A dirty dishwasher can lead to a myriad of problems, including unpleasant odors, water spots on dishes, and subpar cleaning performance.
But don’t worry – cleaning the dishwasher is quite straightforward once you understand the steps involved.
Importance of Cleaning the Dish Washer Machine
Regular maintenance is crucial for all home appliances and the dishwasher is no exception.
You might think a dirty dishwasher is harmless but it can lead to various issues from unpleasant odors to poor performance and excessive energy usage.
It can also cause water spots on your glasses and residue on your plates due to accumulated food debris, soap scum, and grease.
Identifying Signs of a Dirty Dishwasher
Recognizing when your dishwasher needs cleaning can be tricky if you don’t know what signs to look for.
Unpleasant Odors
If you notice an unusual odor coming from your dishwasher, chances are, it’s time for a cleaning.
The smell is usually due to a build-up of food particles or grease, which can also affect the dishwasher’s performance over time.
Detecting Soap Scum Build-Up
Soap scum buildup is another common problem that plagues dishwashers. It occurs when hard water minerals mix with dishwasher detergent – the result? An unsightly cloudy layer inside your machine as well as on your dishes.
It’s not just a matter of aesthetics either; it can also hamper the dishwasher’s functionality.
Poor Drainage
The drainage system plays a crucial role in keeping dishwashers clean by flushing out dirty water after each cleaning cycle.
Over time, however, bits of food may get trapped, causing blockages and clogs.
The easiest way to prevent that is by checking the area regularly. Remember, vigilance goes a long way when it comes to keeping your dishwasher clean.
Preparing Your Dishwasher for Cleaning
Before you clean your dishwasher, you want to make sure that it’s empty. Lingering items such as racks and plates can obstruct the cleaning process and prevent a thorough cleanse.
There’s also the dishwasher filter, which is responsible for catching large food particles before they clog up the drain, which helps ensure smooth operation during each cycle.
Ideally, you want to take it out and clean it separately. While most filters are located at the bottom of the machine, different dishwasher models may have them at different locations.
Keeping Your Dishwasher Clean With ACTIVE
To begin, you just need two things – an empty dishwasher and an ACTIVE dishwasher cleaning tablet. The tablets are specifically formulated to penetrate hard-to-reach areas during each wash cycle, effectively breaking down the buildup inside the dishwasher.
Just place the tablet in the main detergent tray and run a wash cycle.
For the best results, use a hot water cycle, or if available, the ‘sanitize’ or ‘heavy duty’ cycles, both of which use higher temperatures. The heat will boost the efficiency of the cleaning ingredients, leading to more efficient cleaning.
You’ll notice immediate results once you open the dishwasher door after the cycle is finished.
Not only will the grime be gone but any previous odor will also have disappeared thanks to the thorough cleansing properties of ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner.
Cleaning the Exterior of the Dishwasher
The exterior of the dishwasher is just as important as the interior. Take the door and control panel, for example, they can both accumulate grime over time, which may affect the appliance’s performance.
One way to keep these areas clean is by using a dish soap solution. It will cut through the grease without damaging your dishwasher’s finish.
Why Choose ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets?
ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets are specially formulated to deep clean all parts of your dishwasher. They excel at removing stubborn soap scum from the interior walls, door, and even hard-to-reach areas like the filter and drain system.
Not only will they leave the inside sparkly clean but they will also eliminate odors by eliminating food residue and leaving a fresh scent.
In doing so, you won’t have to worry about dealing with any potential blockages, which can significantly affect the dishwasher’s performance. They’re also septic-safe.
Using Dishwasher Cleaners – Common Questions
Keeping your dishwasher in tip-top shape is essential for its longevity and performance. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers.
How Often Should I Clean My Dishwasher?
You should deep clean your dishwasher twice a month using ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets.
As discussed earlier, you want to start by emptying the machine, as well as the filter.
Generally speaking, two cleanings per month with ACTIVE should be plenty for the average home. Having said that, heavily soiled machines may require more frequent cleaning or extra cleaning cycles.
How Does Hard Water Affect My Dishwasher?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can build up over time and cause problems.
