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How to Clean the Bottom of the Dishwasher?

The bottom of the inside of a dishwasher, taken apart

Keeping Your Dishwasher Nice and Clean

Your kitchen appliance is designed to do the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning dirty dishes, pots, pans, and so on. However, that does not mean that it is to remain dirty all the time.

For your dishwasher to work at optimum levels, you need to keep it clean inside and out. if you do not keep this unit clean, you may find that it gives off a bad odor when you open its door.

Believe it or not, food items and other distasteful items get lodged at the bottom of your dishwasher. To learn how to keep that area of your appliance clean just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about.

How to Clean the Bottom of the Dishwasher

Opened dish washer over flowing with suds

Step 1: Clean the Filter– This is done by using your manual to find its location, some models do not have one. Then follow the instructions on how to remove it. Once you get the filter out, soak it in hot soapy water. You may need a toothpick to help clear up any tiny areas.

While the filter is soaking, take the time to clean the drain hole underneath where the filter sits. You would be surprised at what can get lodged in there. If the drain is clogged pour some baking soda followed by vinegar in the drain. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.

It will foam and after the foam dissipates, pour some hot water down the drain to rinse it.

Step 2: Cleaning the Spray Arm- This is essential to do every time you clean your dishwasher. If those holes get plugged, your dishwasher cannot effectively do its job. Pour water over the spray arm to see if the water flows freely. If not, you should use a toothpick to clear out all the holes that have something plugging them up.

Once you are done, run the water over it again to rinse out the food particles and see if you got every hole unplugged.

Hand in a pink glove holding a yellow and green sponge

Step 3: Wipe the Bottom- The floor of the dishwasher may feel a bit slimy when it is not cleaned regularly. All you have to do here is wipe it out with a nice soft cloth. You can use soap, baking soda, or vinegar if you want but it usually is not necessary as the clean cycle will handle the deep cleaning process.

Make sure as you wipe, to pick up any large debris or forgotten small items like spoons or whatever. Sometimes they can hide when they fall to the bottom of your appliance.

Step 4: Time for the Cleaning Cycle- You may have to do this step twice as you will want one cycle with vinegar and another with baking soda. You cannot combine the two ingredients because they will form a chemical reaction that is not good for this situation.

In the first cycle, just pour some vinegar on the bottom of the dishwasher or put it in a bowl and run the cycle one time. Then sprinkle in some baking soda when the first cycle is done and run the cycle a second time.

Make sure you put the clean filter back in before you do the first run-through. By the time both cycles are completed, you will have sterilized and deodorized your dishwasher.

How Often Should You Clean the Bottom of Your Dishwasher?

close up of a calendar with pages flipping

The frequency you do this task depends on you and your schedule. You will have to work out the right times for yourself. However, if you do not use your dishwasher that often, then you can get away with doing this job once or twice a year.

But, if you use your dishwasher every day, then you should clean the bottom of your appliance every month. More if you are so inclined but that is up to you as well.

Some Final Words

Dishwasher full of clean dishes.

Keeping the bottom of your dishwasher clean is essential. You never know what falls down there and becomes lodged there. When food items do that, you can be treated to some very bad smells.

Also, keeping this area of your dishwasher nice and clean helps it last a lot longer. Protecting your appliance is a way of protecting yourself and your family. It can’t do its job unless it is totally clean all the time and when it isn’t clean, your dishes may not be either.

Take the time and schedule a regular cleaning so you can have a little peace of mind when your dishes are taken out of the appliance and put back in the cupboards.

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