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When your laundry pile runneth over, it’s tempting to shove every last item inside the drum of your washing machine to just get it all done, but you probably already know that’s not the right way to do laundry. Regularly over-filling your machine can not only strain the motor and various parts of the appliance, but it can also prevent your clothes from getting a thorough clean and even damage your favorite duds over time. But exactly how full is too full? While extra-large residential washers can often handle mixed loads of 22 to 24 pounds, our experts don’t recommend tipping the scales. You need a bit of wiggle room in the machine for greater efficiency, says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. And it turns out she has a quick trick to help you determine whether you’ve over-filled your machine — all you need is your hand. Whether you’re using a front-loader or top-loader, you should be able to fit one hand in the drum and still have a little room to move it around, says Forté. This will accommodate a rather large load of laundry — a nearly full drum! — but still allow enough room for clothes to circulate in a pool of water and detergent that will get them as clean as possible. It also helps prolong the life of your clothes, since that extra wiggle room helps ensure fabrics don’t rub together, putting strain on the fibers. If you can’t fit your hand in the drum, it’s time to take something out. There is one exception to the rule? Exceptionally bulky items, like weighted or very heavy blankets. Though the manufacturers of some large and weighted blankets may claim these items are machine washable, it’s important to consider the size and capacity of your washer before doing so. A single 20-pound item can put a strain on a machine — even a large-capacity one. In general, our experts do not recommend washing a single item that weighs more than 15 pounds, even if your washer can typically handle 20-pound loads.These rules apply to the dryer, too. Dryers generally have a smaller capacity than washing machines, so it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual for specifics. Depending on how much you have to dry, you may even consider splitting large loads into multiple batches, since overloading a dryer can lead to uneven drying and wrinkled clothes, plus increase energy use. More Tips from our cleaning LabBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

12000 – Cappuccino BrownIvanWuPI//Getty Images“Beige is a tried-and-true favorite, but in the early 2000s, there was an urge to spice it up a bit,” says Noval. This cappuccino brown shade is built on the beige foundation, but it also brings a modern spin to an old staple—which is why so many people gravitated toward it.22001 – Glistening Pearlphototropic//Getty Images“Kitchens in 2001 embraced a more natural, sophisticated aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean they were boring!” says interior designer Liz Williams, founder of Liz Williams Interiors. By using gloss on regular white paint, designers at the time created a glistening pearl shade that kept things elegant and sparkling.RELATED: 10 Best Cabinet Paints, Tested by ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below32002 – Linen WhiteKanok Sulaiman//Getty ImagesAccording to Williams, soft white was a staple this year, with designers going for a clean look that remained uncluttered. “Linen white refers to a softer white that pairs well with sophisticated countertops like granite,” she says. The focus was on the stone, so the kitchen needed a lighter base to let it stand out.42003 – Azure BlueGladiathor//Getty Images“Azure blue is light and breezy, reminding us of joyful optimism and crisp ocean waves,” says Noval. “This serene color fits perfectly with the neutral theme of the decade, but it wasn’t dull.” Soothing themes were the central aesthetic this year, she adds.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below52004 – Cherry RedGladiathor//Getty ImagesAfter the tranquil tones in the first half of the decade, people began to look at pops of color in their kitchens. “Cherry red was huge this year, especially since it added a playful tone to spaces, and allowed for the kitchen to become a statement in the home,” says Noval.RELATED: The Biggest Paint Color Trends of 2025, According to Design Pros62005 – Cool TurquoiseAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesAccording to Williams, turquoise was the perfect mix between tranquility and colorful, which is why it was so popular in 2005. “It merged the two desires of the decade effortlessly, and it had a calming quality to it,” she says.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below72006 – Clay Orange Yury Gubin//Getty Images“Bold orange was the equivalent of rebellion—and it was also the time when millennials began to come of age,” says Noval. This allowed for brighter colors than had ever been seen in kitchens before, and this extra daring orange was a reflection of that.82007 – Sky BlueGladiathor//Getty Images“Pastels shone at the end of the decade, and light blue was incredibly popular this year,” says Williams. “This shade created an open, fresh feel, and made kitchens appear more spacious, especially in popular open floor plans.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below92008 – Light PinkBongkarnThanyakij//Getty ImagesIn that same pastel vein, light pink was added to the mix in 2008, which lent a tranquil feel to the home. “Pink suddenly became a very popular shade for kitchens, especially as people realized it was neutral, yet sunny enough for added warmth,” adds Williams.102009 – Chic Violetismagilov//Getty Images“Violet was very popular at the end of the decade, as people leaned into muted tones for added sophistication,” says Noval. “Earlier, these colors were simply accents, but now, they were statement-making all on their own.