For example, it can lead to deposit buildup on the interior surfaces and components. This includes areas such as the dishwasher drain, filter system, and the stainless steel parts within the machine.
These deposits can impede its performance by clogging up the jets or by affecting how well your dish soap cleans dishes.
Not only that but the mineral deposits can also cause unsightly stains inside your empty dishwasher, which may be difficult to remove later on.
Can a bad garbage disposal affect the dishwasher?
Yes – the garbage disposal and dishwasher share the same piping. If the former is clogged, it can lead to issues with the dishwasher.
We recommend using ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner tablets to keep your disposal unit clean and clog-free.
Cleaning Solutions For All Appliances From ACTIVE
Looking for something to clean your other appliances?
ACTIVE offers quality cleaning products that are specifically designed for various household appliances including washing machines, garbage disposals, coffee machines, and more.
Be sure to take a look at what we have to offer!
Elias –
I live in a city with hard water and want to protect my appliances. Since moving in, I’ve noticed calcium buildup on my dishwasher’s heating element, and scrubbing hasn’t worked. I found some tablets on TikTok for $13 for 24, so I decided to try them. After using one tablet, I didn’t see much change in the visible buildup, but it crumbled when I touched it. I lightly scrubbed it and ran a rinse cycle. The first photo shows the before, the second after the cycle, and the third after my scrub and rinse. I haven’t had any odor issues, so I can’t comment on that. I plan to keep using the tablets, and next time I’ll try two to see if it helps more. I’m also taking some to my parents to try on their dishwasher.
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Richard P. –
i tried the dishwasher cleaner tablets and found the results average. while they added a fresher scent, they didn’t effectively remove buildup, especially around the door seals. the tablets produced a lot of foam, which could indicate compatibility issues with some models. i suggest using this product cautiously and starting with 1 tablet to see how it works for your dishwasher.
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Tala –
My dishwasher had become dirty and smelly after months without cleaning. I used a cleaner, and it got rid of the grime and odor. I love it! Thank you, Tala!
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Jack –
I wanted this product to work due to the family-oriented vibe of the company. The impressive packaging and personal note were lovely touches. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver results; we noticed no change before and after using two pods as instructed.
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Tripp B –
Nice packaging, easy to use, and effectively cleans the dishwasher. Good value for a year’s supply
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Zachary –
This product works adequately, but I want to address a few points from other reviews. Using 2 tabs creates excessive suds; my dishwasher ran for 6 hours trying to clear them. The packaging states it’s made in China, which was confusing. The included thank you note is plastic-wrapped and looks like a generic mailing. It appears handwritten but is computer-generated, lacking a personal touch. The price is reasonable for a year’s supply, but I prefer other dishwasher tablets.
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Inaya –
My Whirlpool dishwasher was working perfectly for four years, leaving my dishes sparkling with no odors or buildup. I decided to try these new products for a refresh, but something went wrongand perhaps they clogged some spray jets? The smell didn’t change, and now the bottom rack isn’t cleaning properly. My dishes come out in terrible condition. I wish I had stuck with my Cascade Platinum Plus tabs, which always did a fantastic job.
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Bucky –
UPDATE – The seller reached out and offered a refund, which I appreciate. I’m raising my rating from 1 to 3 stars due to their excellent customer service. They did not ask me to change my review. I noticed these generally receive positive reviews, so I tried them multiple times, often using two at once. Each time, the dishwasher looks the same post-wash. They seem ineffective. The attached photos were taken a few hours after using the tabs, allowing the washer to dry. Perhaps others have better results, but these dont work for our dishwasher.
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Tormen –
Our dishwasher was filthy and revolting. My husband wanted to buy a new one, but I insisted on trying to fix this one first. After one cleaning, I ran it again due to our family’s intense mess. I’m thrilled with the progress so far. What a fantastic product!
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Rocky –
I bought this to clean the dirty dishwasher in our new rental, and it worked well; the dishwasher was much cleaner afterward. However, Cascade Platinum pods seem to yield similar results. My main concern is that I used two capsules for the initial cleaning as suggested, but some leaked out around the bottom of the dishwasher.
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