Nellie's School of Clean: How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Hi, I'm Rose! I'm 20, recently moved out for university, and currently working as a summer intern at Nellie's.

One thing that surprised me after moving out was learning that dishwashers actually need to be cleaned. I always assumed that because they wash dishes every day, they must clean themselves.

Turns out, that's definitely not the case.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

A good rule of thumb is to give your dishwasher a quick clean once a month.

Regular cleaning can help:

• Improve cleaning performance
• Prevent unpleasant odours
• Reduce buildup and residue
• Keep your dishwasher running efficiently
• Help your dishes come out sparkling clean

The good news is that maintaining your dishwasher doesn't have to be a complicated chore.

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning

Your dishwasher might be overdue for a clean if:

• Your dishes are coming out cloudy or greasy.
• There's an unpleasant smell when you open the door.
• Food particles are collecting around the filter.
• You notice buildup around the spray arms or door seals.
• Your glasses don't look as shiny as they used to.

If any of these sound familiar, it's probably time for a quick dishwasher refresh.

Don't Forget the Filter

I had no idea dishwashers even had a filter, but apparently this is very important.

Many dishwashers have removable filters that trap food particles. Over time, they can become surprisingly gross.

Most filters can simply be removed and rinsed under warm water with a soft brush or sponge. Giving it a quick clean every few weeks can make a noticeable difference in how well your dishwasher performs.

The Detergent You Use Matters Too

Believe it or not, the detergent you use plays a big role in the efficiency of your dishwasher too!

Nellie's Dishwasher Cubes are highly concentrated and packed with enzymes to tackle grease and grime without requiring a pre-rinse or rinse aid. They're also PVA and microplastic free, so you can feel safe about none of that gunk getting on the dishes you eat off of or clogging up in your dishwasher's back end.

One thing I appreciate is how simple the Dish Cubes are to use. You just place a cube in the detergent dispenser and let your dishwasher do the rest.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

I've learned that keeping a dishwasher running well is mostly about staying consistent with small habits. It starts with cleaning the filter regularly, wiping down the door seals occasionally, giving your dishwasher a monthly clean, and most importantly, using a good detergent like Nellie's Dish Cubes!

Dishwashers do a lot of the dirty work for us, so it's easy to forget they need a little cleaning every now and then.