Cleaning Experts Reveal Simple Hacks for Cleaner Dishes

It’s definitely frustrating to pull your dishes out of the dishwasher only to realize they’re not really clean. If you’re seeing stuck-on bits of food, hard water stains, or grime on your dishes, read up on these dishwasher hacks for cleaner dishes. Experts from the Home Care & Cleaning Lab have filled us in on the maintenance and cleaning steps that can help your appliance run more effectively.

In addition to cleaning the appliance regularly (more on that in a second!), you can often get cleaner dishes by loading the machine correctly. While there’s plenty of debate about how to load plates and silverware in the dishwasher, one thing is clear: You need to leave enough space between items to ensure the water can circulate. You also don’t want to block the detergent dispenser door or the spray arm.

Luckily, once you’ve given your dishwasher a good clean and found an efficient way to load it, grimy dishes are a thing of the past. Below, experts explain a few simple tricks to help your dishwasher run more effectively. If you’re looking for more dishwasher hacks, read up on this space-saving trick experts love and the dishwasher settings that everyone should know.

Carolyn Forté, former executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, explains that dishwashers aren’t self-cleaning, despite what many people think. “It’s not a garbage disposal, and it doesn’t clean itself with every cycle,” she says,.

Like any other appliance you may have in your home, a dishwasher requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it running effectively. That’s because bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent and water minerals can build up on the dishwasher’s filter and interior walls over time. They can even clog the spray arms. Even worse, a dirty dishwasher can harbor bacteria and mold, making your dishes dirtier rather than cleaner (spots and film on glasses, plates and utensils provide a tell-tale clue).

To make sure your dishwasher is clean and ready to make whatever you place inside sparkle, you should be giving it a good clean every month.

Follow Forté’s top tip:

1. Wipe excess food from dishes before loading. You don’t need to rinse them, as that wastes water, but wiping away excess food helps keep the filter cleaner.
2. Add detergent packs to the dispenser. Don’t just toss detergent in the bottom of the machine; doing so will cause them to dissolve in the prewash and be washed away before the main cycle begins. You should also buy only what you can use within two months, and store the product in a cool, dry spot (i.e. not under the sink, where the detergent is prone to clumping or deteriorating).
3. Do a quick sweep after every load. Once the dishwasher is empty, remove any bits of food or small debris (like beans, macaroni or olive pits) that may have collected around the filter during the cycle.
4. Clean the filter. The filter, which is typically found below the bottom spray arm, should be cleaned about once every week or two, depending on usage. After removing it, rinse it under hot running water, scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse and replace. If you’re not sure how to remove it, check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details.
5. Do a weekly once-over. Wipe down the door edges and gasket to get rid of any debris. It’s also a good idea to clean the front, wiping the handle and control panel whenever you see spots or splatter.
6. Use a dishwasher cleaner. We recommend using a cleaner from brands like Cascade (a GH Seal holder) or affresh once per month to help rid the tub, spray arms and pump of buildup.