Reasons for cleaning equipment
Dishwasher manufacturers strongly recommend carrying out cleaning procedures at least once every 3-4 weeks, but housewives do not always adhere to this rule and carry out appropriate measures only if absolutely necessary. You can’t blame people, because the frequency of cleaning the device from dirt depends on the operating characteristics of the machine. Urgent procedures are necessary if an unpleasant odor appears in the tank.
The number of cleanings is influenced by the following factors:
- Device usage schedule. Some housewives turn on the machine every day, others wash a small amount of dishes by hand; the device is used only when there is a significant accumulation of plates and cups.
- The degree of contamination of cutlery. Salads and vegetable fats are much easier to clean than animal fats and burnt food. Some of these contaminants accumulate in large quantities under the rubber seals.
- Temperature regime for washing dishes. The user himself selects the required temperature; the lower it is, the faster the device will clog.
- The amount of active substance in detergents. The more aggressive the solution, the longer the dishwasher will last. At the same time, a large amount of household chemicals used can harm human health.
Before you clean the dishwasher from grease, you need to decide on the operation of the unit. If the user receives clean, squeaky dishes at the output, then the device is working normally. If dark stains or traces of dirt remain on the cups and plates, it is necessary to take urgent measures to care for the equipment.
Most users do not know how to clean the inside of a dishwasher. To carry out such work, you will need a soft kitchen sponge and a toothbrush. Using this tool, filters and impellers, as well as the space between the seals, are cleaned. In addition, you need to look at the walls of the chamber and the container for storing dishes. There should be no mold in these areas. If such defects are present, problem areas are cleaned using detergents. At the final stage of work, the machine is started.
Dishwasher care instructions
Household appliances must be wiped both outside and inside immediately after removing cutlery, plates, cups.
Forms of release of household chemicals
Currently, manufacturers offer cleaners in three variations:
- powder is a more familiar form of release for most users, which is cheap and has good efficiency. It is not difficult to dose the product; on the other hand, there is a risk of spilling it past the compartment. Another disadvantage is the likelihood of leaving scratches on delicate dishes;
- gel - the most gentle and safe preparations that have a gentle and gentle effect on any materials. They provide excellent results and do not contain abrasives or other hard components;
- tablets are a more expensive but convenient option. One tablet is enough for one cycle. Such a product cannot be spilled or spilled by inhaling toxins. On the other hand, one wash is not always enough to completely dissolve the tablet, which is why their consumption is not always rational.
Frau Schmidt Gel Tablets
Dishwasher cleaners
Forms of release of household chemicals
Currently, manufacturers offer cleaners in three variations:
- powder is a more familiar form of release for most users, which is cheap and has good efficiency. It is not difficult to dose the product; on the other hand, there is a risk of spilling it past the compartment. Another disadvantage is the likelihood of leaving scratches on delicate dishes;
- gel - the most gentle and safe preparations that have a gentle and gentle effect on any materials. They provide excellent results and do not contain abrasives or other hard components;
- tablets are a more expensive but convenient option.
One tablet is enough for one cycle. Such a product cannot be spilled or spilled by inhaling toxins. On the other hand, one wash is not always enough to completely dissolve the tablet, which is why their consumption is not always rational. Frau Schmidt Gel Tablets
Home Remedies
Experienced housewives prefer not to spend money on professional products, but to use folk home recipes. The following formulations are considered the most effective:
- baking soda and vinegar - for this you need to remove the filter, grille, basket and impeller from the unit. Then wash the parts in soapy water. After that, install them in place, place a container with 9% vinegar on the bottom of the equipment, and cover the walls and all elements with soda. Run a long cycle at 600 and wait for the result;
- borax - initially it is necessary to perform manual cleaning, using a sponge to rinse all components and the internal surface. After this, pour powdered borax inside the unit and turn on a long wash;
- soda and hydrogen peroxide - you need to prepare a mixture of a pack of soda, a bottle of peroxide and any essential oil (20-30 drops). Stir until smooth and place in the freezer for 20 minutes. Place the formed lump in the dish basket and run the full cycle.
Interesting! It is enough to carry out manipulations once every 2 months. In addition, you can soften the water, which will lead to reduced stone deposits, using salt.
Cleaning procedure
To prevent dirt from accumulating on the doors, they are regularly washed with a wet cloth or napkin soaked in a soapy solution.
You need to wipe the machine, the body of which is made of stainless steel, with a special cleaner, and the control panel with a dry cloth. Drops of liquid should not fall on the buttons.
