How To Clean A Moldy Dishwasher

How to Clean a Moldy Dishwasher

The sight of a moldy dishwasher is a disheartening one – a sign of unseen buildup and a potential harbinger of unpleasant odors. Beyond the obvious visual issue, mold growth isn’t just unsightly; it can lead to a compromised hygiene system, impacting the cleanliness of your dishes and potentially contaminating food. Mold thrives in the damp, warm environment of a dishwasher, and if left unchecked, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

It’s a common problem, but thankfully, with the right approach, you can tackle it effectively and restore your dishwasher to its full potential. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing the root causes and offering practical, step-by-step instructions.

Things to Do When Cleaning a Moldy Dishwasher

1. Remove Food Debris: Start with the obvious. Scrape any large food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher. A long-handled scraper or even a spatula can be useful.
2. Clean the Spray Arms: The spray arms are the most common culprits for mold buildup. Remove them (consult your dishwasher’s manual for instructions – often they just twist off), soak them in a solution of hot water and a cup of white vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Use a brush to scrub away any hardened deposits.
3. Empty and Clean the Filter: Dishwashers have a filter system to trap food particles. Clean this regularly (usually weekly or bi-weekly) as a buildup here directly contributes to mold growth. Locate and remove your dishwasher’s filter and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
4. Vinegar Wash: Pour a cup of white vinegar directly into the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Run a full cycle with the hottest water setting and the highest heat setting. Vinegar’s acidity helps to kill mold and break down mineral deposits.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning a Moldy Dishwasher

1. Bleach (Generally): While bleach is a powerful disinfectant, it’s not ideal for dishwashers. It can damage the rubber seals and plastic components, leading to discoloration and potential material breakdown.
2. Abrasive Cleaners: Steel wool, scouring pads, and other abrasive cleaners will scratch the interior surfaces of your dishwasher, creating more areas for mold to cling to and potentially damaging the finish.

Steps

1. Step 1: Initial Inspection – Assess the Scope: Take a good look at the dishwasher. Identify the extent of the mold growth – is it just the bottom, or is it spreading? This helps you determine the intensity of the cleaning needed.
2. Step 2: Remove Loose Debris: Remove any visible food particles and debris.
3. Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms: Remove the spray arms, soak them in a vinegar solution, and scrub thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Run the Vinegar Cycle: Pour the vinegar into the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run a full cycle using the hottest water and highest heat settings.
5. Step 5: Baking Soda Treatment: Add baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher after the vinegar cycle. Run a short, hot cycle.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a moldy dishwasher is a proactive step in maintaining a hygienic kitchen. The key is consistency – regular cleaning of the filter and a monthly deep clean, utilizing vinegar and baking soda, will significantly reduce the chances of mold establishing itself.