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below112010 – Complex GreySolStock//Getty Images“Grey was a new way to bring in dark, moody hues into a kitchen without going overboard,” says Noval. “White finishes made sure there was still a brightness to the room, but the focus was definitely on duskier looks.”122011 – Millennial Pinkizusek//Getty ImagesIs anyone really surprised this was the color of 2011? “Millennial pink was everywhere, so it naturally made its way into our homes,” says Noval. It was the color that could go equally well with soft whites as it could with stronger hues like navy, so it was versatile for every home.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below132012 – Sunny YellowJacek Kadaj//Getty Images“Bold tones took center stage this year, and yellow was the standout,” says Noval. “There was a desire for brightness in the home, and often in an overwhelming way.” Yellow represented a fresh feel and the desire for new, along with a renewed sense of using the kitchen as an entertaining space.142013 – Striking Off WhiteJohn keeble//Getty ImagesPeople were over all the color this year, but instead of returning to snowflake white, they went for off-white instead, says Williams. “Off-white was especially used in smaller kitchens since it helped the space seem larger, and it also provided a gentle brightness that regular white couldn’t do,” she adds.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below152014 – Chocolate Brownholub3dmax//Getty Images“Warm and inviting, chocolate brown lent a timeless look to a kitchen,” says Williams. “A return to the all-wood log cabin feel of the 1700s, it provided a nature-inspired vibe that people gravitated toward at the time.”162015 – Forest Greenpiranka//Getty Images“This year, forest greens paired beautifully with deep browns to create soothing spaces,” says Noval. “It was all about adding serenity in unique ways, with darker shades allowing for contrasts that weren’t seen in interior kitchen design before.”RELATED: Popular Bathroom Paint Colors to Match Any Design StyleAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below172016 – Basic Beigeonurdongel//Getty Images“While it can be seen as boring, beige was a staple in 2016 due to the resurgence of the boho chic look,” says Williams. Paired with accents like rattan chairs and textured quilts, beige was anything but boring. In fact, it was just what those accessories needed to feel chic in their own right.182017 – Navy Bluein4mal//Getty Images“Striking navy blue was huge this year, often paired with white cabinets for a two-tone vibe,” says Williams. It was a more subtle take on jewel tones, and it added a brightness that isn’t normally seen with stronger blacks or purples.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below192018 – Daring BlackJohnnyGreig//Getty Images“After the navy obsession of the year prior, people began to play with darker tones like black to really hit the trend home,” says Williams. “It was all about cozying up to those richer hues and letting them steal the show.”202019 – Vibrant TealBulgac//Getty Images“Vibrant tones were huge in 2019, right before the pandemic hit,” says Lina Galvoa, co-founder of interior design firm Curated Nest. “Teal was a major hit, especially because it mimicked a retro vibe, and added the cool factor to a kitchen.”Nikhita Mahtani is an NYC-based freelance writer with six years of experience specializing in design and wellness. She primarily writes home tours, service pieces, SEO stories, and features, offering readers practical tips to personalize current trends. Nikhita holds a master’s degree in magazine journalism from New York University, and her work has appeared in publications such as Veranda, SELF, Allure, ELLE Decor, Domino, and Dwell.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Most of us spend hours every day using technology, and you might be surprised to know that digital clutter can have similar negative impacts as physical clutter. A cluttered device can make us feel frustrated, overwhelmed and unproductive — which is why professional organizers urged me to start the new year with a digital declutter.Below, organizing experts Beata Kozlowski of Tidy Step by Step and Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out share their advice for decluttering digital devices — from sorting through photo albums, apps and emails to limiting phone notifications to avoid distraction. Tips for decluttering your digital space ✔️ Start with one device. “Your phone is usually the best starting point, since we use it daily,” says Kozlowski.✔️ Don’t try to get everything done at once. Don’t spend the entire day decluttering your device — dedicate 15 minutes at a time and take small breaks in between.✔️ Focus on one category. “Think of it like cleaning — start in one room, rather than trying to clean the whole house at once,” Kozlowski says.✔️ Prevent future clutter. “Take a few minutes every day to prevent clutter from accumulating again — clear your camera roll while waiting for your coffee to brew and delete screenshots right after using them,” says Kozlowski.