Can A Dishwasher Clean Itself? (Self Cleaning Dishwashers)

There is no doubt that a dishwasher is better and more effective at washing dirty dishes more than hand washing but however despite the dishwasher being a cleaning appliance it too needs to be clean from time to time.

The remnants of food like pieces of bones, grease, and undissolved detergent can get trapped in hidden corners inside the dishwasher which can cause your dishes to come out greasy and not properly cleaned as it’s supposed to.

In this article we shall talk about how to clean your dishwasher and how often you should clean your dishwasher so that it operated optimally giving you sparkling clean dishes.

Can a dishwasher clean itself?

Yes, there are dishwasher that have self-cleaning cycle. This is a special cleaning cycle that is designed to clean the inside of the dishwasher itself.

This wash cycle uses high water washing temperatures and a strong detergent that is able to remove all traces of dirt and grime or remnants of food that may have accumulated inside the dishwasher over time from hidden places in the dishwasher.

However, after the self cleaning wash cycle of the dishwasher finishes cleaning the dishwasher, you should also run the machine on a regular wash cycle but with no dishes loaded into the dishwasher.

This is necessary so that you can completely wash away any remains of dirt and the cleaning detergent used to clean the dishwasher.

It is important to note that a dishwasher with a self-cleaning features will still requires you the owner of the dishwasher to do some additional cleaning and maintenance.

These includes wiping down the door and gasket and removing any large food debris found inside the dishwasher’s filters.

Nonetheless not all dishwashers can self-clean or have a self-cleaning cycle. You will need to have a cleaning routine in place when you will clean your dishwasher as at when due.

Top self-cleaning dishwasher brands:

There are many self-cleaning dishwashers available out there but the most popular amongst all these brands includes bosch, whirlpool, kitchenaid, farberware countertop dishwasher, and airmsen countertop dishwasher.

These brands of dishwashers offer a variety of self-cleaning features and prices, that ranges to suit different needs and budget of different family size.

When looking to buy a self-cleaning dishwasher it is vital to check the size and capacity of the dishwasher including its cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

It is also helpful and important that you read other customers reviews and rating of the self-cleaning dishwasher before you go ahead to purchase the dishwasher.

Here are some countertop dishwashers with self cleaning features:

Is manual cleaning of your dishwasher still necessary?

Even if your dishwasher has a self-cleaning cycle, it is still important to perform regular cleaning and maintenance on the dishwasher to keep it in good working order.

It is also important to regularly check and clean the dishwasher’s spray arm to ensure that it can rotate freely without any obstacle, and it can spray water evenly.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your dishwasher will ensure that it continues to clean your dishes effectively sparkling clean and it will also help to extend its lifespan.

How often does a dishwasher need to be cleaned?

How often a dishwasher will need to be cleaned will greatly depend on how often the dishwasher is being used and how well it is being maintained. 

However, as a general rule it is recommended that you clean your dishwasher exterior like the door gasket, and the handles, including the dishwasher interiors at least once in a month.

But if the dishwasher is used frequently to wash various kinds of dishes it may need to be cleaned more often at least once every two weeks to ensure that it continues to work effectively.

The main focus when it come to cleaning your dishwasher is the dishwasher filter, spray arms, drain compartments and drain hose, and the internal tub of the dishwasher.

These are the main cleaning components in the dishwasher, and they need to be cleaned and properly maintained to have cleaner dishes.

Are dishwashers cleaners useful?

Dishwashers cleaners can be very useful especially for getting rid of built up grime, food debris and hard water stains or deposits from inside the dishwasher.

Dishwasher cleaners typically contains strong detergent and some cleaning agents that are able to break down and remove tough stains and food residues from inside the dishwasher.

The instructions on how to use the dishwasher cleaner is usually on the package, and it should be followed strictly as it can not only help keep dishwasher clean but also get rid of odour causing bacteria.

There are various brands of dishwashers cleaners available out there and many of them can be very effective.

Here are some popular and quality dishwashers brands that we highly recommend that are very effective at cleaning your dishwasher:

Is dishwasher cleaner better than vinegar?

It is generally and mostly recommended that you use a dishwasher cleaner that is made specifically to clean the interior of dishwashers rather than to use vinegar.

This is mainly because dishwasher cleaners contains formulated ingredients that are equipped to remove grease and grime that build up inside the dishwasher.

Unlike the vinegar which is primarily useful for disinfecting and deodorizing the inside of the dishwasher.

However constant use of vinegar in your dishwasher can lead to build up of soap scum and can damage some of the internal components of the dishwasher especially those part made of rubber materials.

It is best that you use the recommended dishwasher cleaner product at all times for your dishwasher to ensure it keeps working smoothly.

How often should I run vinegar through my dishwasher?

It is not necessary to regularly run vinegar through your dishwasher. In fact, doing so can actually cause damage to your dishwasher over time.

However, it is advised and recommended that you only run a solution of vinegar through your dishwasher only once in a month.

The vinegar solution will help remove any built up grime which may hinder your dishwasher from washing dishes properly.

To use a solution of vinegar in your dishwasher you simply need to fill a container with some white vinegar and then place it inside the dishwasher with no other dishes loaded in it.

Then run the dishwasher on a normal cycle with the hottest water settings which will help to remove grime, clean the dishwasher, and also deodorize the dishwasher.

Conclusion:

An important part of having a dishwasher is to make sure you have a cleaning routine in place that you follow to clean and maintain your dishwasher otherwise your dishes may sometimes begin to come out greasy or with dirt stains from the dishwasher.

A dishwasher with self-cleaning feature can be of great benefit but you will still need to remove and clean other internal components inside the dishwasher by yourself, so the dishwasher works effectively and smoothly.