Stuck with a sluggish dishwasher drain? No need to call the plumber! Learn how to clean dishwasher drain with these secret tools to clear that clog.
Unclog That Mess: Easy Steps to Clean Your Dishwasher Drain
Stuck with a dishwasher that’s more of a swamp monster than a cleaning companion? Leaky, smelly, and refusing to drain? This guide is your weapon against clogged drains and funky odors.
We’ll tackle the grease, grime, and mineral build-up with simple tools and hacks you probably already have. Learn how to clean dishwasher drain and keep it sparkling clean. ✨
Let’s dive in!
How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain and Items Needed
We all love how convenient a dishwasher is, and how it saves time and effort to wash dishes. However, we often forget that cleaning a dishwasher regularly is crucial because you don’t want your appliance to have mold or a foul smell.
The most crucial part you should pay attention to is the drain. WHY?
The drain is where the dirty water and food particles go after each cleaning cycle. The food particles, grease, and other filthy stuff fill it, making it clogged, and that’s where the foul smell comes from. If all this filth doesn’t get drained and cleaned, it eventually affects the performance of your dishwasher.
So, we recommend you clean your dishwasher drain at least once a month if you notice any signs of clogging or smell.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
To clean your dishwasher drain, you will need the following tools and materials:
- A screwdriver
- A sponge or cloth
- A toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
- A bottle of white vinegar
- A box of baking soda
- A bottle of dishwashing liquid
How to Clean Dishwasher Drain
You can clean a dishwasher drain in many ways, but here is what works best. So, follow these steps to clean your dishwasher drain:
1. Empty the dishwasher and disconnect it from power
Safety is crucial; ensure your dishwasher is empty and unplugged from the power source before cleaning. It will prevent any accidents or damage to your appliance.
2. Transfer standing water from the dishwasher
If water is left in the bottom of your dishwasher, use a cup or a small container to scoop it out and transfer it to a sink or a bucket. You can also use a sponge or cloth to dry out excess water. It will make it easier for you to access the drain.
3. Check the dishwasher filter
The filter location is under the spray arm at the bottom of your dishwasher. It may have a cover that you need to remove with a screwdriver.
The filter is responsible for trapping any large food particles or debris that can clog the drain. Check the filter for any signs of dirt or damage, and remove any food particles you see. So here is how you do it:
- Clean around the filter: Use a sponge or a cloth dampened with hot water and vinegar to wipe around the filter and the surrounding area. It will help to loosen any grease or grime stuck to the filter or the drain.
- Unscrew the filter: If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, use the appliance manual with instructions on removing the filter. Then, carefully unscrew the 4 screws on the filter from its base and lift it from the dishwasher. From there, remove the dishwasher bottom rack to access the filter. Be gentle and avoid damaging the filter or its parts.
- Wash the filter: Rinse the filter under running water and use a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any dirt or residue in the filter’s holes or crevices. You can also soak the filter in hot water and vinegar for about 15 minutes to disinfect it and remove any foul smell.
- Reconnect the filter: After washing the filter, ensure it is dry and debris-free. Then, place it back into its base and screw it securely. Replace the cover if there is one.
Tip: If you have trouble finding your dishwasher filter, check your user manual or look online for instructions specific to your model. Some dishwashers may have different types of filters or locations.
How to Unclog the Drain
A clogged drain can cause your dishwasher to malfunction, leak, or smell bad. To prevent this, you should clean your dishwasher drain regularly and remove any food particles or debris stuck in it. Here are the steps to unclog the drain of your dishwasher:
1. Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher
It will give you access to the drain area at the bottom of your dishwasher. You may need to slide out the rack carefully to avoid scratching or damaging it.
2. Unscrew the drain catch and filters
The drain catch is a metal or plastic piece that covers the drain opening. The filters are usually under or around the drain catch. They help trap any large particles or objects that clog the drain. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need a screwdriver to unscrew the drain catch and filters.
3. Use a straightened wire hanger to remove the clog
Bend one end of a wire hanger into a hook shape and insert it into the drain opening. Move it around to loosen and pull out any clog or blockage you can reach. Be careful not to damage or scratch the drain or the hose with the wire hanger.
4. Pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain
Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that can help dissolve and remove any remaining clog or residue from your drain. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a measuring cup and pour it down the drain.
You will hear a fizzing sound as the mixture reacts with the clog. Remember to avoid commercial drain cleaners because most contain chemicals that can be harmful.
5. Let the mixture sit in the dishwasher for 10-15 minutes
It will allow the baking soda and vinegar to work their magic and break down the clog further. After 15 minutes, pour hot water down the drain to wash off any left debris. Do not turn on or use your dishwasher during this time.
