5 Shocking Secrets About Dishwasher Mold (and How To Clean It)

Mold in your dishwasher is a common but unwelcome guest. It can leave your dishes with an unpleasant odor and appearance, and it can even pose health risks. But don’t despair! Cleaning your dishwasher of mold is a straightforward process that can be done with household items.

Identifying Mold in Your Dishwasher

Before you can clean mold from your dishwasher, you need to identify it. Mold typically appears as black, green, or white spots on the inside of your dishwasher, especially around the gasket, door, and detergent dispenser. It can also cause a musty odor.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin cleaning, take these safety precautions:

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
• Open windows or turn on a fan for ventilation.
• Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals on the gasket, as it can damage it.

Materials You’ll Need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Bleach (optional)
• Soft cloths or sponges

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions:

1. Empty the Dishwasher: Remove all dishes and utensils from the dishwasher.

2. Clean the Filter: Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it. Rinse it thoroughly with water and replace it.

3. Clean the Gasket: Use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in vinegar to wipe down the gasket around the door. Avoid using bleach on the gasket, as it can damage it.

4. Clean the Door: Wipe down the inside of the door with a vinegar solution. Pay special attention to the detergent dispenser and any other areas where mold may be present.

5. Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle without any dishes. This will help loosen and remove mold spores.

6. Sprinkle Baking Soda: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot water cycle to dissolve the baking soda.

7. Clean the Spray Arms: Remove the spray arms from the dishwasher and soak them in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Use a soft brush to remove any debris or mold.

8. Run a Bleach Cycle (Optional): If the mold problem persists, you can run a bleach cycle. Add 1 cup of bleach to the detergent dispenser and run a hot water cycle. **Caution:** Avoid using bleach if your dishwasher has stainless steel components, as it can damage them.

9. Rinse Thoroughly: After the bleach cycle, run a hot water cycle with an extra rinse to remove any bleach residue.

10. Dry the Dishwasher: Open the dishwasher door and leave it open for several hours to dry completely.

Prevention Tips:

• Run your dishwasher regularly, even if it’s not full.
• Leave the dishwasher door open slightly after a cycle to allow it to dry.
• Clean the dishwasher filter regularly.
• Avoid overloading the dishwasher.
• Use a rinse aid to prevent water spots and mold growth.

Troubleshooting:

• Mold keeps coming back: If mold continues to appear in your dishwasher, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, such as a leak or improper drainage. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
• Dishwasher smells like mold but I don’t see any: Mold spores can be present even if you don’t see any visible mold. Run a vinegar cycle and a baking soda cycle to eliminate any spores.

The Bottom Line:

With these simple steps, you can effectively eliminate mold from your dishwasher and keep it clean and fresh. Remember to follow the prevention tips to minimize the risk of future mold growth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?
A: Yes, you can use bleach to clean your dishwasher, but avoid using it on the gasket, as it can damage it.

Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher of mold?
A: It depends on how often you use your dishwasher. If you use it frequently, you should clean it monthly. If you use it infrequently, you can clean it every 3-6 months.

Q: What are some signs that my dishwasher needs to be cleaned?
A: Signs that your dishwasher needs to be cleaned include a musty odor, visible mold, or dishes that come out with a film or residue.