How Do I Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?
Using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is simple: empty your dishwasher, remove the sticker from the bottle’s cap (don’t unscrew the cap), and place the bottle upside down in the bottom rack. Then, run your dishwasher on its hottest cycle.
The Importance of a Clean Dishwasher
A sparkling clean dishwasher isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for ensuring your dishes come out clean and sanitized. Over time, dishwashers accumulate grease, food particles, limescale, and detergent residue in their pipes, spray arms, and hidden areas. These deposits can lead to:
- Reduced cleaning performance
- Unpleasant odors
- Clogged spray arms
- Poor water circulation
- Potential bacteria growth
Regular cleaning with a dedicated dishwasher cleaner like Finish helps prevent these problems and prolongs the life of your appliance.
Benefits of Using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner offers several key benefits over simply using regular dish soap or other DIY cleaning methods:
- Targets Hidden Grease & Grime: Its powerful formula penetrates and dissolves grease, food particles, and limescale that accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
- Freshens the Dishwasher: It eliminates unpleasant odors, leaving your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
- Improves Cleaning Performance: By removing buildup, it allows your dishwasher to function at its optimal performance, resulting in cleaner dishes.
- Easy to Use: The single-use bottle design is convenient and mess-free.
- Safe for Septic Systems: It is formulated to be safe for use with septic systems when used as directed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
Using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Empty the Dishwasher: Remove all dishes, utensils, and racks from your dishwasher. This is essential to ensure the cleaner can reach all areas.
- Inspect the Dishwasher: Check the spray arms and filter for any large debris. Remove any visible food particles or obstructions.
- Prepare the Cleaner: Remove the sticker from the top of the Finish Dishwasher Cleaner bottle. Do not unscrew the cap. The wax plug will dissolve during the cleaning cycle.
- Position the Bottle: Place the bottle upside down in the silverware basket or securely in the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher. Ensure the bottle doesn’t obstruct the spray arms.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Close the dishwasher door and run a normal or intensive (hottest) cycle.
- Post-Cycle Inspection: After the cycle is complete, remove the empty bottle. Inspect the inside of your dishwasher. It should be noticeably cleaner and fresher smelling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the best possible results, avoid these common mistakes when using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner:
- Forgetting to Empty the Dishwasher: Running the cleaner with dishes inside will not effectively clean the dishwasher.
- Removing the Cap: Removing the cap instead of just the sticker will cause the cleaning solution to spill.
- Using a Cold Cycle: The cleaner requires hot water to dissolve the wax plug and effectively clean the dishwasher.
- Obstructing the Spray Arms: Ensure the bottle is placed in a location that doesn’t block the spray arms from rotating.
- Not Cleaning the Filter: While the cleaner helps, it’s still important to manually clean the filter regularly to remove large debris.
Frequency of Use
How often you should use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner depends on several factors, including:
- Frequency of Dishwasher Use: If you run your dishwasher daily, you may need to clean it more frequently.
- Hardness of Water: Hard water can lead to limescale buildup, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Type of Food Residue: If you frequently wash greasy or heavily soiled dishes, your dishwasher may need more frequent cleaning.
Generally, it’s recommended to use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner every 1-3 months for optimal performance. A table below summarizes this:
| Frequency of Use | Water Hardness | Dish Washing | Frequency of Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | High | High | Monthly |
| Medium | Medium | Medium | Every 2 months |
| Low | Low | Low | Every 3 months |
Troubleshooting
Occasionally, issues may arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lingering Odor | Food buildup or clogged filter | Clean the filter thoroughly and run another cycle with Finish Dishwasher Cleaner. |
| Residue on Dishes | Insufficient rinsing or hard water | Use a rinse aid and ensure your dishwasher’s water softener (if applicable) is properly set. |
| Cleaner not dissolving properly | Cycle not hot enough | Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle setting. |
| Dishwasher still looks dirty | Heavy buildup of limescale or grease | Repeat the cleaning process, or consider using a limescale remover specifically designed for dishwashers. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner while doing a load of dishes?
No, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is designed to be used in an empty dishwasher. Running it with dishes will not properly clean the appliance and may leave residue on your dishes.
Do I need to remove the cap from the Finish Dishwasher Cleaner bottle before use?
No, do not remove the cap. Only remove the sticker covering the top of the cap. The wax plug inside will dissolve during the cleaning cycle. Removing the cap will cause the cleaning solution to spill.
What if I accidentally removed the cap?
If you accidentally removed the cap, carefully replace it, ensuring it’s secure. Pour the remaining solution directly into the bottom of the dishwasher before running the cleaning cycle. Avoid getting the solution on your skin.
Can I use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner in any type of dishwasher?
Yes, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is safe for use in all types of dishwashers, including stainless steel and plastic models.
Is Finish Dishwasher Cleaner safe for my septic system?
Yes, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is formulated to be safe for use with septic systems when used as directed.
How often should I use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?
It’s generally recommended to use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner every 1-3 months, depending on usage, water hardness, and the types of food residue you typically wash. Heavy users in areas with hard water may need to clean monthly.
What if my dishwasher is still dirty after using Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?
If your dishwasher is heavily soiled, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. Alternatively, consider using a specialized limescale remover for dishwashers, particularly if you have hard water.
Can I use vinegar or baking soda instead of Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?
While vinegar and baking soda can offer some cleaning benefits, they are not as effective at removing grease and limescale as a dedicated dishwasher cleaner like Finish. Finish is specifically formulated to target these stubborn deposits.
What is the best cycle to use when running Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?
Use the hottest cycle available on your dishwasher, typically the “normal” or “intensive” cycle. Hot water is essential for dissolving the wax plug and activating the cleaning formula.
Can I use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner in a dishwasher with a food disposal?
Yes, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is safe to use in dishwashers with food disposals. It can actually help clean and freshen the disposal as well.
What should I do if Finish Dishwasher Cleaner gets on my skin?
If the cleaner gets on your skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
How should I store Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?
Store Finish Dishwasher Cleaner in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.