✔️ Set calendar reminders for regular maintenance. Delete screenshots and downloads weekly, and clean up your photos, videos and apps every three months.More Advice From Pro OrganizersPhotos Kozlowski suggests starting with “obvious clutter,” like screenshots, blurry images and unnecessary photo albums. Turns out, iPhone’s photo app has built-in duplicate detection, where you quickly merge dupes. I had nearly 20,000 photos and videos on my phone — many of which were accidental screenshots of my lock screen, duplicate images and videos I downloaded from TikTok. Within a half hour, I was able to delete 2,000 unimportant images. Apps”Uninstall apps you no longer use to free up space and reduce visual clutter,” says Tomlin. It might be an airline you fly once every few years, a mobile game you haven’t played in months or a brand you rarely shop. As for the apps you regularly use, organize them into folders — some categories I found useful: utilities, shopping, travel and games. Alyssa GautieriAlyssa GautieriNotification controlsWhen your lock screen is overloaded with notifications, you may miss the ones that matter. “Customize your notification settings to minimize distractions,” says Kozlowski. “Enable alerts only for essential apps and messages, helping you maintain focus and reduce digital noise.” Computer filesFrom a cluttered desktop and a disorganized download folder to a nearly full Google Drive, my computer needed a serious declutter. “Go through documents, images and videos,” suggests Tomlin. “Delete duplicates, outdated files and anything you don’t need. Set up basic folders like “Important Documents,” “Photos” and “Work Files.'”EmailsI get hundreds of emails per day, so it’s impossible to completely clear my inbox — but creating a folder system has made it easier to find important emails when I need them. “Unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists and regularly sort through your inbox,” says Tomlin, who suggests deleting unimportant messages and archiving important emails every week to stay organized. andresr//Getty ImagesEntertainment filesSort through downloaded content on your phone, deleting playlists, podcasts and movies that aren’t of interest anymore. These files take up a lot of space if you’re not enjoying them on a regular basis. Passwords and accounts”Review your online accounts and delete or deactivate any you no longer use,” says Tomlin. For me, this was old email accounts, social media profiles and memberships with retailers I never shop. “Consider using a password manager to keep track of important logins without cluttering your memory.”Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Homeowner Emily Harnasz knew she was in for a long renovation journey when she moved into a quirky Scottish Victorian villa a few years ago. But there was one thing she didn’t see coming — a discovery that would go viral on social media. Nestled inside her soon-to-be home office was a boarded-up spot on the wall. Thinking it could be rubble or something even messier behind there, Harnasz decided to ignore it and postpone the stress. “It was literally a random day a few months later when I was sat at my desk and I was like, ‘I’m going to take that board off and look,'” says Harnasz.Courtesy of Emily HarnaszCourtesy of Emily HarnaszTo her surprise, she discovered a fully intact fireplace, painted a cream color. Her Instagram followers were pretty shocked too, commenting that it looked like the creepy door in the animated film Coraline. Some even said it resembled a urinal. Harnasz, on the other hand, saw its potential.”I just thought I struck gold,” she says. “So I was like, ‘I’m going to need to continue on this journey. This is definitely not the end.’ That’s when I decided I was going to strip all of the paint back and see what was further underneath it.”Having never renovated before, she turned to Google and social media for answers, which eventually helped her come up with an action plan that involved a peel-it-off paint remover called Kling-Strip and many, many buckets of water. “It was not fun, but it was worth it,” she says. The fireplace turned out to be cobalt blue, which is surprising enough on its own. But there’s another layer to the fun: Harnasz just happens to be a color consultant. “I love color. I love paint. I love interiors. So I’d already had a vision for how I wanted the space to feel. I’ve got a bright green ceiling. I’ve got a bright yellow radiator. I very much like to have these pops of color. I feel like this house was made for me,” she says. “Not many other people would have appreciated finding such a bold thing.”Courtesy of Emily HarnaszAnd so she continued on her color journey, painting the surrounding area of the fireplace a similar shade of blue, which not all of her followers approved of. But Harnasz didn’t mind at all. Her office brings her joy, which to her, is all that matters. “One of my favorite comments that I got was someone saying that it’s ‘endearingly ugly’,” she says. “That almost sums up my personal style. I find the beauty in ugly things. I’m always wanting to find the weird stuff. I really liked that.” Whether or not you think the fireplace is ugly, there’s no denying that it has personality. Today, creating a home that reflects who you are — rather than sticking to minimalist trends and neutral colors — is becoming more and more popular in interior design. And clearly, other social media users think so too (her original fireplace discovery video garnered almost 200k likes on Instagram). “Our home shouldn’t be a serious place. It should be a place where you can go and feel joy. I think the space resonates with people’s playful side,” she says. “And people also just love other people doing controversial things, don’t they?”Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

