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Product Help | KitchenAid

Cleaning the Dishwasher Interior

How to Clean the KitchenAid Dishwasher Interior

Don’t just clean the dishes — take the time to ensure the dishwasher interior is clean, too. When it’s time to clean the dishwasher, remember the following cleaning tips for dishwashers. Over time, residues like food particles, grease, and mineral deposits can accumulate, causing unpleasant odors and decreasing cleaning performance. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher not only ensures that your dishes remain sparkling clean but also prevents breakdowns and expensive repairs. This guide covers the importance of cleaning the dishwasher interior, provides a detailed cleaning process, and shares tips on using natural ingredients along with recommended KitchenAid products for optimal maintenance. Let's dive in and ensure your dishwasher operates at its best!

The Importance of Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Regular cleaning ensures that each wash cycle produces spotless results, allowing your KitchenAid dishwasher to function at its best. Dishwashers should be cleaned approximately every 30 days for optimal performance. Using affresh®  Dishwasher Cleaner every month will help keep your dishwasher from filming and spotting, and keep the interior clean and free of odors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Keeping your dishwasher clean is essential for maintaining performance and ensuring your dishes emerge spotless. Follow these steps to keep your appliance in top condition.

  1. Start by cleaning the filter. Remove the dishwasher filter from the bottom of the appliance and rinse it under warm water to eliminate food particles and grease. 
  2. Clean the door seals.  Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and thoroughly wipe the door seals.  
  3. Clean the interior. Use either affresh® or white vinegar.  
    • Using affresh®: Depending on the severity of the spots more than one treatment may be required. Follow instructions on the affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner package.
    • Using white vinegar: Put 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar in a glass or dishwasher-safe measuring cup on the bottom rack. Run the dishwasher through a complete washing cycle using an air-dry or an energy-saving dry option. Do not use detergent. Vinegar will mix with the wash water.  Vinegar is an acid; using it too often could damage your dishwasher. It’s better to do so only when you need to cleanse your dishwasher deeply.

Cleans even where you can't see

affresh® cleans deep inside your appliances reaching components such as the tub, racks, pump, valves, drain, and recirculation hoses.

Cleaners are available at many retailers or can be purchased here at affresh®.

affresh Appliance Cleaner Logo

Dishwasher with Water Softener

Extremely hard water mineral deposits can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it difficult to clean it properly. A water softener is strongly recommended if your hardness is 15 grains or more.

 

 
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