If you're not cleaning your dishwasher, take a look at these 6 cleaning tips

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The main function of a dishwasher is to clean your dishes. However, cleaning the dishwasher too is important. If you don't clean your dishwasher every once in awhile, all of the food particles from your dishes will eventually build up in there and leave you with a disgusting germ factory. No one wants that.
Fortunately, cleaning your dishwasher isn't actually that difficult. For the most part, you can clean it by choosing a cleaning method and then letting the machine run for a cycle. Of course, the method you choose depends on how dirty your dishwasher is. So check out this list and figure out which cleaning method works best for you.
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1. Vinegar & baking soda
Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with vinegar and place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Run a wash cycle on the hottest water setting. When that's finished, remove the cup with vinegar. Sprinkle a handful of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle on the hottest setting.
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2. Filter cleaning
One of the frequently forgotten items when cleaning your dishwasher is the filter. If you're able to remove it, all you have to do is scrub it with some hot water and dish soap. But if it can't be removed, you'll need a vacuum to suck out all of the gunk that has built up in the filter over time.
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3. Soft water
Hard water will not only leave spots on your dishes, it's also not great if you want the various elements of your dishwasher to work for a long period of time. Make sure you have your water tested often and take measures to soften it when needed.
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4. Bleach
If you've noticed some mold in your dishwasher, then bleach is your best option to get rid of it. If you have stainless steel inside the machine, you will want to use large amounts of vinegar instead as bleach will damage the stainless steel. When cleaning with bleach, put 1 cup of bleach in a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it at the bottom of your dishwasher. Run a full cycle and then enjoy your newly mold-free dishwasher.
5. Toothpicks
Even if you've used bleach or vinegar to clean your dishwasher, you still need to get into some of the harder-to-reach spots. For instance, the small holes on the spinning arms tend to get clogged with food particles. The best way to clean out these holes is with a toothpick. It's small enough to get into the hole and blunt enough that it won't scratch the finish on the arms.
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6. Rust remover
If you notice rust in your dishwasher, then you'll have to get a store-bought rust remover to take care of it. After you've scrubbed away the rust, keep an eye on the area. If the rust returns quickly, check with a professional to determine if the problem is in your pipes.
By following these six tips, you will be able to keep your dishwasher clean and in tip-top shape.
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