Mold in your dishwasher can be an unpleasant surprise. Not only does it create a musty smell, but it can also pose health risks and affect the cleanliness of your dishes. The good news? Getting rid of mold in your dishwasher is easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through effective, safe, and easy steps to clean your dishwasher and keep it mold-free.
Why Does Mold Grow in Dishwashers?
Mold thrives in warm, dark, and damp environments-and dishwashers fit that description perfectly. Leftover food particles, soap residue, and trapped moisture create the ideal breeding ground for mold. If your dishwasher door stays closed after a cycle, moisture can linger, encouraging mold growth, especially around seals, filters, and crevices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Rid of Mold in Your Dishwasher
1. Safety First
Wear gloves and, if possible, goggles to protect yourself from mold spores while cleaning.
2. Empty and Disassemble
Remove all racks, utensil trays, and filters if they are detachable. Clean these parts separately with warm, soapy water and let them dry.
3. Scrub Away the Mold
Mix a solution of two cups of hot water and half a cup of distilled white vinegar. Use this to spray or wipe down all moldy areas, including rubber seals, door edges, and under spinning arms. An old toothbrush or sponge works great for scrubbing.
Focus on the drain opening and the door seal by folding the seal back to clean underneath.
4. Run a Vinegar Cycle
Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white distilled vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a full cycle on the hottest setting. Vinegar kills most mold strains and helps deodorize.
5. Baking Soda Boost
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot water cycle. Baking soda deodorizes and tackles any mold spores the vinegar missed.
6. Optional: Bleach for Stubborn Mold
If mold persists, you can add one cup of bleach to a dishwasher-safe container and run a hot cycle. Be cautious-bleach can damage rubber parts and stainless steel interiors, so use it sparingly and never mix it with other chemicals.
How to Prevent Mold from Coming Back
– Keep the Door Ajar: After each cycle, leave the dishwasher door slightly open to allow moisture to evaporate, preventing a damp environment mold loves.
– Regular Cleaning: Clean your dishwasher every 1-2 months using the vinegar and baking soda method to keep mold at bay.
– Remove Food Debris: Always scrape off food from dishes before loading and clean the filter regularly to avoid buildup.
– Dry Wet Areas: If you won’t run the dishwasher for a few days, wipe down wet spots inside to reduce moisture.
– Replace Moldy Parts: If rubber seals or filters are moldy beyond cleaning, replace them to avoid recurring problems.
Mold in your dishwasher is common but manageable with regular care and simple cleaning techniques. By following these steps, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling, hygienic dishwasher that keeps your dishes sparkling clean.
Ready to tackle that mold? Want tips on maintaining your dishwasher or other household cleaning hacks? Just ask!