- Are your dishes still unwashed and dull after being removed from the dishwasher? The reason may be the neglect of key elements of the device.
- The filter, spray arms and seals are the heart of the dishwasher and require regular cleaning to prevent unpleasant odors and deposits.
- Discover simple tricks for daily care and learn how to effectively remove scale and grease to make your dishes shine like new!
The dishwasher works on the principle of multiple filtering, which means that during a given washing stage, the same portion of water circulates inside the device up to several hundred times. Therefore, its interior and filters need regular cleaning. You should remember this because keeping the dishwasher clean directly affects whether the dishes will be perfectly clean or unwashed. The first place to check is the filter.
The filter is the heart of the dishwasher
Most of us only look into the filter when something starts to smell bad. This is where food remains, small deposits and grease are retained. When the filter is clogged, water circulates slower and the pressure drops. In practice, this means unwashed plates, frosted glass and white coating on the dishes. It is also worth knowing that fat in the filter does not behave like fat in a pan. When in contact with hot water and detergent, it may change its consistency to a more viscous one, making it more difficult to rinse. Therefore, once a week you should take it out and rinse it under hot water. If it is very greasy, you can soak it in hot water with a little baking soda or wash it with dish soap, which helps dissolve the fat better than hot water alone. Another element that is worth checking carefully are the spray arms.
The basis for even washing
The spray arms are responsible for ensuring that water reaches every nook and cranny. When the holes become clogged with scale or small debris, the pressure drops and the dishwasher starts cleaning less effectively. This is one of the most common reasons for streaks on glass and unwashed pots.
It is worth unscrewing them once a month and rinsing them under running water. If the holes are clogged with scale, the arms can be soaked in hot water with vinegar. The next place worth checking carefully are the seals.
This is where unpleasant odors most often begin
Grease, dust and moisture accumulate in the seal grooves – an ideal environment for bacteria. They are often responsible for the unpleasant smell that appears even when the dishwasher cleans well. The easiest way is to wipe the seals with a soft brush and warm water. It is worth doing it regularly – it takes a while and the effect is immediate. After the cycle is completed, it is also a good idea to leave the door slightly open because this allows the interior to dry faster and stay fresh. Once these basic elements are taken care of, it’s time to take a look at what’s going on inside.
When your dishwasher needs a thorough refresh
Over time, scale and grease accumulate in the dishwasher, which impairs the operation of the device. This is a natural effect of everyday use, especially with hard water. Scale accumulates on the heater and in the pipes, and grease accumulates in the nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach with a sponge or brush. Dishwasher cleaning products will be helpful here, preferably those with more advanced formulas.
The combination of citric and lactic acid is a formula that works in two ways: lemon breaks down hard scale, and lactic acid removes organic deposits responsible for the smell. Dishwasher cleaners effectively clean hard-to-reach places, including the filter and spray arms. Thanks to this, the dishwasher works more efficiently, uses less energy, and the dishes come out clean
– says Wioletta Kmieć, an expert at Dual Power, an Italian brand of professional cleaning products.
Using the cleaning agent is simple, just remove the sticker from the cork without unscrewing the cap, place the bottle upside down in the cutlery basket or in the lower basket and run the program above 60°C. The wax plug will dissolve itself and the agent will reach all the nooks and crannies of the interior
– adds the expert.
A clean dishwasher interior is essential, but the right amount of salt and rinse aid also influences whether the glass will shine.
A duo that determines the effect
Although many people forget about them, they are responsible for whether the glass will be shiny. Salt softens the water, so that limescale does not build up on the dishes, and rinse aid makes the water drain faster and does not leave streaks. If glasses or goblets are dull after washing, it is almost always a sign that the dishwasher is missing salt or rinse aid. The choice of detergent is also very important for the cleanliness of the dishes.
Gel or tablets?
Dishwasher gels start working immediately after starting the program, so they cope better with short cycles and at lower temperatures than tablets. This is especially important in modern dishwashers, which increasingly operate on energy-saving, fast programs. Depending on the variant, the gels may use different sets of ingredients. Some are based on descaling ingredients that protect the glass from tarnishing and ensure its shine, while others, for example, on soda and plant extracts such as sage, which support interior hygiene and neutralize odors.
In the case of gels, there are three key elements that influence the washing effect. Enzymes are responsible for removing dried residues and greasy deposits, because they start working at the beginning of the program. We often have hard water in our homes – good gels can bind calcium and magnesium ions, thanks to which the glass does not tarnish and there are no streaks on the pots. Smell is also important. In modern formulas, it is responsible for, for example, natural organic compounds obtained directly from essential oils contained in citrus fruit peels. They give the impression of natural freshness without a heavy chemical note.
– explains Wioletta Kmiec.
How to care for your dishwasher every day
First of all, clean it regularly. The most important thing is the filter, which should be checked once a week because it is responsible for efficient water circulation. Spray arms need attention less often, usually once a month, but their patency has a huge impact on pressure and even washing. It is also good to remember about the cleaning cycle. Turning it on every few weeks removes grease and scale from places that cannot be reached by hand. It is best to refill salt and rinse aid on a regular basis, because they are responsible for the softness of the water and the shine of the glass. After completing the program, it is always a good idea to leave the door slightly open so that the inside of the dishwasher can dry freely.
Here are 4 ways to clean dishes and art
1. Do not overload the dishwasher.
Leave some space between the dishes – the spray arms must have room to rotate freely. When something blocks them, the water doesn’t reach where it should and even the best detergent won’t do the trick.
2. Do not rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Scrape off any larger debris and put the dishes back in immediately. Enzymes in detergents work more effectively when they come into contact with dirt, rinsing often weakens the washing effect. The exception is very sweet or very dried leftovers. Sugars can caramelize at high temperatures, so a quick rinse sometimes makes sense.
3. Arrange the cutlery alternately.
Handle-blade-handle-blade. This arrangement facilitates the flow of water, so there are no streaks or greasy dots after washing. A small thing, but it works.
4. If rusty spots appear on the cutlery, it is usually just a coating.
One element that is really rusting, e.g. an old peeler, grater or knife, is enough for its particles to settle on other dishes. Avoid putting such items in the dishwasher and leave the door ajar after washing, and the problem will disappear immediately.