Washing the strainer
Once a week, it is recommended to remove the shelves from the chamber, soak them in detergent and dry them with a soft cloth. Every 7 or 8 days, it is necessary to remove the mesh filter from the lower basket, soak this part in a soapy solution, rinse with cool water, and return it to its place.
Cleaning the blades
Food residues and hard liquids clog the holes through which the soap solution enters the dishwasher. Clogged blades that supply water must be removed and cleaned with wire, rinsed under the tap.
Processing of seals
In order for household appliances to perform their functions for a long time and efficiently, it is worth purchasing a special chemical composition in the store, which is applied with a sponge to the seal that is installed on the dishwasher door.
Manual dishwasher care
Be sure to clean the elements and parts yourself. How to care for the internal parts of the machine:
- Open the hopper door and remove the drain filter. There may be a mesh behind it, remove that as well. Rinse the parts under pressure from the tap; for stubborn dirt, use a brush.
- Behind the filter is the pump impeller.
- Use a sponge to pump out the water from the hole, unscrew the screws and remove the pump cover. Inspect and clean the impeller of debris.
- Remove the sprinklers from their seats.
- Use a toothpick to clean the injectors and rinse with water.
- Use a wet sponge and detergent to wash all baskets, shelves, holders, and the walls of the dishwasher. Don't forget the door and powder tray.
- Disconnect the drain and inlet hoses and rinse. Clean the inlet filter and the flow filter, which is located near the tee.
- The external PMM panel can be treated with glass liquid.
Traditional ways to remove scale
The procedure for cleaning the washing chamber equipment from salt deposits begins with manually wiping the impeller and spaces under the seals, checking for traces of mold under the rubber band or on the dish basket. After this, you can prepare a reagent for removing scale from the heating element, circulation pump, sprayers, and pipes by turning on the idle (without utensils) operating mode of the PMM. If lime deposits are found in the initial stage of formation, folk remedies are used.
Washing with citric acid solution
The powder of this substance is available in every kitchen; the required amount depends on the accumulated scale. With a small layer of deposits, 100 g is enough, in advanced cases - up to 250 per procedure. Procedure:
- pour 150–200 g of citric acid powder into the bottom of the machine’s hopper or into the dispenser compartment;
- turn the device on to normal washing mode at a temperature of 90ºС;
- in the middle of the cycle, pause the program for 20 minutes: you need to give time for the reaction of dissolving lime formations in the acidic composition;
- continue to operate the dishwasher until the cycle is completed.
After stopping, the machine is opened and checked: the cleanliness of the spray holes of the rocker arms, the presence of remains of lime fragments in the door cuff, inside the hopper. If found, remove and wipe with a soft cloth. You can repeat the treatment after 2-3 days with half the dose of powder on a short cycle.
Cleaning with vinegar diluted in water
Wear gloves when working with it. Wipe the internal surfaces of the washing chamber with a sponge soaked in the reagent. Further actions are performed as in the case of using citric acid:
- pour 2 cups of vinegar with a concentration of 9% into the bottom of the bunker;
- turn on the wash in hot water mode, pause halfway through the cycle for 20–30 minutes, then continue the process;
- At the end of the program, restart the machine for rinsing to wash away any remaining vinegar.
The procedure ends with wiping the camera and its equipment with a cloth soaked in a weak solution of vinegar. After this, you need to wipe it with a dry cloth and leave the door open to remove the smell.
Borax against limescale
Used to clean metal surfaces before soldering. Works well when removing scale from dish baskets, walls and washing chamber doors. The actions are:
- Apply borax to a damp sponge and cover the limescale stain with a thin layer. There is no need to scrub off the deposits; leave the PMM in this state for 20 minutes.
- Set the program with the highest water heating and start the machine.
- Inspect the chamber after completing the cycle; if there are any remaining borax or scale, wipe them off with a sponge. Re-enable idle mode.
Removing deposits with baking soda and peroxide
This mixture allows you to successfully get rid of scale on the heating element and inside the washing chamber of the device. Prevention is carried out in 2 stages: preparing the reagent, washing the hydraulic circuit of the PMM. Sequence of operations:
- pour 400 g of baking soda into a container, add 3 tbsp. spoons of hydrogen peroxide, stir;
- pour a little (20–30 drops) of essential oil into the resulting mass for a pleasant smell, roll it into a ball, and place it on the bottom of the hopper;
- select the long mode, start the wash without loading dishes.
What tools should be used
How to clean your car depends on the type of contamination. Home appliance stores sell special compounds for removing grease, food residues or scale, and home remedies are also used.
