Alright, so you’ve decided to give your dishwasher a good clean. You’ve got that dishwasher cleaner bottle in hand, but now you’re standing there, wondering, “Where the heck do I put this stuff?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone—this is a common question, and it’s way easier than it seems.
Dishwasher cleaners come in all kinds of forms, from liquid to powder to tablets, and they can do wonders for getting rid of built-up grease, grime, and minerals. But knowing exactly where to put it can feel like one of those “duh” moments where you’re like, “Wait… am I doing this right?” No worries—I’ve got you covered!
Where to Put Dishwasher Cleaner: The Simple Breakdown
Okay, let’s start with the basics. You’ve got the cleaner, but where does it go? It’s really not as complicated as it might seem. There are a few common spots in your dishwasher to put the cleaner, and once you get the hang of it, it’s almost like second nature.
1. The Bottom of the Dishwasher (For Cleaner Liquid)
If you’re using a liquid dishwasher cleaner (usually in a bottle), the simplest spot to pour it is at the bottom of the dishwasher. Just open the dishwasher door, take out the racks (you don’t want any dishes in there, obviously), and pour the cleaner directly into the bottom of the tub.
It’s kind of like a DIY deep clean for the entire dishwasher. The cleaner gets to work right away, breaking down grime, grease, and all the stuff that’s been building up over time. You just pop it in, close the door, and run a hot cycle. Easy peasy.
2. The Detergent Dispenser (For Tablets or Powders)
Now, if you’ve got those convenient dishwasher cleaner tablets or powders, things get a little different. These guys usually go straight into the detergent dispenser, where you’d normally place your dishwasher pods or powder.
For the tablets, just pop one in like you would a normal detergent pod. For powders, check the instructions on the package (they’ll usually recommend the amount), and pour it into the compartment where you’d typically put your detergent. From there, just run a hot cycle, and let the cleaner do its magic.
3. For Extra Tough Jobs: The Bottom Rack
If your dishwasher is really overdue for a clean, or if you’ve got some serious buildup, there’s a little pro tip: you can also place a dishwasher cleaner packet or tablet on the bottom rack. This is especially helpful when you’re running a cleaning cycle with just the cleaner and no dishes inside.
Just toss the cleaner on the bottom rack, and run a hot cycle. The cleaner will dissolve during the wash, and the steam will circulate throughout the entire dishwasher, getting into all those hidden corners and spots you don’t normally get to.
How Often Should You Use Dishwasher Cleaner?
Alright, so now you know where to put the cleaner, but here’s another question: How often should you be using it? Well, it depends, but a little regular maintenance can go a long way.
1. Once a Month is Ideal
For most households, cleaning your dishwasher once a month is a good rule of thumb. It’s not too often that it becomes a chore, but it’s frequent enough to keep things fresh and prevent buildup. Trust me, your dishwasher will thank you for it—and you’ll notice the difference in how well it cleans your dishes.
Running a cleaner once a month helps remove grease, soap scum, and hard water buildup. You might not see it right away, but after a few cycles, you’ll notice a cleaner dishwasher and better-performing cycles. Plus, it helps prevent bad smells, which is always a win.
2. Every 2-3 Months for Heavier Buildup
If you’ve got hard water or you’ve noticed your dishwasher isn’t cleaning as well as it used to, you might want to clean it every 2 to 3 months. Hard water can leave mineral deposits, which, over time, can affect the performance of your dishwasher. So, using the cleaner more frequently will help tackle that before it becomes a big problem.
3. After a Long Time of Non-Use
If you’re going on vacation or not using your dishwasher for an extended period, it’s a good idea to run a cleaning cycle before you start using it again. Sitting unused for a while can cause dust, grime, or even mold to build up. A deep clean beforehand will make sure you’re good to go when it’s time to use it again.
Dishwasher Cleaner is Your Best Friend
So there you have it—where to put dishwasher cleaner, how often to use it, and why it’s important. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping your dishwasher running at its best.
And here’s the thing: You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Just use the cleaner once a month (or more often if needed), put it in the right spot, and let the machine do the heavy lifting. Your dishes—and your dishwasher—will thank you!
Got any other tips or tricks for dishwasher cleaning? Drop them in the comments below. Let’s keep the dishwasher-cleaning tips flowing!