So, you got yourself a countertop dishwasher. Nice.
Compact, cute, efficient… and honestly, kind of a game-changer, right? You just load it up, hit a button, and boom—sparkly dishes, no sweat.
But here’s the thing nobody really mentions when you first buy one: these little guys need cleaning too. Yep, the dishwasher needs to be… washed. Ironic? Absolutely. Necessary? 100%.
Now, before you sigh and pretend you didn’t read that, don’t worry—cleaning it isn’t hard. Actually, it’s kind of satisfying once you know what to do. Let’s walk through it together, step-by-step, minus the boring tech talk or over-the-top routines.
Step 1: The “Why” Behind the Scrub
Okay, first off—why even clean it?
Here’s the deal: over time, food particles, grease, hard water gunk, and maybe even a bit of mystery funk build up inside. If you’ve noticed a weird smell or that your dishes come out with a faint film (ew), that’s your dishwasher crying out for help.
Plus, if you keep it clean, it runs smoother and lasts longer. And hey—nobody wants to explain to their landlord why their rental smells like a swamp every time they run a load.
So yeah, it’s not just about clean dishes. It’s about keeping your kitchen vibe from going downhill.
Step 2: Clean Out the Filter (Spoiler: It Might Be Gross)
Alright, ready for the least glamorous part?
Pop open that dishwasher, remove the bottom rack, and look for the filter. It’s usually a small mesh basket that catches food bits—basically a tiny trash can for stuff that didn’t rinse off.
Take it out (might need a little twist), and give it a rinse under warm water. If it’s super funky, soak it for a few minutes and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Old one, please. Let’s not mix mouth tools with dishwasher gunk.
You might gag a little. It happens. But once it’s clean? Oh man, your dishwasher will literally breathe easier.
Step 3: Attack the Spray Arms
These are the spinning things that spray water all over your dishes. If they’re clogged, you’re basically rinsing your forks with a leaky squirt gun.
Check the tiny holes on the spray arms—if you see buildup or food gunk, poke them clean with a toothpick or a straightened-out paperclip. Don’t go all Hulk on it though—gentle is the name of the game here.
Quick rinse. Pop them back in. Boom. Done.
Step 4: Give It the Vinegar Spa Treatment
Now for the relaxing part.
Take a bowl or mug, fill it with white vinegar, and place it upright on the top rack. Run a full cycle with hot water and nothing else inside. No detergent, no dishes, just your vinegar spa bomb doing its thing.
This cuts through grease, deodorizes, and basically resets your dishwasher’s insides like a kitchen cleanse.
Smells a bit like a salad dressing factory for a few minutes, but it’s worth it.
Step 5: Baking Soda Blast (Optional, But Awesome)
Want to go the extra mile?
After the vinegar cycle’s done, sprinkle about a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot cycle. This helps polish things up and gives you that fresh, “I totally have my life together” feeling.
No harsh chemicals, no fancy hacks—just your pantry saving the day again.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Outside (It Deserves Love Too)
Last step—don’t forget the outside.
Wipe down the door, buttons, and edges with a soft cloth and some soapy water. Toothbrush works great here too for little crevices where crumbs like to party.
It’s wild how much better your whole kitchen feels when the dishwasher’s sparkling. Like you just cleaned way more than you actually did.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Chill and Clean
That’s it! Seriously.
No need for daily deep cleans or some five-step ritual every week. Just rinse the filter every couple weeks, run a vinegar cycle once a month, and stay on top of smells before they become a thing.
Your countertop dishwasher works hard—you gotta show it a little love now and then.
And honestly? Once you’ve done it once, it’s kind of a no-brainer next time.