If you never clean your dishwasher, you’re asking for trouble. Before we dive into the potential consequences, it’s important to note that your dishwasher, like any other appliance, requires regular maintenance to function optimally.

The failure to clean your dishwasher can result in reduced performance, unpleasant odors, higher utility bills, and even health issues. To prevent this, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial.

What Happens If You Never Clean Your Dishwasher

Let’s discuss what actually happens when you neglect this essential kitchen appliance.

Accumulation of Food Debris

When you load your dishes, it’s almost inevitable that food particles will remain. Over time, if you never clean your dishwasher, these remnants start to build up. This not only hampers the performance of your appliance but also can lead to unsightly and unpleasant odors.

Mold and Bacteria Growth

When food debris accumulates, your dishwasher becomes a hotbed for bacteria and mold. The warm and moist environment within the dishwasher is an ideal breeding ground for these microbes. If your dishwasher isn’t clean, these harmful organisms can contaminate your dishes, which could lead to health concerns.

Reduced Efficiency

A dirty dishwasher also has a negative impact on its efficiency. Food particles and other debris can clog the spray arms and drain, reducing water flow. This results in a less efficient wash, leading to dishes that are not properly cleaned. Over time, this can also lead to an increase in your water and electricity bills.

Damage to the Appliance

When the accumulation of debris becomes too much, it can even cause damage to your dishwasher. The motor can become strained, therefore, leading to a shorter lifespan for the appliance.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher

Now that we’ve established what happens if you never clean your dishwasher, it’s vital to discuss how often this task should be undertaken. Ideally, a general clean should occur once a month, with a deep clean every three to six months, depending on usage.

Regular Cleaning

You can achieve regular cleaning by:

Rinsing off larger food particles before loading dishes into the dishwasher.
Using a dishwasher cleaner or a homemade mix of vinegar and baking soda to clean the interior.
Regularly checking and cleaning the filter to ensure it is not clogged with food particles or debris.

Deep Cleaning

For a deep clean, you should:

Dismantle and soak the spray arms and filter in warm soapy water.
Clean the seals around the door with a soft brush and warm soapy water.
Run a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what happens if you never clean your dishwasher is the first step toward maintaining a clean, efficient, and long-lasting appliance. Regular cleaning not only keeps the machine running smoothly but also ensures the safety of your dishes, ultimately protecting you and your family’s health.

It may seem like a chore, but a little time spent on maintenance can save you much more time, money, and hassle down the line. So, next time you unload those sparkling clean dishes, remember to give your dishwasher some TLC too. After all, it takes care of you. It deserves some care in return.

Further Reading: 7 Things That Might Make Your Home Smell Bad

What Happens If You Never Clean Your Dishwasher