I have lived in a number of apartment-style complexes throughout my life. I love the convenience of an urban, walkable area and the community feel they all seemingly share. However, there’s another dreaded thing they have in common: shared laundry. While I typically enjoy shared community spaces, laundry rooms are the exception. I’ve waited hours to use a machine that’s no longer running but still has clothes in it. I’ve had my laundry removed by another tenant before it was even done. And let’s not forget the mess people can sometimes leave behind. To put it simply, I’ve seen it all — and I’ve decided it’s finally time to take action and come up with some clear-cut shared laundry guidelines. After speaking to etiquette expert Elaine Swann, I’ve rounded up a list of six simple rules you should always follow in shared laundry spaces (including what to do if they aren’t followed by your neighbors).Related StoriesThe Rules of Shared Laundry 1. Do NOT leave your laundry for more than 15 minutes after it’s done.bymuratdeniz//Getty ImagesThere is no circumstance where you or your neighbors should leave laundry in a machine for more than 15 minutes after the cycle is done, especially during peak times. If you think you’ll have to leave the building for some time, wait to start the load once you’re back and available to either switch your clothes from the washer to the dryer or take them out all together. “Use your cell phone and set an alarm for yourself,” says Swann. “What we have now is an actual alarm clock in our pocket. It’s really important for us to utilize our digital assets to keep us on track.”Tip: Set a timer for five minutes before your cycle is expected to finish so you have ample time to make your way to the laundry room. 2. Handle other people’s laundry with care. So the 15-minute grace period has passed. Now what? Swann says it’s OK to go ahead and remove the laundry that was left in the machine. However, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. “When you take the laundry out, make sure it’s not just strewn to the side somewhere, but that it actually appears as though it’s been done with some sort of care. You want to give the impression that you put some thought into moving this stuff to the side,” says Swann. While you don’t have to fold your neighbor’s clothes, make sure you put it back in the basket next to it or carefully on top of the machine. 3. Stay in communication with your neighbors.The more neighbors you know and develop a relationship with, the easier shared laundry becomes. Of course, it’s impossible to be friendly with everyone in the building. But every time you introduce yourself to someone new, try exchanging numbers or contact information if you’re comfortable. “A lot of things can be taken care of very quickly with a quick text or phone call. I really stress to folks that as you start to run into individuals, share your contact information,” says Swann. “You can squash some future conflict just by having their information.”4. Assess the room before doing multiple loads. Ana Rocio Garcia Franco//Getty ImagesWhile not necessarily ideal for the people around you, it is acceptable to do a couple loads of laundry in one day. But if you’re hoping to do multiple loads, ask yourself a couple of questions first: Is it a peak time to do laundry? How many units are available? Are there other people who have been waiting all day?Make the decision that’s best for the people around you. For example, if there are several machines open, you can use two machines at once so you’re in and out as fast as possible. If there’s only one machine available, stick to the one you have and keep the other open for your neighbors. And if it’s extra busy at the moment but you know you’ll have time later in the week at a non-peak time, save one for later.Tip: Swann recommends making sure there are 1-2 machines available before starting your second load. 5. Get out by 9 p.m.If your laundry room doesn’t have any hours listed, try your best to leave by 9 p.m., especially if there are apartment units next to, above or below the shared the space. “This is when we should stop daytime social activities, everything from doing laundry, playing music, calling people, texting people — that 9 p.m. time frame is when we should be shutting it down,” says Swann.If you’re the one being disturbed by late-night laundry noises, Swann suggests involving an authority figure, whether it’s management or a landlord. 6. Clean up after yourself. Catherine McQueen//Getty ImagesThis should go without saying, but it is essential that everyone cleans up after themselves in any shared space. Whether it’s wiping down spilled detergent or cleaning out the lint tray, always do your part. And if you’re noticing others aren’t, inform management to ensure the laundry room stays clean. The Bottom Line Most of the time, there aren’t any real rules listed in shared laundry spaces. However, if we’re considerate of the people and the space around us, there shouldn’t be any issues. “When we think about etiquette, it’s not just about all these rules and guidelines. We should look at it from the perspective of putting others at ease and being thoughtful,” says Swann.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Chances are, you probably never think about the process of running the dishwasher while you’re doing it. Loading the dishes, filling the machine with dishwasher detergent and pressing ‘Start’ to begin the cycle all become pretty automatic. While that’s part of the beauty of it, it also might be the reason you’re missing out on a special setting. After taking a closer look at tons of different dishwashers, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab are here to point out the convenient drying feature you may not have ever noticed on your machine. The next time you’re ready to start the dishwasher, take a look at all the buttons. You’ll most likely find an “extra dry” setting, whether it’s labeled ‘Dry+,’ ‘Pro Dry,’ ‘Extended Dry’ or some other variation. When the cycle is over, your dishes will be clean and dry. The more you know, right?So say goodbye to dripping plates and slippery cups — simply give your machine a bit of extra time to do the drying work for you and rid yourself of post-cycle dread! And if you’ve been missing this setting the whole time, don’t worry. Although it might seem obvious, it’s pretty easy to mindlessly press ‘Start’ without even thinking about what else your machine can do. