Dishwasher Cleaning — Why Your Dishwasher May Not Be Cleaning Well
If your dishes aren't coming out clean, have a white film, or smell strange after the dishwasher cycle, the problem is almost certainly the dishwasher itself rather than the detergent or water temperature. Dishwashers in Toronto homes and condos accumulate food debris in the filter, mineral deposits from Toronto's moderately hard water in the spray arm holes and on the interior walls, and grease and food film on all interior surfaces — and these accumulations dramatically reduce cleaning performance. Most Toronto homeowners have never cleaned their dishwasher's filter, and the spray arm holes may never have been cleared in the appliance's lifetime. A 20-minute cleaning restores performance significantly.
Dishwasher Filter Cleaning (Most Important)
Most modern dishwashers (all dishwashers manufactured since approximately 2010, and most since the 1990s) have a removable filter at the bottom of the dishwasher interior. This filter captures food debris from the wash water and must be cleaned regularly — it is the most critical dishwasher cleaning task.
Finding and Removing the Filter
Open the dishwasher, remove the lower rack. The filter is visible at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub — it typically consists of a cylindrical mesh filter that twists to remove, sitting in a flat mesh plate that lifts out. Twist counterclockwise and lift (most models). Some models require a quarter-turn; others just lift straight out.
Cleaning the Filter
Rinse the filter under warm running water while scrubbing with a soft brush (an old toothbrush is ideal). For accumulated grease: soak in hot soapy water for 5–10 minutes, then scrub. The flat mesh plate: rinse and scrub in the same way. Reinstall when clean — the filter must seat correctly to function (there should be a click or secure seat when properly installed).
How often: weekly in heavy-use households; monthly in lighter-use households. Toronto homes where the dishwasher runs daily should clean the filter every 1–2 weeks.
Spray Arm Cleaning
The spray arms (the spinning arms that distribute wash water through the holes) can accumulate mineral deposits and food debris in their holes, reducing the spray force and pattern. Remove the spray arms (lower and upper arms — most unclip from a central post or unscrew) and rinse under running water. Use a toothpick or thin wire to clear any blocked holes — you can see through each hole when it's clear. Rinse thoroughly. Reinstall firmly.
Interior Deep Clean
Two methods for cleaning the dishwasher interior:
- Vinegar cycle: Place a dishwasher-safe container (a cup or bowl) filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the bottom rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a full hot-water cycle. The vinegar removes mineral deposits from the interior walls and deodorizes.
- Commercial dishwasher cleaner: Products like Finish Dishwasher Cleaner or Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner (available at Canadian Tire and grocery stores in Toronto) run in the empty dishwasher per instructions — typically monthly.
After the cleaning cycle, wipe the door interior (including the rubber gasket around the door — this accumulates debris and mould in the folds) with a damp cloth with a small amount of baking soda.
Dishwasher Maintenance in Hard-Water Toronto
Toronto's moderately hard water accelerates mineral deposit accumulation in dishwashers. Using a dishwasher rinse aid (Finish Jet-Dry) helps prevent mineral film on dishes and the interior. Checking the salt level in dishwashers with a water softener compartment (European-style models common in some Toronto condos) monthly is important — salt prevents white film on dishes.
Professional Kitchen Appliance Cleaning in Toronto
Maidless deep cleaning includes appliance exterior and interior (accessible areas) cleaning. Book at maidless.ca/ontario. HST 13%, 4.9★ rated.