How to clean your washing machine and dishwasher

Knowing that your appliances have been cleaned and disinfected can give you great peace of mind. Did you know that your washing machine and dishwasher can also be helpful in eliminating bacteria and germs? Let’s talk about how to clean your washer and dishwasher using the right settings to eliminate germs.

Germ Destruction 101: How to Sanitize Your Washer and Dishwasher Items

Dishwashers and washers both clean well, but there is a difference between disinfecting and sanitizing. Before we get into how to clean your washer and dishwasher, let’s first look at what each term actually means.

Sanitize vs Disinfect

These words are often used interchangeably but they actually mean two things. Sanitizing is the act of cleaning dirt off surfaces and reducing the risk of infection by bacteria and germs. Disinfecting a surface is a more thorough process that kills almost all germs. Disinfecting kills germs, while sanitizing cleans surfaces.

The disinfecting process generally uses more harsh chemicals than the ones we use to sanitize. To prevent germs from spreading to clothing, toys, and other items, sanitizing should be done. Disinfecting sinks and toilets is not recommended. Disinfecting surfaces with high touch such as countertops and doorknobs is a good idea if germs such as influenza or rotavirus are present.

How to clean a dishwasher

Are dishwashers supposed to sanitize dishes after each wash? No. Some dishwashers do not have a sanitize option. If your dishwasher has one, make sure to select the sanitize option prior to a wash cycle starts.

The dishwasher sanitize cycles reduce the amount of germs that can be found on hotter surfaces than regular washing cycles. To be considered sanitized, items must reach a minimum temperature of 150°F.

What can be cleaned in the dishwasher?

How can you clean the dishwasher without damaging it? Regular sanitizing can be beneficial for the following items:

For safer washing, kitchen tools: To make it easier to wash, place scrubbing brushes and sponges in the top rack. The bottom rack can also be used to store microwave turntables and refrigerator shelves.

Bathroom fixtures: Soap dishes, rubber bathmats, toothbrush holders, rubber bathtub mats, and shower scrubs/exfoliators all can benefit from a weekly cleaning in the dishwasher

Toys for Kids: Plastic toys, figures and bath toys can all be washed on top rack. You can safely wash pacifiers and teething toys in the utensil hamper.

Pet Accessories: You can wash hard rubber toys and plastic collars on the top rack, while food bowls and leashes can be placed on the lower rack.

How to clean your clothes in the washer

Although not all machines have a washer-sanitizer setting, they can reduce the amount of bacteria and germs on linens and clothes. The washer will use hotter water temperatures or steam to kill germs when this cycle is selected. To kill enough germs effectively, the washer must be at least 165°F.

Washer sanitizing setting

A sanitize setting is more energy-intensive to heat and uses more gas. It’s not required to use this setting on every wash. This cycle may be especially beneficial for cloth diapers and hospital scrubs. A sanitize cycle can also be used for towels and bed linens that have been touched by illness.

It can be comforting to know how to clean your washer and dishwasher after they have been exposed to germs. You can also use sanitizing cycles to reduce household germs. Don’t let a dishwasher or washer malfunction ruin your peace of mind. As your appliance repair service.

Call a reliable appliance repair company like Fixify for your washing machine and dishwasher repair.

We cover a good number of locations in Suffolk County such as Brentwood, West Babylon, Coram and more.