Mold
If there is excessive humidity or lack of normal ventilation in the room, a specific smell sometimes appears in the dishwasher. Pathogenic fungi settle on drain filters, pipes, and hoses. Mold forms in places where they accumulate.
To cope with microorganisms, infected areas are treated with vinegar or soda. To remove the smell, the hoses are washed with a special preparation. To disinfect and clean the machine:
- A glass of vinegar is placed on the top shelf.
- Set the washing mode, select a high temperature.
- Soda is poured into the hopper and the cycle is repeated.
The equipment is not closed for several days. To prevent mold from appearing on parts and hoses, you should not leave wet dishes in the machine for a long time, but you should regularly clean the drains and filters and use high-quality detergents.
Rust
Bleach effectively kills mold, but worsens the condition of metal parts. Not only pathogenic fungi harm the dishwasher, but also rust.
To get rid of it, the chamber, components and parts are treated with an anti-corrosion agent, and a filter is installed at the inlet, which protects against the entry of metal impurities through the pipes.
Scale
Cutlery and dishes are better washed from grease and dirt in warm water. Heating elements begin to fail to cope with their functions if scale forms on them, which you can remove yourself.
To clean the car:
- The glass is filled with vinegar and placed on the top shelf.
- Start the cycle.
- Pour a cup of soda into the bottom of the equipment.
When the water temperature rises, a pause is set. Within 60 minutes the scale will dissolve. After completing the program, wipe the inside of the machine with a dry cloth. You can remove odor, grease and dirt in another way. Two glasses of lemon juice are placed on the shelf, and 300 g of acid is poured into the washing gel compartment. Set to intensive mode. After finishing, the car is washed with water.
Borax scale is cleaned well and quickly, the internal parts of household appliances are wiped with the preparation, then 1 part of this powder is dissolved in 5 parts of clean water, poured into a tray and a wash cycle is selected.
"Finish"
To remove limescale deposits that form on dishwasher parts, you should purchase a Finish brand product. The drug forms a protective film that repels dirt. When the composition is applied for 4 months, fat does not stick to the surface, and scale does not form on the heating elements.
Sormat
The German manufacturer Henken supplies the markets of many countries with a phosphate-free product that will allow you to clean your dishwasher from plaque. One tablet is placed in the compartment along with the gel or powder, the other is placed on the bottom of the device and a mode is selected. The drug must be used carefully, since it contains biologically active enzymes that can cause allergies.
Topper
The product, which has an effective formula, performs various functions and contains additives that prevent scale from forming. The tablets are loaded into the compartment for washing gels. They extend the life of household appliances, protect glass, stainless steel, and silver products from dirt, remove plaque, and add shine.
Store-bought cleaning products
Limescale deposits in the machine
Dishwasher cleaner is easy to find. It's difficult to find a suitable option. The most common mistake is purchasing a popular option. The choice is not so simple.
Not all tablets, gels and other cleaners are designed for every machine. This is a complex technique. And only one type of funds can be suitable for a model. Some options are very aggressive and even damage some parts.
If the model does not have a rinse aid dispenser, you need to carefully select the cleaner.
Not all store-bought options live up to their promises. They should remove odors, clean and protect against scale. But not everything is suitable for prevention.
Important! You need to choose store-bought products strictly in accordance with the type and model of the dishwasher. Recommendations can be found in the instructions. Otherwise, the cleaner will not help, but will harm the equipment.
Finish Rinse and Calgonit Fusion Power
“Finish” and “Calgonit” are means for disinfection and getting rid of plaque. They not only clean, but also maintain the operation of equipment.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner and Maintainer creates a film that repels dirt. This prevents contamination. Fat does not pour in, and scale does not settle so quickly. “Calgonit” not only disinfects, but also eliminates mold. It also acts on limescale. It should be used once a month.
It is important not only to remove odors and grease, but also to maintain the operation of the machine. Prevent rapid contamination. Finish Rinse and Calgonit Fusion Power will help with this.
UniPlus
Uni Plus dishwasher cleaner has a liquid consistency. It is used once a month.
The liquid removes odor and removes greasy deposits. The advantage is the creation of a film that prevents contamination. Before purchasing, you need to find out whether the machine can work with this format of cleaner.
"Uni Plus" helps the machine work longer. It is easy to handle because it is in liquid form.
Somat Machine Cleaner
There are manufacturers who cater to all customers. Somat is a product that is sold in tablet and gel form. It is designed to remove grease and limescale.
