Proper and timely care is important for all types of household appliances. This is especially true for dishwashers - residues of cleaning products and food constantly accumulate on the components of the device. You can also often find grease and scale in the tank and on the rubber seals.
In order to keep your dishwasher clean, you need effective cleaning agents. It is also important to know how to use them correctly to ensure maximum cleansing effectiveness.
Why do you need to wash your dishwasher?
Although visible surfaces appear clean and shiny, internal components and hoses may be heavily soiled. During the washing process, grease settles on the walls and clogs the drain holes and water inlet holes. Residues of food clog the filter, water flows out poorly and the quality of washing decreases. As a result, the housewife takes out unwashed, poorly rinsed dishes with traces of grease and detergent residue from the dishwasher. You have to run an additional cycle, which entails unnecessary energy and time costs. The circumstances listed above, as well as the appearance of extraneous noise during operation, indicate the presence of problems that can be solved by cleaning the unit.
Is there any point in staying away from chemo?
Why look for substitutes for products produced specifically for PMM? Someone may recall the feminine logic - they say, buy an expensive dishwasher so as not to waste time washing dishes, and then refuse ready-made substances and manually prepare their substitutes.
But the truth, as always, lies in the golden mean - there are moments that should not be forgotten. Reasons why some dishwasher owners refuse "chemistry":
- You should only buy special products for PMM. And this is expensive.
- They contain substances that adversely affect the body.
- The natural product is not only environmentally friendly, but also inexpensive.
How to properly wash a dishwasher?
To clean PMM, many people use home remedies such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, soda, citric acid and soap solution. Accessible parts and surfaces are wiped with a soft cloth moistened with soap or vinegar, this helps get rid of grease. Citric acid is effective in combating scale. To do this, instead of detergent, citric acid powder is poured into the compartment and a full cycle is started with heating to the maximum temperature. There should be no dishes inside the machine during cleaning.
There are many sites on the Internet that offer step-by-step instructions on how to clean the PMM. Thorough cleaning at home begins with an inspection of the internal surfaces. The dish baskets are removed and soaked in a suitable container, then the nests are washed with a soft brush. Work surfaces are wiped down. The drain filters are removed and cleaned, and precautions must be carefully taken to ensure that any remaining contaminants do not enter the pump. Otherwise, its failure is guaranteed. The impeller and sprinkler serve to admit water. There are holes on the blades that are often clogged with lime and fatty deposits. An ordinary toothpick will help you clean them yourself. In the door, in the so-called dead zone, where water does not enter, dirt constantly accumulates during operation. It rots, becomes colonized with bacteria and, over time, becomes a source of unpleasant odor. You can clean this problem area with a soap solution and a soft brush. Upon completion of all work, it is necessary to dry the rubber gasket on the door.
To prevent breakdowns, in addition to regular cleaning, it is imperative to ensure that the dishes being loaded are free of food residues. You can use special salt to soften the water. And as a detergent, special compositions for dishwashers should be used.
Following these simple care rules will extend the service life and increase the durability of household appliances.
But budget products and DIY cleaning do not always help with odors, mold and traces of rust. And frequent use of citric acid and vinegar will ultimately lead to failure of rubber seals and plastic parts.
To solve these problems, the best manufacturers of household chemicals are developing special formulations of cleaners for dishwashers. New products are released regularly and deciding which one is best to buy can be difficult.
How to use the dishwasher cleaning solution is described in detail in the instructions for use. But most often the process is standard. The packaging is placed in the basket of the unit and one of the long programs with the maximum temperature is started. Definitely no dishes. Hot water penetrates through the packaging membrane or dissolves a special wax-like plug on the neck and the composition begins to work. Fatty deposits, lime, rust, and detergent residues are dissolved. After the cycle has completed, you must run the wash program again without dishes.
Maintenance with special cleaners must be carried out at least once a month, or follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Stages of mechanical cleaning
The presence of a self-cleaning function and periodic cleaning of equipment with detergents are not a panacea for blockages and severe contamination. Sometimes it is necessary to perform mechanical cleaning.
