### How to Clean a GE Dishwasher: Simple Steps for a Clean Machine
Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential for ensuring it performs at its best, keeps your dishes spotless, and remains odor-free. GE dishwashers, known for their reliability and efficiency, still require regular care to prevent buildup of grime, food particles, and mineral deposits. This detailed guide will walk you through simple yet effective steps to clean your GE dishwasher, along with additional tips and insights to keep it in top shape. Whether you’re dealing with a smelly machine or just want to maintain its longevity, these instructions—sourced from authoritative websites and expert advice—will help you achieve a sparkling clean dishwasher.
#### Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, collect the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need:
– White vinegar
– Baking soda
– Mild dish soap
– A soft sponge or cloth
– A soft-bristle brush (like an old toothbrush)
– A clean, dry towel
– Optional: a commercial dishwasher cleaner like Affresh or Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
These items are commonly recommended because they’re safe for your GE dishwasher and effective at tackling grease, odors, and hard water stains. According to HomeGearGeek, having these supplies ready ensures a smooth cleaning process without damaging your appliance.
#### Step 2: Empty the Dishwasher and Inspect the Interior
Start by removing all dishes, utensils, and racks from your GE dishwasher. This gives you full access to the interior. Take a moment to manually remove any large food particles or debris you see on the bottom or walls. As Flamingo Appliance Service notes, “Empty your dishwasher by removing any plates, cutlery, or utensils still inside. You should also remove the top and bottom racks” to make cleaning easier. Use a damp, soapy cloth to give the interior walls a quick wipe-down, focusing on areas prone to buildup like the door edges and corners.
#### Step 3: Clean the Filter
The filter is a critical component of your GE dishwasher, trapping food particles to prevent clogs. A dirty filter can reduce cleaning performance and cause odors. Here’s how to clean it:
1. **Locate the Filter**: Find the cylindrical filter at the base of the dishwasher. On most GE models, it’s an Ultra Fine Filter that twists counterclockwise to unlock.
2. **Remove It**: Gently lift it out. If there’s a coarse filter or mesh screen nearby, remove that too.
3. **Wash It**: Rinse the filters under warm, running water. Use a soft sponge and mild soap to scrub away debris. For stubborn particles, soak the filter in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes, then gently brush it with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Avoid abrasive pads, as they can damage the filter mesh.
4. **Clean the Filter Housing**: Wipe the area where the filter sits with a damp cloth to remove any trapped gunk.
5. **Reinstall**: Place the filter back and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
GE Appliances advises cleaning the filter monthly to maintain optimal performance ([((GE Appliances))]). A clean filter ensures water flows freely and prevents smelly clogs.
#### Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms distribute water to clean your dishes, but they can clog with food particles or mineral deposits over time. To clean them:
1. **Remove the Spray Arms**: Depending on your GE model, unscrew or unclip the upper and lower spray arms. Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to detach them.
2. **Rinse and Soak**: Rinse them under running water to remove loose debris. For deeper cleaning, soak them in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 15 minutes.
3. **Scrub**: Use a toothbrush to clear out any clogged holes, ensuring water can flow freely.
4. **Reattach**: Once clean, reinstall the spray arms securely.
Sears Home Services emphasizes that clogged spray arms can hinder cleaning performance, so this step is vital for keeping your dishwasher effective ([((Sears Home Services))]).
#### Step 5: Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar and Baking Soda
To tackle grease, odors, and mineral buildup inside the dishwasher, use a two-part cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda:
– **Vinegar Cycle**: Place a dishwasher-safe bowl with 2 cups of white vinegar on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle (no detergent). Vinegar breaks down grease and limescale effectively. Dependable Repair Services suggests this method for its simplicity and efficacy: “To clean a GE dishwasher with vinegar, start by pouring two cups of white vinegar into a small bowl and placing the bowl on the bottom rack of an empty dishwasher.”
– **Baking Soda Cycle**: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, hot water cycle. Baking soda neutralizes odors and cleans residual grime. Moore Appliance Service highlights that “baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent that can take on dirt, grime, and grease with ease.”
Note: Don’t mix vinegar and baking soda together in one cycle, as they’ll neutralize each other’s cleaning power. Let the dishwasher air-dry by skipping the drying cycle and leaving the door open afterward.
#### Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior and Seals
Don’t neglect the outside of your dishwasher. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe the door, handle, and control panel. For stainless steel models, a stainless steel cleaner can add a polished finish. Pay special attention to the rubber door seal, where food and mildew can accumulate. Dip a cloth or toothbrush in vinegar and scrub the seal gently, then wipe it dry. HomeGearGeek advises, “Wipe down the interior, focusing on areas prone to buildup, such as the door, sides, and bottom,” to prevent leaks and wear.
#### Additional Tips for Maintaining Your GE Dishwasher
– **Scrape, Don’t Rinse**: Scrape excess food off dishes before loading to reduce debris buildup, but avoid pre-rinsing unless necessary—GE dishwashers are designed to handle some food residue.
– **Run Full Loads**: Maximize efficiency by running the dishwasher only when fully loaded.
– **Use Rinse Aid**: Fill the rinse aid dispenser to prevent water spots and keep spray arms and filters clear.
– **Check the Drain**: If you notice standing water, inspect the drain hose under the sink for kinks or clogs. Clear it with a long brush if needed.
– **Monthly Maintenance**: Run a cleaning cycle with a commercial cleaner like Affresh every few months to tackle hard water deposits.
GE Appliances recommends avoiding abrasive cleaners inside the dishwasher, as they can damage the finish, and suggests using their Sanitize Cycle (if available) to kill bacteria ([((GE Appliances))]).
#### When to Call a Professional
If your dishwasher still smells or doesn’t clean well after these steps, there might be a deeper issue like a clogged drain line or a failing pump. Mid America Appliance Repair suggests contacting a technician if persistent drain clogs or hard water buildup remain unresolved ([((Mid America Repair))]).
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: How often should I clean my GE dishwasher?**
A: Clean your dishwasher monthly if you use it frequently, or every six months if you use it sparingly. Check the filter monthly regardless of usage to prevent buildup.
**Q: Can I use bleach to clean my GE dishwasher?**
A: No, avoid bleach as it can corrode stainless steel surfaces and damage seals. Stick to vinegar, baking soda, or commercial cleaners designed for dishwashers.
**Q: Why does my dishwasher still smell after cleaning?**
A: Persistent odors could stem from a clogged drain hose, garbage disposal issues, or mold in hidden areas. Run a vinegar cycle again and check the drain system.
**Q: Is it safe to mix vinegar and baking soda in one cycle?**
A: No, they’ll cancel each other out. Use them in separate cycles for maximum effectiveness.
**Q: How do I prevent hard water stains in my dishwasher?**
A: Use a rinse aid and run a cleaning cycle with citric acid or a dishwasher cleaner monthly. If hard water is a major issue, consider a water softener.
**Q: What if I can’t remove the spray arms?**
A: Refer to your GE dishwasher’s manual for model-specific instructions. If you’re unsure, skip this step or consult a professional to avoid damage.
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By following these steps and tips, your GE dishwasher will stay clean, efficient, and odor-free, ensuring your dishes come out sparkling every time. Regular maintenance not only enhances performance but also extends the life of your appliance, making it a worthwhile routine for any household.