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If you haven't used your dishwasher in a while, there's a high chance that mold growth has accumulated in the interior and dishwasher door. Cleaning your moldy dishwasher will refresh the appliance, and make it safe to use for your dishes again.
In this article, we'll provide the step-by-step process on cleaning a moldy dishwasher, as well as tips to prevent mold growth in your dishwasher for future reference! Here's what you'll need to get started on the cleaning process:
What You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Scrub brush or Bottle brush
- Dishwasher-safe container
- Spray bottle
- Dry microfiber cloth
- Dishwasher filter
- Mask and Protective gear - to prevent inhaling mold spores
How to Remove Mold from Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher
Start with an empty dishwasher by removing the dishes and racks stored inside. You will need to wash the racks separately as you treat the mold growth in your dishwasher. Replace the dishwasher filter as this part may have mold growth as well. If possible, remove the dishwasher door seal as mold tends to hide in it.
Step 2: Create a Cleaning Paste
Create a cleaning paste by mixing enough vinegar and baking soda to form a thin paste. Apply the paste directly on the mold spots. Cover the interior of your moldy dishwasher with the paste for a full cleaning cycle. Vinegar and baking soda should kill mold in your dishwasher without damaging the kitchen appliance. Apply the paste on the racks and seal as well.
Step 3: Let it Sit, Then Scrub
Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes to thoroughly kill all the mold spots and spores, then take your scrubbing brush. Scrub away the loosened mold colonies from your moldy dishwasher until you no longer see any visible mold. Give your empty dishwasher a good rinse, and do the same to the rack and the seal.
Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda
Place the racks and seal back on the dishwasher. Sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of the dishwasher, and place a bowl filled with vinegar and water on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Step 5: Run a Wash Cycle
Close the dishwasher, and prepare it for a wash cycle. Run a hot water cycle on the highest heat setting to clean and refresh your moldy dishwasher. The baking soda should deodorize your dishwasher, and remove any remaining mold, while the white vinegar will kill off the mold spores. The hot water cycle will kill any mold around the dishwasher as well.
Step 6: Dry Completely
After the wash cycle has completed, check to see if there are any baking soda residues. If you find residue, simply rinse it away with plain water. If not, then take your microfiber cloth, and dry the dishwasher manually. Leave the door open, and allow the dishwasher to dry completely. This will prevent mold from growing in your dishwasher again.
Effective Tips to Maintain Your Dishwasher and Prevent Mold Growth
- Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner often to clean and refresh your dishwasher before the mold growths start to form.
- Keep your dishwasher dry, especially if you won't be using it for a while. If you're going on vacation, or leaving your home for a few days, wipe the dishwasher dry and leave the door open to air dry the interior prior to your trip.
- Clean the top rack, middle rack, and bottom dish rack with soapy water regularly as food particles may get trapped between the racks.
- Disinfect your dishwasher to prevent mold, bacteria, and germs from festering inside.
- Change your filter regularly to prevent mold growth and bacteria from thriving.
Cleaning Your Home the Convenient Way
Having a moldy dishwasher in your home indicates the presence of mold elsewhere in the house. Clean your home the convenient way when you let us tackle the chores for you - we'll get to the bottom of your mold problem, and eradicate mold for good with our scheduled cleaning sessions and deep cleaning services!
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
