How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain

So, you’ve decided to tackle the task of cleaning your dishwasher drain?

Not only is a clean dishwasher drain important for the overall efficiency of your dishwasher, but it also helps prevent any unwanted odours from creeping up.

But don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it may seem!

With a few simple steps and a few handy hacks, you’ll have that dishwasher drain sparkling clean in no time. Let’s get started!

 

How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain

Step 1: Clean the bottom tray

Alright, first things first; before we dive into cleaning the actual drain, let’s start by cleaning out the dishwasher’s bottom tray.

Locate the dishwasher’s bottom tray and remove any debris that may be blocking it. This is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, but if you’re unsure, just consult the dishwasher’s manual or do a quick online search.

All you have to do is remove the dish rack and take out the bottom tray in order to give it a good rinse with some warm soapy water.

This is where all the food scraps and debris tend to collect, so it’s important to give it a good clean before moving on.

Don’t forget to also give the little nooks and crannies a good scrub with a brush. Once you’re done, give it a rinse and pop it back into the dishwasher. Now we’re ready to move on to the next step!

 

Step 2: Remove debris from drain

Now that the bottom tray is all cleaned up, let’s move on to the drain itself. This step is super easy and straightforward.

The dishwasher tray should have been taken out in the previous step, so just use your hand or a pair of tongs to remove any bits of food or debris that may be clogging up beneath it.

You can also use a brush or a toothpick to give it a quick clean. And that’s it, you’re done with this step!

 

Step 3: Use vinegar to remove food debris

Okay, now that the dishwasher’s tray and drain are all cleaned up, it’s time to get rid of any built-up grime or food particles that may be lingering inside the dishwasher.

This is where white vinegar comes in handy.

All you have to do is take a cup of white vinegar and run it through the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.

The vinegar will help break down and remove any stubborn grime or food particles that may be stuck to the dishwasher’s walls or other parts.

Plus, it’s a natural and safe way to clean.

Just make sure you do this step with an empty dishwasher, no dishes or detergent needed. And there you have it; you’ve done the heavy lifting with this step!

 

Step 4: Give the drain a good scrub

Now that we’ve used vinegar to help remove any built-up grime or food particles, it’s time to give the dishwasher’s drain a good scrub down.

This is where a brush comes in handy. Take the brush and give the drain a good scrub, paying special attention to any corners or crevices.

You’ll be surprised at how much debris can come out from those hard-to-reach areas.

If you have a long-handled brush, it might make it even more comfortable and easier to reach.

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, give the drain a quick rinse with some warm water to remove any remaining debris.

 

Step 5: Flush it out

The last step is to flush out any remaining debris that may be lingering inside the dishwasher.

To do this, all you have to do is run a full cycle of hot water through the dishwasher. This will help flush out any remaining debris and ensure that the dishwasher’s drain is completely clean.

Make sure you run the hot water cycle with an empty dishwasher and no detergent. And that’s it, you’ve successfully cleaned your dishwasher drain. Give yourself a pat on the back, you did a great job!

 

Dishwasher Drain Cleaning Hacks

The following tips and tricks will help you clean your dishwasher drain more efficiently, saving you lots of time.

1. Get rid of bad odours with bicarbonate of soda

If you’re dealing with any bad odours in your dishwasher, try running a cycle of hot water with a cup of bicarbonate of soda. It’s a natural odour neutraliser and it works wonders when it comes to eliminating bad smells.

Just add a cup of bicarbonate of soda to the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.

It’s an easy and affordable way to get rid of any bad smells without using harsh chemicals. Give it a try, you’ll be amazed at how much fresher your dishwasher will smell!

 

2. Use a drain snake to dislodge debris

Here’s another pro-tip for you! If you’re dealing with larger debris that’s blocking the dishwasher’s drain, you can use a pipe snake remove it.

A drain snake is a long, flexible wire that’s used to remove blockages in pipes.

It’s a great option for removing large debris from the dishwasher’s drain. Just make sure to use the appropriate size for your dishwasher’s drain, and be careful not to damage the pipes.

This tool can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to removing larger debris.

You can find one at most DIY shops or online, and it’s a great investment for any homeowner.

 

3. Use a dishwasher cleaner tablet

If you want to make cleaning your dishwasher drain even easier, try placing a dishwasher cleaner tablet or powder on the drain cover.

These handy little products are specifically designed to remove built-up grime and food particles that can accumulate inside your dishwasher.

Just pop one of these tablets or sprinkle some powder onto your dishwasher drain, then run a hot water cycle. The cleaner will help break down and remove any stubborn grime or food particles, leaving your dishwasher sparkling clean.

Make sure to use it as directed on the package, and it will make your cleaning process much easier. Give it a try, you’ll be surprised at how much cleaner your dishwasher will be!

 

Conclusion

You’ve made it to the end of the article, and by now you should have a sparkling clean dishwasher drain.

Not only does a clean dishwasher drain ensure the efficiency of your dishwasher but it also helps prevent any unwanted odours.

Remember, regular cleaning is key, so make sure to add these steps to your regular cleaning routine.

And don’t forget about the handy hacks we’ve shared; they can make the cleaning process even easier.

Whether you use a dishwasher cleaner tablet or powder, run a cycle of hot water with bicarbonate of soda or use a pipe snake, all of these tips can help you keep your dishwasher drain in tip-top shape.