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How to clean the dishwasher! Is citric acid effective? What is the recommended method for each manufacturer?

January 19, 2022

Today I will show you how to clean the dishwasher. How should I clean the dishwasher? We will explain how citric acid is effective, how to use each manufacturer such as Rinnai and Panasonic, and the types of detergents.

How to clean the dishwasher? We also explain the method for each manufacturer!

Dishwashers are very convenient, but as they are used, dirt builds up inside the dishwasher, and the dirt on the dishes may gradually get worse.

How should I clean the dishwasher? We will introduce basic cleaning methods and cleaning methods for each manufacturer such as Rinnai, Panasonic, and Miele in detail.

(1) Citric acid

The first method is to use citric acid. Citric acid can remove bleaching powder, and since it is a natural material, it is environmentally friendly and safe.

There are cleaners for dishwashers that will be introduced later, but citric acid is cheaper and removes stains as well as cleaners.

One thing to note is that when it comes to Panasonic dishwashers, the manufacturer has not tested the behavior or effectiveness of using citric acid to clean the dishwasher.

As for Panasonic dishwashers, we don't recommend using citric acid, so don't use it.

The cleaning method using citric acid is as follows.

  1. 食洗機の洗剤投入口にクエン酸を大さじ3杯を目安に投入する。
  2. 食洗機にお手入れコースがある場合にはお手入れコースで、ない場合は通常のコース、または長時間洗うコースにするか、すすぎの温度を高めに設定して運転する。

Adjust the amount of citric acid as needed. If it doesn't look clean enough, try adding a little more.

However, there are some caveats when using citric acid. Since citric acid is acidic, its use may cause metal parts of the dishwasher to rust.

Therefore, when using citric acid, be sure to check the instruction manual for each product and manufacturer.

(2) Dishwasher cleaner

Here's how to use a dishwasher cleaner.

Dishwasher cleaner can also clean white water stains and dirt behind the leftover filter.

Follow the instructions for each cleaner you use.

About washing methods for each dishwasher manufacturer

Next, we will introduce in detail how to clean the dishwasher for each manufacturer. The cleaning method recommended by each dishwasher manufacturer is different. In addition, the recommended handling method differs for each product, so we recommend that you use the contents of this article as a reference only and refer to the product manual for more detailed information.

Rinnai dishwasher

The first is the case of Rinnai.

Rinnai dishwasherには、庫内の洗浄にクエン酸を使用できます。(製品によっては使用できない可能性もあるので、取扱説明書をご確認ください。)

If you check the instruction manual for your Rinnai dishwasher, you may find instructions for cleaning when using citric acid.

If so, wash as directed.

For panasonic dishwasher

In the case of Panasonic, as introduced earlier, the manufacturer does not recommend the use of citric acid.

If you use citric acid and it breaks down, the warranty may be invalidated, so it is better to refrain from using citric acid in Panasonic dishwashers.

Panasonic recommends using double the normal amount of detergent for dishwashers and running the cleaning course, or the standard course for models that do not have a cleaning course.

If you want to wash it thoroughly, please use the 80°C rinse in the care course.

For Miele dishwashers

For Miele dishwashersには、ミーレは食洗機専用クリーナーを販売していますのでそれを利用しましょう。

There are three Miele dishwasher cleaners: Dishclean, Disscaler and Intenscreen.

Use Dish Clean for normal stains, Disscaler for strong water stains, and Inten Screen for more stubborn stains.

Let's use Normal 55℃ mode or Intensive 75℃ short mode.

cleanup dishwasher

cleanup dishwasherには、庫内の洗浄にクエン酸やお酢、レモン汁を使用できます。(製品によっては使用できない場合もあるかもしれませんので、取扱説明書を確認してください。)

If stains remain even after adding dishwashing detergent without dishes and running on the standard course, add 2 to 30g of citric acid, vinegar, or lemon juice instead of detergent and run on the standard course. please drive

食洗機の掃除の仕方!クエン酸が効果的?メーカーごとの推奨の方法は?

Cleaning other parts

cleaning the nozzle

It is also effective to clean the nozzle after performing the above cleaning method. In some cases, the nozzle may be clogged with dirt and not enough cleaning water will come out.

Remove the rotating nozzle from the main unit, fill a bucket with water, attach the rotating nozzle, and shake it to remove dirt.

