Is your dishwasher starting to smell or not clean as well as it should? Running an empty cycle with the right steps can refresh your dishwasher and keep it in shape. You can remove buildup and odors by simply clearing out the dishwasher, cleaning the filter, adding white vinegar, and selecting the hottest cycle. Follow this guide to ensure your dishwasher runs efficiently, saving you from unpleasant surprises and maintaining sparkling clean dishes. Let’s dive into the easy steps to get your dishwasher back to its best!
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start cleaning your dishwasher, you’ll need to gather a few key supplies. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum that may have built up in your dishwasher over time. By using vinegar, you can get your dishwasher sparkling clean without harsh chemicals.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another powerful cleaning ingredient that can help remove stains, neutralize odors, and break down any remaining residue in your dishwasher. It’s a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution.
Soft Cloth or Sponge
You’ll need a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior surfaces of your dishwasher. This will help you reach all the nooks and crannies and ensure a thorough clean.
Toothbrush
A toothbrush can be a handy tool for scrubbing those hard-to-reach areas, such as the corners and crevices of your dishwasher. It’s perfect for entering small spaces where other cleaning tools can’t reach.
Dishwashing Soap
While running an empty cycle, you’ll still need some dishwashing soap to clean the removable parts of your dishwasher, like the filter and silverware basket.
Clean the Dishwasher Filter
If you want your dishwasher to work at its best, keeping the filter clean is important. The filter traps food particles and debris, so it can get pretty dirty over time. Let’s go over the steps to clean your dishwasher’s filter properly.
Locate the Filter
The first step is to find the filter in your dishwasher. Refer to your dishwasher’s manual to locate it, as the placement can vary between different models. It’s usually found at the bottom of the tub or along the sides.
Remove and Clean the Filter
Once you’ve found the filter, you’ll need to remove it. This is usually done by unscrewing or unlocking it. Be careful when removing it, as some water or food particles may be trapped inside.
Now, it’s time to clean the filter thoroughly. Rinse it under warm running water, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any built-up grime or debris. If the filter is dirty, you can soak it in a mixture of warm water and a bit of dishwashing soap for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Reinstall the Filter
After the filter is clean, let it air dry completely before putting it back in the dishwasher. Once it’s dry, simply screw or lock the filter back into place, making sure it’s securely in position.
Clean the Dishwasher Seal
The rubber seal around the door of your dishwasher is an important part that needs some attention, too. Over time, this seal can accumulate mold, mildew, and grime, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even leaks. Let’s discuss how to properly clean the dishwasher seal.
Inspect the Seal
The first step is to open your dishwasher and inspect the rubber seal closely. Check for any signs of mold, mildew, or built-up dirt and residue. This seal is usually located around the edge of the dishwasher door.
Does the seal look a little worse for wear? Don’t worry. With a bit of cleaning, you can get it looking fresh and new again!
Clean the Seal
You’ll want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and some white vinegar to clean the dishwasher seal. Dip the toothbrush into the vinegar, scrub the seal, and get into all the nooks and crannies.
The vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can help break down and remove mold, mildew, or built-up grime on the seal. Scrub gently but thoroughly to lift away all the dirt.
Once you’ve given the seal a good scrubbing, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it down and remove any excess vinegar or loosened debris.
De-clog Dishwasher Sprayer Arms
The sprayer arms in your dishwasher are responsible for spraying the hot water and detergent solution over your dishes to get them clean. Over time, these arms can get clogged with food particles, mineral deposits, and other grime, which can affect the performance of your dishwasher. Let’s take a look at how to clean the dishwasher sprayer arms properly.
Remove the Sprayer Arms
The first step is to remove the sprayer arms from your dishwasher. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine how to do this for your specific model. In most cases, you’ll need to unscrew or unlock the arms and carefully pull them out.
Be gentle when removing the arms; you don’t want to damage them. Once they’re out, you can start the cleaning process.
