You’re sure to have a dishwasher running regularly in your home, right? The more people there are in a household, the more often the hard-working kitchen appliance has to do its job. While plates, cups & Co. get sparkling clean, you can sit back and relax. However, if at some point your dishwasher starts to stink or the dishes no longer get really clean, you should take action. The problem is often due to a neglected dishwasher filter! Cleaning the dishwasher filter is one of the most important maintenance tasks that you should carry out regularly – but don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.
Why is the dishwasher strainer so important?
We often simply put plates, pots and bowls in the dishwasher without rinsing them first. Except in the case of heavily baked-on residues or extremely dirty dishes, everything goes straight from the dining table into the dishwasher. Of course, it is inevitable that all kinds of food residues will still be on the dishes.
These food residues, as well as grease residues and other particles, are loosened during washing and caught by the dishwasher sieve. If this sieve did not exist, these residues would clog the dishwasher pump. Without regular cleaning, this helper quickly turns into a problem creator.
But hand on heart: when was the last time you cleared your dishwasher sieve of those nasty residues? Just like the lint filter in the washing machine, this part of the dishwasher is often neglected. But that’s over now! With our tips, cleaning the dishwasher sieve is child’s play!
When should you clean the dishwasher filter?
You should take a closer look at the sieve every 2 to 4 weeks at the latest. With intensive use or if you often wash greasy pots, even weekly. You should act immediately if you notice the following warning signs:
- Unpleasant odors from the machine
- Dirty puddles of water on the floor
- The dishes no longer get properly clean
- Visible food residue in the sieve
How to clean the dishwasher strainer – step by step
Admittedly, cleaning the dishwasher sieve is not your favorite activity. In fact, it can be quite disgusting the longer you put off cleaning it. So get over it now the first time and don’t let so much time pass until the next cleaning:
- Preparation: It is advisable to clean the dishwasher sieve directly after a wash cycle. Switch off the machine and allow it to cool down. Remove the lower basket.
- Remove the sieve: The sieve usually consists of several parts. Unscrew the upper sieve anticlockwise, then you can simply lift out the lower sieve.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse both parts under warm water. Remove stubborn residue with an old toothbrush or a soft sponge.
- For heavy soiling: Soak the sieve in warm water with a little washing-up liquid for 15 minutes. Baking soda or citric acid help with limescale deposits.
- Put it back in: Insert the lower strainer first, then the upper one and turn it clockwise to tighten.
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Tip: When cleaning the sieve, you can check it for damage and cracks. If the component is broken, replace it immediately – a broken sieve can damage your entire machine, resulting in expensive repairs or a new purchase.
Cleaning the dishwasher sieve only costs you a few minutes, but extends the life of your machine considerably and ensures hygienically clean dishes. Your dishwasher will thank you with reliable service!
Source: utopia.de