Once a month you should apply any form of limescale remover. If you constantly use Somat, dirt will accumulate more slowly and the machine will last longer. You can forget about problems with washing dishes and unpleasant smells from the dishwasher.
Important! The product extends the life of dishwashing equipment. Cleans it effectively. Helps you wash dishes smoothly without any problems.
Milit
If there is a greasy coating and an unpleasant odor, use Milit. It is sold in a convenient dosage. One bottle for 1 use.
The bottle is placed in the desired compartment. After washing, a pleasant smell and cleanliness remain. There are no dangerous components in the composition. And the price is affordable for many buyers. Therefore, uneconomical consumption is not a disadvantage.
If there is fat under the lining, it’s time to apply Milit. It will successfully get rid of the layer and consequences of accumulation.
Rating of the best dishwasher cleaners
The choice of detergent composition should be approached carefully. It should not only wash dishes well, but also not damage rubber components, which require delicate and careful care. Affordable price is also an important factor when choosing household chemicals, because excessively expensive products with frequent cleaning can negatively affect your material well-being.
Finish Calgonite Fusion Power
The cleaner works on stubborn stains on dishwasher components.
Pros:
- Elimination of limescale.
- Antibacterial and antifungal action.
- Long-lasting effect - one cleaning lasts for 2-3 months.
- Convenient format - in order to use the product, you just need to place it in the grilles of the device.
Minuses:
- Persistent chemical smell - not suitable for people sensitive to strong aromas.
- In order to rinse the equipment from chemicals after cleaning, you will need to start the device again.
- High price - packaging designed for 1 use costs 200-300 rubles.
Uniplus
Uniplus is available in a highly concentrated gel format.
Rating of the best dishwasher cleaning products in 2021
Miele Intense Clean
Cost: from 1300 rub.
An effective product with the function of removing grease and scale from the German manufacturer Miele. Supplied in a package designed for one application - 200 g. Effectively removes dirt from hard-to-reach places, as well as from drains and hoses. Recommended use at least once a year.
The composition contains citric acid and excipients.
Miele Intense Clean dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- quality;
- bactericidal effect;
- versatility (also suitable for washing machines).
Flaws
- high price.
HG
Average price of a package: 500 rub.
Produced in the Netherlands. In a cardboard package there are two bottles of 100 g each with granules of highly concentrated powder, designed for 6 - 8 uses. Can be used for washing machines. Destroys all types of contaminants, including grease and scale.
HG dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- effective;
- universal;
- economical.
Flaws
- rarely found on sale;
- pungent odor after use.
Snowter
Cost: from 200 rub.
Cleaner made in Russia. Packaging material: plastic, volume: 250 ml. There is a special hook on the body for hanging on a basket. The neck is closed with a wax-like substance that dissolves at high temperatures. The packaging is designed for one use.
Removes grease and lime, adds shine to steel surfaces.
Compound:
- nonionic surfactants;
- deionized water;
- lemon acid.
Snowter dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- efficiency and ease of use;
- convenience of packaging;
- low price;
- Russian production.
Flaws
- There may be problems with dissolving the blocking compound on the neck.
Top House Express
Price: about 300 rub.
Joint production, Russian-German. Supplied in 250 ml bottles, the body has a mount for hanging inside the machine. Effectively removes grease, scale and odor. It is recommended to use once every 1 - 2 months.
Comprises:
- nonionic surfactants;
- corrosion inhibitor;
- organic acids.
Top House Express dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- affordable price;
- high efficiency.
Flaws
- strong perfume smell.
Packlan Brileo
Cost: 200 rub.
Cleaner made in Italy. A special two-phase formula effectively removes scale and fat residues. It is recommended to use at least once every two months.
Supplied in standard bottles with a volume of 250 ml. The packaging is designed for one use.
Comprises:
- nonionic surfactants;
- fragrances;
- benzisothiazolinone;
- Methylisothiazolinone.
Packlan Brileo dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- cleaning efficiency;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- packaging without a special hook;
- rarely goes on sale.
Topper
Cost: from 250 rub.
Made in Germany. Supplied in 250 ml bottles with a hook for hanging inside the machine. Effectively removes fatty deposits and other contaminants. It is recommended to use 4 times a year.
Compound:
- nonionic surfactants;
- flavorings;
- anti-corrosion additive;
- organic acids.
Topperr dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- affordable price;
- non-toxic.
Flaws
- does not remove lime;
- strong lingering odor after use;
- not very convenient recesses for hanging on the basket.
Electrolux Super Clean DW
Average price: 900 rub.