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Sure, you might see a rug and fall in love with the style or pattern at first glance. But there’s a lot more to consider than just aesthetics when it comes to purchasing a new rug for the living room, dining room or any other space in your home. To help you out, we spoke to several interior designers to learn the top things you should always do before buying a rug — including hacks to get it right on the first try. Related StoryWhat to Do Before Buying a Rug Most importantly, measure.Elijah HoffmanMeasuring a room for a rug involves many factors. How many inches do you want between the rug and the wall? Will all of your furniture fit on the rug? Are there any unique architectural elements in your home that may interfere with the space?”It’s essential to measure your space accurately and consider the rug’s intended purpose,” says designer Kerrie Kelly. “This ensures the rug complements your furniture arrangement, allows for proper walkways and provides the right texture or durability for the room’s activity level.”If you’re not exactly sure how to start measuring your space, don’t worry — we’ve included measuring hacks and tips below.Figure out the largest rug that fits.Colin FaulknerYou don’t want the rug to be pressed up all the way against the wall, but it also shouldn’t be too small for the room. Designers recommend going for the largest rug that fits (minus a few inches on each side for some breathing room). “A common mistake is to buy a rug that’s too small. Ideally, all of your furniture’s legs will fit on the rug, but at least the front two of your sofa should,” says designer Laura Hodges. “A rug that’s too small feels like a little island in the room, while a larger rug completes the space and feels more intentional.” Related StoryPrioritize safety.Extending a rug too far into a pathway can be dangerous, according to designer Mary Anne Smiley: “Rugs can add warmth, texture, style and verve to a space. But! The most important thing to know is that anything we walk on is a potential slip or trip hazard and we must minimize these dangers above all else.” Know your materials.Stockah//Getty ImagesWhile synthetic fibers can be a good choice for rugs in high-traffic areas, they’re not always as durable as natural fibers. For a more eco-friendly and long-lasting choice, try wool, jute or organic cotton. Just keep in mind that those materials may be a bit more difficult to clean. “It is important to pick a rug you like, but you should also take a little time learning about the make of the carpet — what type of fiber is used? For example, a wool rug and silk rug look and feel different, and how you care for them differs. There are many options, so knowing about the possibilities and how to care for them is good,” says designer Delia K. Brennen. Purchase a rug pad.Rug pads are often overlooked in the purchasing process, but they’re worth the investment, according to designers. “They help with the longevity of a rug as well as keeping it in place,” says Ashton Ford of AshtonForDesign.Designer-Approved Measuring HacksMeasuring isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially when it’s something as subjective as interior design. It all depends on your personal preference — however, designers have included their favorite tips and tricks that’ll make your life easier. severija//Getty ImagesUse painter’s tape: “This is a fantastic way to outline the size of the rug directly on your floor. It helps visualize how the rug will interact with your furniture and walkways before you make a purchase,” says Kelly. Follow the rule of thirds: Measuring the dining room for a rug can be a bit more intensive, according to designers. Try dividing the room into thirds and opting for a rug that covers the middle section. However, make sure all chairs fit on top: “There is nothing worse than moving a chair off and on a rug in a dining experience,” says Ford. Roll out the kraft paper: If you really want to get a feel for how a rug will look in your space, this hack is for you. “Kraft paper is a great way to map it out,” says designer Beth Diana Smith. Just roll out the paper and see how your potential rug might fit. Make sure furniture is in place first: “Always place furniture in the room as you’d typically use it before measuring. This ensures the rug will work with the flow and functionality of the space,” says Kelly.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

When you’re facing a sink full of soiled glasses, plates and pots and pans, the best dishwashers serve as the true heroes. Today’s models are well-equipped to handle all kinds of messes, including tall tasks like greasy, starchy messes and baked-on cheese. (We know, because when we test dishwashers, we throw some seriously dirty jobs their way — think burned-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and more.) But as capable as they are, they’re not miracle-workers. Your dishwasher needs TLC to operate at the top of its game. You should never assume your dishwasher doesn’t need to be cleaned, says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “It’s not a garbage disposal, and it doesn’t clean itself with every cycle.” 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). In Case You’re In the Market for a New OneTo 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: 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.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).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. 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. 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.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. Get to Know Your Appliance BetterBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More