Warning! 6 products you should not use in dishwasher

Dand to ensure its regular operation, it is essential to wash the dishwasher – inside and outside.

As far as this is concerned, care must be taken with the products you choose, as some may damage this household appliance.

The importance of cleaning your dishwasher 

“ Just because the function of the dishwasher is to clean, this does not mean that all your pieces clean themselves,” said Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean.

Sokolowski notes that the food particles, fat and detergent that the machine removes from dishes and kitchen utensils can accumulate in the filter and internal components over time. “This accumulation creates unpleasant odors, which can leave residues in the dishes themselves or affect the overall performance of washing,” he said.

Regular cleaning in the dishwasher, recommended once a month, should help remove accumulated dirt and keep the household appliance running efficiently. 

“The filter, rubber on the door and sprinkler arm can get clogged with food leftovers faster than most people imagine,” adds home appliances expert Alex Afone.

Products to avoid when cleaning your dishwasher

“ The inside of dishwashers can be stainless steel, plastic or a combination of both, and also contains rubber seals, coated railings and plastic components,” Sokolowski says.

“The fact that a cleaning product is safe for a particular type of dishwasher does not mean that it is automatically safe for all components”. 

To minimize damage avoid the following errors and products:

Leek 

“The chlorine can corrode and discolor the interior of your stainless steel dishwasher,” Sokolowski says. “When mixed with other cleaning products, chlorine can also release toxic vapors that should not be inhaled”.

Dishes detergent

You should never put dish detergent in the machine as it is formulated to create foam. “Even if you use a small amount of soap to wash dishes, this can fill the foam machine, which, in turn, can interfere with the machine’s drainage capacity,” Sokolowski says. 

Abrasive cleaning products

The use of abrasive powders and aggressive cleaning products can scratch the inside of your dishwasher, damage the finish and protective layer of the grids.

Abrasive mops

As regards cleaning materials, Aphone warns of the danger of using abrasive sponges or wire mop on the internal walls of the dishwasher. It's best to use a microfiber cloth. 

Caustic cleaning products

If you feel like using caustic cleaning products, known as pipe cleaners or oven cleaners, stop immediately. Its highly corrosive ingredients can cause permanent internal damage

Cleaning wine

According to Aphone, the cleaning vinegar should be avoided in the sealing joints of the doors and in the sealing rubbers as it may deteriorate the rubber.