The drug is made in Italy. Supplied in powder form. The package contains two sachets of 50 g each. Designed for two uses. The recommended frequency of treatment is once every six months, so the package will last for a year. The product effectively fights limescale and grease in the car and in drain hoses.
Comprises:
- sodium chloride;
- sodium carbonate;
- citric acid;
- sodium silicate.
Electrolux Super Clean DW dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- high efficiency;
- does not contain phosphates;
- non-toxic;
- enough for 2 uses.
Flaws
- the price may be high.
Dr. Beckmann
Average price: 400 rub.
Produced in Germany. Effectively removes grease, odors and detergent residues. Actively fights bacteria and other microorganisms. The package contains 75 g of hygiene powder and an impregnated cloth for cleaning seals. All rubber parts are wiped with a napkin, the powder is poured inside the machine, and a washing cycle is started with a temperature of at least 65° C. It is recommended to use every 2 months.
Powder composition:
- oxygen bleach;
- flavoring
The composition of the napkin impregnation:
- nonionic surfactants;
- aromatic additives;
- benzisothiazolinone;
- Methylisothiazolinone.
Dr. Beckmann dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- has a disinfecting effect;
- The kit includes a special cloth for treating rubber parts.
Flaws
- very strong smell;
- does not remove limescale.
Somat Intensive machine cleaner
Cost: about 200 rub.
The German company Henkel has proven itself to be excellent, so comments are unnecessary. The product effectively cleans the insides of the PMM from grease and scale. The liquid comes in the usual packaging with a hook for easy hanging to the basket.
Compound:
- nonionic surfactants;
- lemon acid;
- formic acid;
- fragrance
Somat Intensive machine cleaner
Advantages
- famous brand;
- high quality;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- In some car models, it is inconvenient to correctly place the bottle with the product.
Finish
Cost: 200 rub.
Another famous brand and the undisputed leader among dishwasher detergents. Country of origin: Poland.
Rectangular bottle with a volume of 250 ml. Inside there is a two-phase liquid: blue is responsible for removing fat, transparent - gets rid of scale. The effectiveness is confirmed by numerous reviews.
Composition: 100% surfactant.
Finish dishwasher cleaner
Advantages
- absolute efficiency;
- famous brand;
- ease of use;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- not detected.
Some More Great Cleaners
The list of good dishwasher products is not limited to the rating given above. There are other worthy drugs, but they are much more difficult to find on sale. Thus, buyers praise Rinnova Lavastoviglie (Italy), but this inexpensive and high-quality product is still rarely found in hardware stores.
You can find good reviews online about Reinex Spülmaschinen Pflegereiniger . This is a phosphate-free liquid product based on citric acid without adding fragrances. Its advantages are efficiency, safety and environmentally friendly composition. After disinfection, the car tank does not smell.
Excellent cleaning, a slight pleasant smell and normalization of the dishwasher's operation are the result of caring for equipment using Pirkka Astianpesukoneen puhdistustabletti . The package contains 6 tablets in a water-soluble coating. They last for six months of use. When cleaning, make sure that there are no dishes left in the machine, otherwise delicate cutlery may be damaged.
The PMM care product Pirkka Astianpesukoneen puhdistustabletti is compared with Finish brand products. It copes just as well with dirt, but smells weaker and more pleasant.
HG powder cleaner has proven itself well . The product is used with equal success to care for dishwashers and washing machines, so it is in demand among housewives who do not want to buy different products. The powder is packed in a cardboard box. It is convenient to open and dispense.
Finnish cleaner At Home Clean Dishwashing Machine cleans your dishwasher to a sparkling shine. The price is reasonable. You can save money by using half a tablet, and this will not affect the quality of cleaning. The disadvantages include difficulties in purchasing the composition. Most often you have to order online. An important nuance: the purifier is effective only at high water temperatures.
Cleaning the dishwasher with liquid W5 Dishwasher Cleaner . You can't expect a super effect, but considering the cost of the bottle, you don't count on it. The composition does a good job of washing away grease and scale, but you can still find traces of dirt under the rubber bands.
The only, but not unimportant, advantage of W5 Dishwasher Cleaner is its low price compared to TOP cleaners. The product is good, but not perfect
There are references to the product Frisch-Activ . Some housewives really like it because of the low price, while others are dissatisfied and note the poor quality of cleaning and disinfection of the dishwasher.
You should think twice about buying it. This is an option for those for whom it is more important to save money and achieve at least some result. If efficiency is a priority, then it is better to purchase a different composition.