Let me guess—you’re here because your dishwasher smells… off. Or maybe your glasses are coming out with spots instead of that satisfying sparkle. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The truth is, just because a dishwasher cleans doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a little TLC itself. So, how often should you really be using dishwasher cleaner?
Here’s the simple answer: once a month. Yep, just once. But before you roll your eyes and think, “Do I really need to add another task to my cleaning routine?” hear me out.
Why Monthly Cleaning is the Sweet Spot
Think of your dishwasher like your favorite coffee mug. It gets a lot of use, it does its job like a champ, but eventually, it needs a good scrub. Between grease, food particles, and hard water buildup, all kinds of gunk can collect in the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher. And trust me, you don’t want that gunk sticking around.
Using a dishwasher cleaner once a month helps keep things running smoothly. It prevents clogs, eliminates funky smells, and makes sure your dishes actually come out clean (because, let’s face it, that’s the whole point).
What Happens If You Skip Cleaning? (Spoiler: It’s Not Pretty)
Okay, picture this: You load up your dishwasher after a big family dinner, press start, and walk away feeling accomplished. But when the cycle’s done, you open it up to… cloudy glasses, streaky plates, and—ugh—that musty smell. Sound familiar?
That’s what happens when you don’t clean your dishwasher. Over time, grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits team up to clog spray arms, block filters, and mess with the heating elements. The result? Dishes that are only kind of clean. And let’s not even talk about the bacteria and mold that can build up in those hidden corners.
But don’t panic—it’s not too late to turn things around. A good dishwasher cleaner can work wonders to break down all that grime and get your machine running like new again.
How to Use Dishwasher Cleaner (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Here’s the good news: using a dishwasher cleaner isn’t a complicated process. Most products come with simple instructions, but here’s a general rundown:
- Empty the dishwasher – This isn’t about cleaning your plates; it’s about cleaning the machine itself.
- Check the filter – Remove and rinse the filter under hot water to get rid of any large food particles.
- Use the cleaner – Pop a cleaning tablet into the bottom of the dishwasher or pour liquid cleaner into the detergent dispenser.
- Run a hot cycle – Select the hottest cycle available and let the cleaner do its magic.
That’s it. No scrubbing, no elbow grease, just a few button presses and you’re good to go.
Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Fresh Between Cleanings
Want to stretch the time between those deep monthly cleanings? Here are a few simple habits that can make a big difference:
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse – Scrape off large food scraps before loading your dishes, but don’t go overboard rinsing them. Modern dishwashers actually clean better when they detect a bit of grime!
- Leave the Door Open – After a cycle, crack the dishwasher door open for a bit. This helps prevent moisture buildup and that dreaded mildew smell.
- Clean the Filter Weekly – Take out the filter, give it a quick rinse, and remove any trapped food. It takes less than five minutes but can save you major headaches later.
- Wipe the Seals – Use a damp cloth to clean the rubber door seals. This is a sneaky spot where grime likes to hide.
- Run Hot Water First – Before starting a load, run your kitchen tap until the water’s hot. This ensures your dishwasher starts with hot water right away for a better clean.
So, Is It Worth It? Absolutely.
Think of it this way: Your dishwasher works hard so you don’t have to scrub every plate and glass by hand. The least you can do is show it a little love, right? A quick monthly cleaning with a dishwasher cleaner (and those easy daily habits) keeps it running smoothly, saves you money on repairs, and makes sure your dishes come out spotless every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Go grab that dishwasher cleaner and give your trusty kitchen helper the spa day it deserves.