Washing the drain and fill filter
Manual cleaning of the drain filter should be done every 1-2 weeks. This is due to the fact that the fine mesh may become clogged with powder residues or salts. The procedure is as follows:
- Disconnecting the machine from the network;
- Removing the basket and collecting the remaining water with a sponge;
- Removing the filter located below near the sprinkler;
- Collecting residual water in the hole under the filter and checking for contamination in the recess;
- Checking the functionality of the pump impeller, for which you unscrew the protective strip and rotate the blades: if the rotation is easy, nothing interferes, then everything is in order, otherwise you will need to disassemble the device;
- Cleaning elements from blockages, washing them in soapy water. If the parts are heavily soiled, you can soak the parts in a cleaning solution for several hours.
Manual cleaning of the drain filter should be done every 1-2 weeks
The intake hose also needs maintenance. Its components should be removed and washed with water. If the components are severely damaged, it is better to buy new ones.
Checking the condition and cleaning of the sprinklers
Water that is too hard or not properly filtered can cause clogged spray nozzles. To solve the problem you need to carry out a number of manipulations:
- Remove the upper dish with the rocker;
- Bend the latches and remove the blades of the part;
- Take out the lower basket with the rocker arm;
- Inspect the condition of the seals, if necessary, replace them;
- Clean the blades, nozzles, connecting units;
- Assemble the structure and check the functionality of the element.
To clean the impeller nozzle, use a toothpick
Healthy! Different models have different ways of attaching the rocker arms. To avoid breaking the part, it is better to read the instructions before the procedure.
Cleaning the housing and seals
After each use, wipe the cabinet walls, grill and baskets with a cloth to remove any remaining moisture. In addition, it is recommended to disinfect components using special solutions from time to time.
Wipe the cabinet walls, grill and baskets with a cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
The most problematic areas are the joints and the bottom of the door; they need to be given special attention. Usually a soft cloth and detergent are enough; for severe stains, you can use a brush.
Important! Do not spray the cleaner or use a wet sponge when cleaning the door, as this may damage the lock or touch the wiring. It is also not recommended to use vinegar or citric acid to wash the seal; the rubber may harden or dry out.
Dried food can be easily removed from the basket by immersing the product in warm water for 2 hours, then using a coarse brush with soapy water.
Before installing all elements in place, they should be washed thoroughly and dried thoroughly.
How to choose the right product for cleaning PMM?
There are usually no problems with the question of where to buy dishwasher cleaner. Affordable products can be purchased in household appliance stores, in the hardware departments of supermarkets, or ordered online in an online store. To avoid mistakes when choosing, it is recommended to study in detail the characteristics of the offered products and read reviews on the Internet.
To solve the question of which company is better to purchase a cleaner and how much it costs, there is this review containing a detailed description and functionality of each item.
When purchasing, you don’t need to skimp on quality. The average price of any detergent is much lower than the cost of repairing or purchasing a new dishwasher. And regular cleaning of grease and lime will preserve the performance of the PMM for many years.
According to buyers, the main criteria for choosing dishwasher cleaning products are efficiency and ease of use.
But there are some other parameters, for example:
- Price. Cleaners can vary significantly in price. But you shouldn’t choose the cheapest one; it may have limited functionality, that is, it can only remove fat, or only scale, or it may not be as effective. You should also pay attention to the volume of the package and how many uses it is designed for. It happens that expensive goods turn out to be more economical than inexpensive, but disposable ones.
- Manufacturer. Popular brands are responsible for the quality of their products. And by purchasing their original products, you can be sure that you will achieve the desired result from use. Although recently many new products have appeared, in no way inferior in quality to the generally recognized market leaders.
- Release form. Recently, preference has been given to products packaged in a plastic bottle with a hook for hanging on a basket. But some people choose powdered products that are poured directly into the bottom of the dishwasher. Each type has its own pros and cons. The powder takes some time to dissolve, and the wax plug does not always melt in time, or falls out before the car is ready for cleaning.
- Versatility. Housewives face similar problems of lime and dirt accumulation when using washing machines. Scale can damage any household appliance with a heating element. It’s good if you have a product in your arsenal that can rid your dishwasher and washing machine of limescale.
