How to Clean a Stainless Steel Dishwasher

Ever looked at your dishwasher and wondered, “How do I keep this thing spotless inside out?”

Well, as it turns out, it’s not just about looks. If anything, a clean dishwasher is like a well-oiled engine—it will run smoother, last longer, and leave your plates sparkling clean.

Want to know how to clean a stainless steel dishwasher? Wondering how you can keep it new-looking like the rest of your stainless steel appliances?

If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over how to clean them in detail below. Keep reading to learn more!

Importance of Cleaning Your Stainless Steel Dishwasher

Maintaining a spotless dishwasher isn’t just about staying clean; it’s also key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your appliance.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Dishwasher Regularly

Cleaning your stainless steel dishwasher will help prolong its lifespan.

Not only that but having a spotless interior will also ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean every time since nothing will be hampering the water flow or spray arm rotation. Cleanliness translates directly into efficiency in this case.

Consequences of Neglecting Your Dishwasher’s Cleanliness

Ignoring this crucial task can end up affecting more than just the shine on your stainless steel.

The Impact on Cleaning Performance

A dirty machine can significantly affect your dishwasher’s performance. Over time, food debris will build up in hard-to-reach areas and clog the spray arms and filters, which will reduce its efficiency.

Clogged parts aren’t the only issue either. Foul odors will also start wafting from your machine due to grime buildup – not exactly appetizing when unloading clean dishes.

Cleaning the Inside of a Stainless Steel Dishwasher

Here are a few ways to clean the inside of your dishwasher.

Using White Vinegar

Vinegar’s natural acidity makes it perfect for descaling. It can cut through limescale buildup that often dulls the shiny appearance of stainless steel interiors.

To use vinegar, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of white vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run a hot-water cycle without detergent to let its acidic nature do all the work. Just make sure to start wtih an empty dishwasher.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is another great cleaner that’s capable of tackling tough stains inside your dishwasher.

Simply sprinkle one cup across the bottom of your machine then run a short hot-water cycle. That will remove stubborn grime and make your appliance smell fresher.

Cleaning the Exterior of a Stainless Steel Dishwasher

Here are a few tips when it comes to cleaning the exterior.

Maintaining a Shiny Appearance

Fingerprints and stains can dull that shine on stainless steel dishwashers over time. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix; all you need a clean cloth, warm water, and some mild detergent.

Once you’ve wiped away the grime with soapy water, rinse thoroughly with clean water then dry immediately using another soft cloth. That will help prevent water spots from forming on your appliance’s.

Dealing with Hard Water Deposits

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate quickly within the dishwasher’s mechanisms and interior surfaces.

To prevent that, a thorough cleaning every month is recommended. That will help maintain proper drainage and avoid any potential clogs or malfunctions due to build-up.

Cleaning the Control Panels

The control panel is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning dishwashers. It’s where we press buttons and select programs, which is why it’s prone to grime accumulation over time.

To clean the control panel, use a soft soapy cloth to gently wipe off any dust or food particles.

Different Cleaners for Stainless Steel Dishwashers

There are several products that you can use to clean the stainless steel surfaces. Here’s what you need to know.

Commercial Cleaners

Commercial cleaners are designed to remove grime and scale buildup with minimal effort on your part. ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets are an all-in-one solution designed to target limescale and mineral residue with a formula containing enzymes, citric acid, and other ingredients. Regular cleaning will help keep your stainless steel dishwasher sparkling and fresh.

DIY Citric Acid Solution

A DIY solution using citric acid is another option. This natural compound will break down limescale and grease effectively and leave behind a fresh citrusy scent, which can help eliminate odors inside your dishwasher.

Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners like ACTIVE contain natural ingredients that residue inside the machine. They work by breaking down food deposits that are stuck in hard-to-reach areas without causing damage to the appliance itself.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Avoiding common mistakes when cleaning your dishwasher is essential; here’s how to do it correctly.

Using Abrasive Scrubbers or Cleaners

Abrasive cleaners and scrubbing tools (e.g. steel wool) can scratch the surface of your shiny stainless steel dishwasher.

Given that, it’s best to use soft cloths and mild cleaners . And remember – never clean with bleach as it could corrode the interior parts.

Neglecting to Remove Food Debris

You’d be surprised at how much food debris can accumulate in a dishwasher over time. This will not only affect its performance but will also cause unpleasant odors.

That’s why it’s so important to check for trapped food particles in areas like the dishwasher filter and spray arms regularly.

Overlooking Hidden Areas

The third mistake is overlooking hidden areas such as door seals, hinges, or under the bottom rack when cleaning. These often-forgotten spots can develop residues if left unattended for too long.

Remember – always consult your dishwasher manual before starting any deep-cleaning tasks.

Being Eco-Friendly While Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Green cleaning products can be a beneficial choice for both your dishwasher and the environment.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda are excellent choices. Vinegar, with its acidic nature, effectively removes grime while baking soda helps scrub away stubborn stains.

Saving Water and Energy

You can reduce your water consumption by only running full loads in your dishwasher. Not only that but it’ll help save energy too.

Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

There are numerous eco-friendly detergents available that offer powerful cleaning capabilities without harming the ecosystems.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Dishwasher – FAQs

What is the best thing to clean a stainless steel dishwasher with?

Vinegar and baking soda make a great duo for cleaning your stainless steel dishwasher. They’re natural, safe, and super effective.

How do you clean a dirty stainless steel dishwasher?

Start by emptying your dishwasher – there shouldn’t be any dirty dishes or dirty pots left inside.

To remove debris from the filters and arms, run an empty wash cycle with vinegar, then another with baking soda to scrub away stains.

How do you clean the stainless steel interior?

Clean the interior walls and racks using vinegar or a DIY citric acid solution. For stubborn stains, use baking soda mixed with water.

How do you clean the front door of a stainless steel dishwasher?

A damp cloth paired with mild dish soap will do wonders on fingerprints or smudges on your machine’s front door. Rinse it off well afterwards.

And there you have it – a guide on how to clean a stainless steel dishwasher! As you can see, it’s quite straightforward if you know what you do.