Shop the best pressure cookers for fast, convenient cooking
By Eric ListonNov 28, 2023
Investing in a pressure cooker will allow you to whip up dishes in a flash with minimal prep. Here, our editors review the best models worth buying.
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How to clean your dishwasher in 3 easy steps
Maintaining your dishwasher can be a breeze with this all-you-need-to-know beginner’s guide by your side.
Dishwashers are a blessing for modern, busy lifestyles, but they also need regular maintenance to keep performing their best.
Over time, buildups of grime, hard water and food residues accumulate, affecting the machine's performance and potentially leading to unpleasant odors.
However, with the right cleaning products by your side, you can easily keep your dishwasher as gleaming as your dishes.
Need a helping hand? Keep reading and find out how to clean your dishwasher in no time at all
Read more: Top laundry detergents for clean clothes
How to clean your dishwasher — in 3 easy steps
Cleaning a dishwasher doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you clean your appliance, the easy way.
Step 1: Run an empty hot water cycle
Start by running your dishwasher on a hot water cycle without any dishes in it. This will help soften and dislodge any larger clumps of food, debris and grease.
Step 2: Add a cleaning agent
After the initial cycle, add your choice of cleaning agent, such as a cleaner tablet or liquid, and run a second full cycle.
During this cycle, the cleaning agent will work its magic, breaking down any tough stains, buildups or odors.
Step 3: Dry the dishwasher
After the cleaning cycle is complete, leave the dishwasher door open to air dry. This ensures no moisture remains that could foster bacteria or mold growth.
Once it’s completely dry, give your appliance a final wipe-down with a cloth or paper towel.
Voilà! Your appliance is now clean!
Must-have products for dishwasher cleaning
This is your ultimate solution to a sparkling-clean dishwasher.
Known for their exceptional performance, these tabs effortlessly remove grease, mineral build-ups, hard water stains, and lingering odors while being gentle on your dishwasher.
Simply place the tablet in the detergent pod tray, begin the cleaning cycle and let True Fresh do all the work for you. Thanks to its lemon scent, your dishwasher will smell oh-so refreshing!
If you want to maintain your dishwasher's optimal functioning, add these tablets to your cleaning collection.
Specially designed to eliminate limescale and mineral buildup, these cleaner tablets will not only brighten the inside of your machine but will also work similarly on your dishes, leaving them spotlessly clean.
Use them monthly, or as needed, to maintain a dishwasher that performs well and smells clean.
Looking for top-notch performance and freshness? This cleaning solution fits the bill.
Its powerful action tackles limescale, rust, grease and other build-up caused by hard water, detergent, and food residues. And not only does it clean, but it is also the only EPA-registered dishwasher cleaner and disinfectant against E. coli and Salmonella.
By using it monthly, you not only ensure exceptional cleanliness but also extend your dishwasher's life.
With over 44,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average rating on Amazon, it’s clear this cleaner is a winner among buyers.
Not only does it eliminate tough stains and disturbing odors, but this affordable solution also breaks down limescale and grease build-up. Best of all? It's simple to use, too. Just throw it in for a cleaning cycle — without the hassle of having to measure or pour out the solution.
The Frigidaire ReadyClean Probiotic Dishwasher Cleaner is your dishwasher's best bet in eliminating grime, hard water deposits and build-up.
This powerful cleaner offers triple action power with probiotics, surfactants and odor control, keeping your dishwasher clean and running and smoothly.
Each pack comes with six packets, which are proven to work continuously in your dishwasher even through normal cleaning cycles, delivering improved results over time.
These pods are a must-have for maintaining a cleaner, fresher and more efficient dishwasher.
Removing limescale buildup, grease, and odors, this cleaning agent is designed to enhance your dishwasher's performance while keeping it odor-free.
Best of all? It leaves no residues behind and can dissolve quickly, too!..
Reviewers especially praise the product's ability to make the dishwasher smell incredible and leave behind a sparkling clean finish, even getting rid of the most hard-to-remove stains and odors.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Ideally, you should fully clean your dishwasher at least once a month to maintain its performance and longevity. Then, to prevent everyday odors and bacteria from forming, give the dishwasher door a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth at least once a week, too.
Can I use vinegar and baking soda instead of cleaning tablets?
Yes!
If you prefer DIY cleaning solutions, here’s what to do:
Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of your appliance.
Close your dishwasher door and run a normal cycle with hot water.
Once the cycle is finished, take out the bowl and wipe your appliance clean with a cloth.
For an extra dose of freshness, sprinkle one cup of baking soda onto the bottom of your appliance and run a short cycle on the hottest setting.
So, what is the best way to clean a dishwasher?
Whether you’re tackling hard water buildups, stubborn limescale, or looking to maintain top-notch performance, professionally formulated dishwasher cleaners are your best bet.
Still not sure which solution is for you? We’ve got you covered.
The Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner & Disinfectant Liquid is a great option with its powerful cleaning and disinfectant properties that tackle everything from limescale to grease. But if you’re looking for a mighty pack of pods that will leave your dishwasher smelling as good as it looks, the True Fresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tabs are your best bet.
So, why wait? Now you know how to clean the inside of your dishwasher, make your appliance sparkle today!
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Prices updated on 11/16/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Lauren Pascal
A self-proclaimed ‘obsessed TikTok user,’ Lauren Pascal uses her knowledge to help readers shop for trendy new products. Lauren is also an experienced travel writer and recently wrote informative pieces for travellers during the pandemic.
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