So, you’ve got a shiny dishwasher humming away in your kitchen, making life easier one load at a time. But wait—how often are you giving it a little TLC? Yep, dishwashers need cleaning too, and that’s where a product like Finish Dishwasher Cleaner comes in handy.
Now, let’s get straight to it. Experts recommend using a dishwasher cleaner like Finish once a month. Why? Because over time, grease, food particles, and limescale can build up in the hidden parts of your dishwasher—think spray arms, filters, and pipes. Gross, right?
But here’s the deal: if you’re someone who runs their dishwasher multiple times a day (hello, big families or kitchen enthusiasts!), you might want to clean it more frequently—say every 2-3 weeks. On the flip side, if you’re running it less often, once every 6-8 weeks could work for you.
Why Bother Using a Dishwasher Cleaner? The Benefits Are Huge!
Okay, so you’re thinking, “Why can’t I just let the dishwasher clean itself while it’s washing dishes?” Fair question. But here’s the thing: your dishwasher is a workhorse, and even the hardest workers need a little maintenance now and then.
Using a cleaner like Finish isn’t just about keeping your dishwasher looking clean—it’s about keeping it running like new. Here are some major perks:
- Better Cleaning Performance: A clogged-up dishwasher can’t rinse properly, leaving you with dishes that look like they were half-heartedly washed. A cleaner removes grease and residue that build up over time, so your dishes come out sparkling every single time.
- Extends Dishwasher Life: You’ve invested in this appliance, so why not make it last? Regular cleaning prevents gunk and hard water deposits from damaging the internal parts, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
- Gets Rid of Bad Odors: Ever opened your dishwasher and been hit by a weird, funky smell? That’s food and grease lurking in hidden corners. A cleaner tackles those areas so your kitchen doesn’t smell like yesterday’s dinner.
- Tackles Hard Water Stains: If you live in an area with hard water, limescale is your dishwasher’s worst enemy. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is specifically designed to break down those chalky deposits that can make your machine less efficient.
Signs Your Dishwasher Is Crying Out for Help
Alright, here’s a quick checklist to know when it’s time to clean:
- Your dishes aren’t as clean as they used to be (spots or food residue lingering).
- You notice a weird, musty smell when you open the door.
- There’s visible grease or grime around the door or filter.
- Water isn’t draining properly after a cycle.
If you’ve nodded “yes” to any of these, it’s time to grab that bottle of Finish and get to work.
How to Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is super simple, but doing it the right way makes all the difference. Here’s how to give your dishwasher the spa day it deserves:
- Start with an Empty Dishwasher
First things first—remove all dishes, utensils, and racks (if they’re detachable). You want the cleaner to focus entirely on the dishwasher itself, not on your dinner plates. - Check the Filter
Before you run the cleaner, give your dishwasher filter a quick rinse. It’s usually located at the bottom and can collect food particles. A clean filter means the cleaner can do its job more effectively. - Prep the Cleaner Bottle
Grab your bottle of Finish Dishwasher Cleaner and remove the sticker from the cap (but don’t unscrew the cap itself). That’s where the magic happens—it’s designed to release the cleaner automatically during the cycle. - Place the Cleaner Upside Down
Place the bottle upside down in the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Don’t worry—it won’t spill everywhere! The cap only opens when the water hits it during the cycle. - Run a Hot Water Cycle
Set your dishwasher to the hottest, longest cycle available. Hot water is key to dissolving grease, limescale, and other stubborn buildup. Let the cleaner work its magic while you kick back. - Voila! A Fresh, Clean Dishwasher
Once the cycle is done, open the door and take a deep breath—no funky smells, just freshness. Your dishwasher is now sparkling clean and ready to perform at its best.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher in Top Shape
Want to stretch the time between deep cleans? Here are some easy maintenance tips:
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Before loading your dishes, scrape off large food particles, but don’t overdo it by pre-rinsing. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle a bit of food residue.
- Wipe the Door Seals: Use a damp cloth to clean around the door seals weekly. It’s a prime spot for grease and grime to collect.
- Clean the Spray Arms: Check the holes in the spray arms every couple of months. If they’re clogged, use a toothpick or soft brush to clear them out.
- Run Hot Water Before Starting: Turn on the hot water tap at your sink for a few seconds before running the dishwasher. This ensures it starts with hot water right away.
Eco-Friendly Tips for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
If you’re looking for a more sustainable approach, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to keep your dishwasher in top shape. Here are some natural alternatives you can try:
- White Vinegar
Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. Vinegar is a natural degreaser and works wonders on limescale and grease. - Baking Soda
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. It’s great for removing odors and leaving your dishwasher smelling fresh. - Lemon Juice
Add half a cup of lemon juice to the detergent dispenser and run a cycle. The acidity helps break down buildup while leaving a fresh citrus scent. - DIY Cleaner Mix
Combine half a cup of baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lemon or tea tree). Pour it into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot cycle for an all-in-one clean.
Pro Tip: While these natural options are effective for maintenance, they may not be as thorough as a commercial cleaner like Finish when it comes to deep cleaning grease and hard water deposits.
Alternatives to Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
If you’re curious about other products on the market, here’s a quick rundown of some popular options:
- Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner
- Similar to Finish, it’s designed to tackle limescale and grease buildup.
- Comes in tablet form, which some people find more convenient.
- Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner
- Contains natural citric acid and is eco-friendly.
- Great for removing hard water stains.
- Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner
- Another strong contender that specializes in grease removal.
- Available in powder or liquid form.
- Eco-Me Dishwasher Cleaner
- A plant-based, non-toxic option that’s safe for the environment.
- Ideal for those looking for a gentle yet effective cleaner.
Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re battling heavy buildup or hard water stains, Finish or a similar commercial cleaner is your best bet. However, if you’re all about sustainability and prefer DIY methods, vinegar and baking soda are affordable and effective alternatives for regular maintenance.
Why not try both approaches and see what works best for your dishwasher? After all, a clean dishwasher = sparkling dishes = happy you!