How to Clean Your Dishwasher

You should give your dishwasher a good cleaning and descaling once a month. I learned this method from a Martin’s Appliance repair man.

First, buy some citric acid. You can get it from an appliance repair company or online. Next, empty your dishwasher. Remove the traps on the bottom and wash by hand with a little dish soap and water, rinse, and put them back.

Next, clean the area at the bottom of the door the same way. Be sure to rinse this area with plain water to avoid too many suds in the dishwasher. It will be gross!

Put a half cup of citric acid in the bottom of the dishwasher. Set the dishwasher on the heavy/pots and pans setting on the highest temperature. Start the dishwasher and let it swish around for a few minutes. Do not let it drain. Open the door and let the citric acid soak for 2 hours. This will descale the minerals from the dishwasher parts.

After 2 hours, run the dishwasher like normal. You do not have to use the drying cycle. Wipe around the edges of the door seal and the door itself with a little dish soap and water and rinse with plain water. That’s it!