6. Reconnect and run the dishwasher on a normal cycle
After 10-15 minutes, screw back the drain catch and filters and slide in the bottom rack. Then, run your dishwasher normally without any dishes or detergent. It will flush any remaining clog or mixture from your drain and hose.
After the cycle, check if any water or dirt is left in the bottom of your dishwasher. If not, then congratulations! You have successfully unclogged your dishwasher drain and prepared it for another round of dishes.
How to Remove a Clog from the Drain Hose
Sometimes, the clog may be in the drain hose that connects your dishwasher to your sink or garbage disposal. It can prevent your dishwasher from draining properly and cause water to back into your appliance. To fix this problem, you need to remove the clog from the drain hose by following these steps:
1. Shut off all the power that leads to the dishwasher
Before working on your dishwasher, unplug it from the power source and the water supply valve is off. It will prevent any accidents or damage to your appliance.
2. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions
Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to follow different steps to access and disconnect the drain hose from your appliance, sink, or garbage disposal. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions and diagrams for your model.
3. Disconnect the hose
Once you have located the drain hose, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen and detach it from both ends. You may need to remove some clamps or screws that hold it in place. Be prepared for some water to spill out from the hose as you disconnect it.
4. Use a wire hanger or auger to unclog the hose
After disconnecting the hose, straighten it out as much as possible and inspect it for any visible clogs or kinks. Then, use a wire hanger or a drill (a long flexible tool with a spiral head) to insert into one end of the hose and push through until you reach the other end. Twist and move the wire hanger or drill back and forth to loosen and remove any clog or blockage you encounter.
5. Reattach the hose and run the dishwasher
After clearing the hose, reconnect it to both ends and secure it with clamps or screws. Then, plug in your dishwasher, turn on the water supply valve, and run it on a normal cycle without any dishes or detergent. It will flush out any clog or debris from your hose and appliance.
How Can You Prevent Dishwasher Clogs
A dishwasher is an outstanding appliance that makes life easier and saves water and energy. However, if you don’t take care of it properly, it can get clogged and cause problems. Clogs can occur in the drain, the filter, or the hose of your dishwasher, affecting its performance, efficiency, and hygiene. To prevent dishwasher clogs, you should follow these simple steps:
1. Run your garbage disposal before each use
Your garbage disposal and dishwasher share the same drain pipe, so if your garbage disposal is complete or clogged, it can affect your dishwasher’s drainage. To avoid this, run your garbage disposal for a few seconds before you start your dishwasher. It will clear any food waste or debris blocking the pipe.
2. Scrape off food before loading the dishwasher
Even though modern dishwashers are powerful enough to handle some food residue, you should still scrape off any large or hard food particles from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
It will prevent them from getting stuck in the filter or the drain and causing clogs. You can use a paper towel or a spatula to scrape off the food or rinse it under running water.
3. Avoid over-rinsing your dishes
While it is essential to scrape off food from your dishes, you don’t need to rinse them too much before loading them into the dishwasher. Over-rinsing can waste water and energy and remove the detergent residue that helps your dishwasher clean your dishes.
You may have cloudy or spotty dishes after the cycle if you rinse too much. A good rule of thumb is to rinse only the dishes with sticky or greasy food and leave the rest for the dishwasher to handle.
4. Fill your dishwasher before each use
Running your dishwasher when not full can waste water and energy and increase the risk of clogs. When you run a half-empty dishwasher, the water pressure may not be enough to flush out all the food particles or debris from the drain or the hose.
It can cause them to accumulate and form clogs over time. To avoid this, fill your dishwasher before each use, but don’t overload it either. Ensure enough space between the dishes for the water and detergent to reach them.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, despite following these steps, you may still encounter a clog in your dishwasher that you can’t fix. It often happens if the clog is too deep or stubborn or if there is a problem with your appliance’s plumbing or electrical system.
In these cases, call a professional plumber or technician to inspect and repair your dishwasher. Some signs that indicate that you need professional help are:
- Your dishwasher doesn’t drain at all or drains very slowly
- Your dishwasher leaks water onto the floor or under the sink
- Your dishwasher makes loud or unusual noises during the cycle
- Your dishes come out dirty or smelly after the cycle
- Your dishwasher smells bad even after cleaning it
Call a pro as soon as possible if you notice these signs. A professional plumber or technician can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and safely and restore your dishwasher to optimal condition. Remember we have other helpful cleaning hacks for your household appliances to keep them pristine.