Clean the Sprayer Holes
Now that you have the sprayer arms removed, it’s time to clean out the small holes where the water sprays out. These holes can easily get clogged with food particles and mineral buildup, preventing the water from spraying properly.
Use a toothpick or other small, pointed tool to poke through each hole and carefully remove any debris. You may need to do this a few times to fully unclog all the holes.
If the holes are really clogged, you can also soak the sprayer arms in a vinegar solution for a little while. This can help dissolve any stubborn mineral deposits. Just be sure to rinse the arms thoroughly after soaking.
Reattach the Sprayer Arms
Once the sprayer arms are clean and all the holes are clear, simply reattach them to the dishwasher. Make sure they are securely in place and can rotate freely.
Run the Vinegar Cycle
Now that you’ve cleaned all the essential parts of your dishwasher, it’s time to run a special cleaning cycle to give the entire appliance a thorough refresh. This is where the white vinegar comes in!
Prepare for the Vinegar Cycle
For this step, you’ll need to gather a dishwasher-safe container, like a glass or ceramic bowl, and fill it with 2 cups of white vinegar. This natural cleaner will help dissolve any remaining mineral deposits, soap scum, and lingering odors in your dishwasher.
Once the vinegar is ready, place the container on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Ensure there are no dishes, utensils, or other items inside – this will be an dishwasher empty cycle just for cleaning.
Run the Cycle
Now it’s time to start the dishwasher! Select the longest and hottest wash cycle available on your machine. This high heat and thorough wash will help the vinegar do its magic and really deep clean the interior of your dishwasher.
You’ll want to run this vinegar cycle without adding any detergent. The vinegar will be your sole cleaning agent for this special load.
The Baking Soda Scrub
After running the vinegar cycle, you’ll want to give your dishwasher one more deep cleaning step using baking soda. This common household ingredient is a powerful natural cleaner that can help tackle any remaining grime or residue.
Add the Baking Soda
Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of your empty dishwasher. For best results, cover the entire surface area.
The baking soda will help absorb and remove any lingering odors, food particles, or mineral buildup that the vinegar didn’t get. It’s a great supplemental cleaning agent to use with vinegar.
Run a Short Cycle
With the baking soda in place, run a short, hot water cycle in your dishwasher. This will help distribute the baking soda throughout the appliance and allow it to work its magic.
The hot water will activate the baking soda, allowing it to clean and deodorize the interior of your dishwasher effectively. You don’t need to add any detergent for this cycle – the baking soda is all you’ll need.
Read More: 5 Quick Fixes for Sticky Dishwasher Racks: A DIY Guide
Conclusion
You’ve now learned the complete step-by-step process for properly running an empty cycle in your dishwasher. Let’s quickly recap the key steps:
- Gather Your Supplies: Make sure you have the necessary items on hand, like white vinegar, baking soda, and cleaning tools.
- Check for Debris: Before starting, take a quick look in the bottom of your dishwasher and remove any loose food particles or other debris.
- Clean the Filter: Remove, rinse, and scrub the dishwasher filter to keep it free of buildup.
- Clean the Seal: Use a toothbrush and vinegar to scrub the rubber door seal, removing any mold or grime.
- De-clog the Sprayers: Take out the sprayer arms and use a toothpick to clear any clogged spray holes.
- Run the Vinegar Cycle: Place 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container and run a hot, long cycle to dissolve deposits.
- Do the Baking Soda Scrub: Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom and run a short, hot cycle to deodorize and clean.
By properly maintaining your dishwasher with these steps, you can help ensure it runs at its best, giving you sparkling clean dishes every time. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a fresh-smelling, well-cared-for appliance.
Remember, the key is to perform this dishwasher empty cycle routine regularly—about once a month is a good target. This will help prevent any major buildup or problems down the line.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies and get to work keeping your dishwasher in tip-top shape! Your dishes (and your nose) will thank you.