Check the instruction manual for how to remove the rotating nozzle. Depending on the type of dishwasher, some items may not come off. If you try to remove it forcibly, it may cause a malfunction.

cleaning the warehouse

It is also recommended to clean the small parts inside the cabinet. Use a cotton swab or cloth to scrape or wipe away any dirt.

Avoid using bleach on gaskets in built-in dishwashers.

For tabletop dishwashers, if there is stubborn dirt or mold on the packing or drain hose, wipe it with diluted bleach on a cloth, leave it for a while, and then wipe it with water.

For desktop dishwashers, clean the drain cover as well.

If you have a tabletop dishwasher, you will need to clean the drain cover.

If the drain cover is clogged, it may cause poor washing performance, mold, odor, and water leakage.

How to take care of your dishwasher

Next, I will briefly introduce how to care for the dishwasher on a daily basis.

(1) Cleaning the leftover filter

First, clean the food filter. Clean the dishwasher with a soft brush every time you run it.

Also check under the leftover filter

When cleaning the leftover filter, be sure to check under the leftover filter as well.

If there is debris left under the food filter, remove it.

(2) Cleaning the heater cover

The heater cover is another area that needs cleaning. Especially in the case of the tabletop type, clean it after every operation. About once a month is enough for the built-in type.

Please try to remove the attached dust.

(3) Drying inside the refrigerator

After use, be sure to dry the inside of the cabinet thoroughly. Dishwashers collect water, which can lead to mold.

Use the drying function or wipe the inside of the cabinet.

How to clean the dirty dishwasher!

Next, we will explain how to clean the dishwasher.

Effective detergents and cleaning methods differ depending on the type of dirt in the dishwasher, so be sure to check it out.

Dishwasher dirt types

First of all, let me briefly introduce the types of dirt in the dishwasher. There are things like:

Here are some recommended cleaning methods for each of these stains.

Citric acid for white residue

First of all, citric acid is effective for white scum stains (water scale and soap scum).

Water stains and soap scum are mostly alkaline stains, so wash them with acidic citric acid.

Oxyclean or sodium sesquicarbonate for oil stains

Next, Oxyclean and sodium sesquicarbonate are effective for sticky oil stains.

Oil stains are acidic, so use alkaline Oxyclean or sodium sesquicarbonate.

Haiter for black mold and slime

If you have black mold or slime, use a haiter.

Apply the heat to the black mold and slimy parts, and after about 5 minutes, wash it off with the speed course.

Chlorine bleach should not be mixed with dishwashing detergent, so use it alone.

Dedicated cleaner for odor and slime

If you are concerned about odors and sliminess, it is effective to use a special cleaner.

It is better not to use baking soda

Baking soda is great for cleaning, but it's not suitable for dishwashers, so don't use it.

Baking soda is abrasive and may scratch the dishwasher.

In addition, the powder may not dissolve and remain, causing malfunction or failure.

Points of usage that you want to check before suspecting the failure of the dishwasher

If you have tried the above cleaning methods and still find that the washing is not good enough, please check the following points before suspecting a malfunction.

(1) Is the preparation before putting it in the dishwasher appropriate?

First, are you thoroughly pre-washing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher? about it.

It may not be clean if there is a lot of oil stains and food scum on it, and it may cause stains and odors in the dishwasher.

(2) Are the dishes properly placed in the dishwasher?

The second point is how to put the dishes in the dishwasher. Make sure the dirty side of the dishes is facing inwards and that the plates are not stacked too high.

If the washing water of the dishwasher does not physically reach the dishes, they may not be clean.

Summary of precautions when using a dishwasher

Finally, we briefly summarize the points to note when using a dishwasher.

(1) Be sure to use a dedicated detergent

The first is to always use dishwasher detergent.

Dishwasher detergents for hand washing may be too foamy for dishwashers, causing bubbles to leak out or damage the dishwasher.

(2) Check if it can be washed in the dishwasher

Second, make sure it's safe to wash in the dishwasher.

Some items cannot be washed in a dishwasher, such as those that are sensitive to heat, easily discolored, or easily cracked.

summary

Clean your dishwasher regularly

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to clean the dishwasher.

Dishwashers are convenient, but they can break down if not properly maintained.

In addition to your daily care, you should also regularly clean your appliance, as described in this article, so that you can use it comfortably for a long time.

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