rack. Simply detach and lift it from the unit. With gloves on, look closely at this area and remove any debris or built-up grime that is present and visibly seen. Sometimes larger food particles don’t make their way out and end up here. Now is the time to remove them. Then, replace the lower rack. Step Two: Run your dishwasher through a cycle empty. Use vinegar. Do this by filling a dishwasher safe container with a cup or so of vinegar and place it on the top rack. Vinegar is a natural cleanser that also helps with odors. By running your dishwasher using the hot option, the white vinegar will help to remove grease, detergent build-up, and dissolve mineral deposits. Plus, it will neutralize any odors so that you can maintain a fresh-smelling dishwasher. Step Three: Sprinkle a layer of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher. Baking soda has a slightly abrasive nature and it also neutralizes orders (hence why you always see this orange box in the refrigerator). Run your dishwasher again on hot, choosing a short wash if you prefer. This will stir up the baking soda, allowing it to remove both stains and odors within the unit. Cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is something that should be done every month or two. This will help you maintain a healthy, well-functioning appliance that will continue to work for years to come. The more often you use it, the more frequently you will want to clean it. Cleaning the Outside of Your Stainless-Steel Dishwasher Stainless steel is a durable metal for appliances. Its non-porous surface reduces the chance of spreading germs and bacteria. It also means that it is very easy to clean – and remain shiny and bright. Now, while you can head to the store and purchase a stainless-steel appliance cleaner, it is not necessary. There are simple methods of keeping your stainless-steel dishwasher (and all of your other appliances) clean without having to resort to harsh chemicals. Below you will find three DIY methods for cleaning the outside of your dishwasher. Option One: Here you will need white vinegar and olive oil. All you have to do is spray the outside of your dishwasher with the vinegar and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Then, take a small dab of olive oil and gently buff the entire surface. Look at that shine! Option Two: For this option, you will need dish soap (any brand will do) and baby oil. Much like the method above, you will wash down the stainless-steel dishwasher with a mixture of warm soapy water. When you are done, put a dab of baby oil on a soft, dry cloth and gently polish the metal. Option Three: Club soda is all you will need for this option. Add some club soda to a spray bottle and spray down your dishwasher. With a soft cloth, wipe off the club soda in a buff-like motion, going with the grain of the metal. Keep in mind that you can always use a combination of the above depending on what you have on hand at the time. You can follow these steps to clean the outside of your dishwasher when you are cleaning the inside of it. However, since it is such an easy task, you can keep the outside of your dishwasher shining brightly by wiping down the outside (using one of the above methods) every week. Daily Care for Your Dishwasher As you see above, there are steps you can take to make sure that your dishwasher is clean and healthy. But, did you know that there are simple things that you can do every day to make sure that it continues to run as it should? Before you run your dishwasher, consider these 4 tips: Clear out your garbage disposal. More often than not, your dishwasher will share a drain with your sink. And, if it does, then you need to make sure your garbage disposal is clear. Otherwise, you will find that the dishwasher can’t drain properly. Skip the pre-wash. Dishwashing detergents are designed to latch on to grease and food particles found on your dirty dishes. Without it, the detergent just creates foam and can’t effectively clean. Only wash dishes when the dishwasher is full. This saves both electricity and water. Don’t overfill your dishwasher. Too many dishes packed tightly prevent the water and detergent from making its way around the dishes to properly clean them. Conclusion You have invested greatly in purchasing your dishwasher. And, be honest – it serves you well. So, take the steps to care for your dishwasher so it will be there for you for years to come.
