Ugh, who wants mold growing inside their dishwasher? So many homeowners deal with that grossness taking over. On top of looking nasty, mold can also pose health hazards too. Unfortunately, the damp, cozy climate inside provides an ideal hotbed for those spores to breed.
Good news though – with some basic cleaning tactics, you can nuke that mold for good.
In this guide, we’ll clue you in on how to give your mushy machine a deep scrub, zap any existing mold, and stop more from coming back down the line.
We’ll break it all down simply to solve your dishwasher mold mess once and for all. Keep reading to finally evict those slippery squatters!
What Causes Mold to Grow in a Dishwasher?
Okay, some things to know about what fuels mold growth in those machines. Mold spores are naturally floating all around us. When they land somewhere damp, they can rapidly multiply into colonies.
A few things contribute to mold’s party inside dishwashers:
- Food residue – Leftover crumbs are like fertilizer for mold to feed on.
- Moisture – The humid environment in there allows mold to thrive. Water pools everywhere, especially by the door seal.
- Poor ventilation – Leaving the door shut traps humidity inside.
- Low heat – Most washer cycles aren’t hot enough to kill lingering spores. Mold loves those warm-ish temps.
By addressing these factors, you can remove mold for good and stop it from RSVPing again in the future.
How to Clean a Moldy Dishwasher
Here are the steps to clean that moldy mess:
Inspect and Remove Large Debris – Empty it all out and find the visible mold, especially along the seals and bottom. Scoop out any big crumbs too.
Wash with Dishwasher Cleaner – Use a product that cuts through built-up gunk per instructions. Fire up a hot cycle to kill spores with heat.
Scrub with Baking Soda – Stir some into a paste to scrub away stubborn stains on seals, filters, and racks with a toothbrush.
Disinfect with Vinegar – To fully murder spores and stop regrowth, wipe down the insides with a vinegar/water solution.
Dry Thoroughly – Crack the door afterward so air circulates inside for hours to remove all humidity mold feasts on.
With an intense clean hitting all those trouble areas, you’ll nuke that mold for good
How to Keep Mold Out of Your Dishwasher
Preventing mold involves regular maintenance and changing some dishwasher habits. Here are useful tips:
Here are some tips to prevent mold long-term:
- Scrape off food – Don’t put messy dishes in there without scraping them first so they stay cleaner.
- Use rinse aid – It helps droplets bead away from surfaces, keeping interiors dryer. Refill the reservoir.
- Open the door after cycles to let out steam and let air circulate inside.
- Clean on occasion – Give it a deep scrub every few months before gunk builds up as mold fertilizer.
- Inspect door seals – Check for wetness or mold by seals. Wipe dry after each wash.
- Run hot washes – High heat murders mold spores and dries things out. Do it weekly at least.
- Clean the filter – Food stuck in there gets moldy. Wash the filter monthly.
- Wash vinegar through – Vinegar is naturally anti-microbial. Do this monthly.
- Dry with baking soda – Pop an open box in there periodically to absorb smells and moisture.
Stay on top of cleaning and care and you can keep mold evicted permanently.
FAQ
How can I stop ‘shrooms from croppin’ up?
Make sure to wipe-er-down regularly, pre-rinse your dishes, and do hot cycles with vino every blue moon. Also, inspect those door seals for any funky patches – scrub if ya see um.
What if I notice some growin’?
If you spot mushies, clean them asap with a bleach or vinegar wash cycle. Focus on scrubbing the seal, rubber bits, and filter where they like to shack up.
How do I sanitize to kill ’em off?
To truly disinfect and do away with the mold, run on the hottest setting with bleach or other dishwasher-safe sanitizer after wiping away any visible mold or mildew.
What signs indicate they’re hangin’ around?
Could be a musky stank, spots on yer dishes, visible patches on seals or walls, or an overall humidity.
How can I clean gaskets to keep ’em away?
Use vino or bleach on seals to zap away any funk, and let fully air dry afterward.
Should I clean the filter too?
Fo’ sho – keepin’ the filter spiffy is key to not attractin’ more mush friends. Scrub, rinse, dry, replace monthly.
How do I wipe the bottom clean?
Vinegar water wipe-down, then another hot cycle with bleach or vino does the trick nicely.
Conclusion
Dealin’ with dishwasher ‘shrooms is a regular hassle, but one you can conquer with intense scrubbing and maintenance ways. First off, give the whole machine a deep clean usin’ vino, bakin’ soda, and dishwasher cleaner to zap any existin’ mushers.
Then make it routine to wipe down those door seals, filter scrubbin’, and leavin’ time for the insides to fully air dry in between cycles. With consistent TLC, you can permanently evict mold from your appliance.
I’m Ian Welkins, a seasoned professional in the kitchen industry. My passion now drives me to provide invaluable insights into the world of top-notch kitchen products. With years of hands-on experience, I’m your go-to source for culinary excellence.