- Safety. Concerns about your own health and protection of the environment force you to make smart choices in favor of non-toxic and biodegradable products. Environmental friendliness is becoming increasingly valuable in the modern world. It is worth giving preference to products based on natural or environmentally friendly bases. Manufacturers are required to place such information on the packaging.
Any, even the most popular dishwasher models require regular maintenance. To do this, you need to know what types of cleaners there are and how to choose the best ones. In the rating of quality cleaning products presented below, you can find both inexpensive and premium products, find out all the characteristics, and get tips and recommendations for use.
When choosing household chemicals for your home, you can focus on the popularity of the models, customer reviews, or you can study the presented rating and then know exactly what to look for and eliminate mistakes when choosing.
Conclusion
Do you clean your dishwasher often?
Regularly! Rarely
Cleaning your dishwashers is essential to ensure they continue to clean your cutlery effectively. It is also important to do this to extend the life of the equipment.
When choosing household chemicals for washing equipment, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Effectiveness.
- Safety.
- Economical.
- Price.
Deciding in which format it is better to purchase household chemicals is based on your preferences. In gratitude for the care, the equipment will delight its owners for a long time!
Rating of the best dishwasher cleaners in 2022
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.
Washing the dishes
Now it remains to decide what to wash dishes in the dishwasher so as not to harm either the dishes themselves or the machine
For effective and safe washing, it is important not only to choose a product, but also to follow some rules for careful and effective use of the machine
Rules
Deciding what to wash dishes in dishwashers is only one side of the issue. To effectively wash dishes, you need to remember some rules and recommendations that relate to the placement of dishes, washing mode, and water characteristics.
The basic rules for washing dishes in an automatic sink are presented in the table.
Rule Photo Description Correct placement of dishes is the key to successful washing.
Placement of dishes
The lower basket is designed for large items - pots, pans, dishes, trays. You can place plates and cups on the top shelf, and place cutlery in a special tray. If a tray is not provided, spoons and forks can be placed in the center of the basket. It is better to place cups, bowls, and bowls with their bottoms up, and pans parallel to the bottom (not on their sides). It is recommended to place very dirty plates in one cell of the basket
Do not insert objects into each other. Selecting the required mode will help you cope with different types of pollution.
It is important to choose the right mode
Any mode includes four stages: preliminary rinsing of food residues, washing with hot water and detergent, rinsing, drying. Programs may differ in temperature, time, use of special means
For example, to rinse cups, just turn on the fast mode, but to deal with fat in the pan, you need to select a high temperature mode. Regenerating salt softens water and protects heating elements from lime.
Automatic car washes have special containers for salt. Water softening is necessary to maintain the machine in working condition and extend its service life, as well as for gentle washing of dishes. Hard water leaves streaks on objects.
Detergents
So, what is the best way to wash dishes in the dishwasher? Firstly, it is worth noting that it is necessary to use special products designed for automatic washing. Regular gels, liquid soap, and dishwashing powders will not work. Secondly, housewives need to choose between powder and tablet products.
Powders are the most popular remedy among housewives. This method of washing is quite economical: on average, 30 g of powder is consumed per cycle. After using the powder, you must use a rinse aid, which washes away any remaining product and makes the dishes shine.
Dishwasher powder
Tablets are more convenient to use and effective in action. As a rule, tablets combine a detergent component with a rinse aid and regenerating salt. In this case, housewives will not have to buy additional products.
You can use tablets
It is recommended to have both powder and tablets on hand. If you need to quickly wash dishes, it is better to use powder. In the gentle, fast mode, the tablet will not have time to completely dissolve. It is worth considering that 1 tablet is designed for 1 full cycle.
It is important to remember that too much detergent will not make your dishes cleaner. Most often, the required quantity for a certain mode and a specific type of cookware is indicated on the packaging.
Do not abuse the product.
The video in this article will tell and show a few more secrets of cleaning and washing the dishwasher.
The dishwasher is a good helper in the kitchen
It is important to monitor the condition of the equipment and prevent contamination of working parts and the spread of mold in a timely manner. Simple rules will help extend the life of the machine and keep dishes clean
