Tips for Dishwasher Cleaning and Maintenance

Tips for Dishwasher Cleaning and Maintenance

When’s the last time you cleaned the inside of your dishwasher? If the answer is “never”, or “I didn’t know I had to clean my dishwasher”, or “I ran some vinegar through it… once”. If you’d rather not go back to washing every plate, bowl, and spoon by hand, read on.

Why is dishwasher cleaning and maintenance important?

  • Efficiency and Performance: Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure that all components of the dishwasher operate smoothly. If there are blockages or accumulated dirt, the washing efficiency decreases, and water consumption increases.
  • Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance prolongs the dishwasher’s lifespan. Cleaning the filter, maintaining the spray arm, and checking the seals reduce mechanical wear and tear. dishwashers should last about 10 years. However, approximately 25% of dishwashers experience malfunctions within the first five years of use.
  • Hygiene and Health: A dirty dishwasher can harbor bacteria and mold. Regular cleaning ensures that your dishes remain uncontaminated.
  • Odor Prevention: Residues from food and water inside the dishwasher can lead to unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning keeps the air fresh.
  • Environmental Benefits: Maintaining your dishwasher in good condition helps reduce energy and water waste.

Should you rinse dishes before loading a dishwasher?

Yes!Rinsing Utensils Before Placing Them in the Dishwasher Is a Good Habit:

  • Removing Large Food Residues: Rinsing utensils with water before placing them in the dishwasher helps remove large food residues. This prevents clogs in the dishwasher’s filter and ensures smooth water flow.
  • Enhanced Cleaning Efficiency: If utensils have stubborn stains, rinsing them beforehand assists the dishwasher in more effectively cleaning them. The dishwasher’s detergent and water flow work better on clean surfaces.
  • Odor Reduction: Residues on utensils can lead to unpleasant odors inside the dishwasher. Rinsing utensils reduces this issue.

While modern dishwashers can usually handle unrinsed utensils, it’s still a good idea to rinse them to ensure optimal cleaning results.


How do you clean a dishwasher?


Using White Vinegar to Clean the Dishwasher:

White vinegar is a powerful cleaner that effectively breaks down grease, food residue, and limescale inside the dishwasher. It also has disinfectant properties, helping to kill bacteria and mold.


Here are the steps for using white vinegar to clean your dishwasher:

  • Empty the Dishwasher: Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty, removing all dishes and utensils from the racks.
  • Place White Vinegar: Put a dishwasher-safe container filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Do not add any dishwasher detergent.
  • Run a Hot Water Cycle: Select the hottest water temperature setting and run the dishwasher’s hot water cycle to help dissolve any buildup.
  • Wipe Off Stubborn Stains: After the cycle finishes, wipe off any stubborn stains using a soft cloth.

Using Flowcheer Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets:

Flowcheer dishwasher cleaning tablets are eco-friendly and have a pleasant lemon scent. They effectively remove grease, limescale, and residues without leaving strong odors.


The usage is similar to white vinegar. Simply place one Flowcheer dishwasher cleaning tablet on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.


Deep Cleaning:


For a more thorough clean, consider removing the dishwasher’s filter.
Soak the filter in warm water with mild dishwasher cleaner for about 15 minutes. Then use a soft brush to clean the filter, rinse it, and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.


Additionally, you can pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with half a cup of white vinegar.


Regular Maintenance:

Clean once a month to keep your dishwasher in top condition and extend its lifespan.


The 24-pack of Flowcheer dishwasher cleaning tablets should last you a year or longer, so you won’t have to worry about dishwasher maintenance.

Remember, regular cleaning ensures that your dishwasher always performs at its best. Happy dishwashing!

Back to blog

All Products