We often assume that because a dishwasher cleans our dishes, it also cleans itself. Unfortunately, that’s a myth. Every time you run a cycle, bits of food, grease, and undissolved detergent get trapped in the filter, spray arms, and crevices.
If you’ve noticed your dishes aren't coming out as sparkly as they used to, your machine is likely crying out for help. Here are 5 signs it’s time for a deep clean:
1. That Lingering "Funky" Smell If you catch a whiff of a damp or sour odor when you open the door, it’s a sign of bacterial growth or old food trapped in the filter. A clean dishwasher should have a neutral or fresh scent.
2. Spots and Cloudy Glassware Are your wine glasses looking cloudy? It’s often not a lack of soap, but rather hard water minerals and old residue recirculating during the wash.
3. Food Debris Left on Dishes If you’re finding "sand-like" particles or tiny bits of food on your plates after a full cycle, your spray arms or filters are likely clogged, preventing proper water circulation.
4. Visible Mold or Mildew Check the rubber seals (gaskets) around the door. If you see black spots or slimy buildup, your machine is harboring mold that can transfer to your "clean" dishes.
5. Standing Water at the Bottom If water doesn't drain completely, your drainage system is struggling with debris. This stagnant water is a magnet for germs.
How to Do It Right Manual scrubbing only goes so far. To reach the internal pipes and the heating element, you need a powerful enzymatic cleaner. Mists & Mitts Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets are designed to penetrate deep-seated grime and dissolve limescale without harsh chemicals that damage your machine.
