When and How You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Drain
Your dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. But even though it’s designed to clean, that doesn’t mean it stays clean. Over time, food particles, grease, and mineral buildup can clog the dishwasher drain and drain hose.
When that happens, your dishwasher becomes less effective, and your dishes may come out still dirty or smelling unpleasant. Fortunately, there’s a safe and simple solution: Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner.
Why Your Dishwasher Drain and Hose Matter
The dishwasher drain and drain hose play a crucial role in removing dirty water from your appliance. If either becomes clogged, water can pool at the bottom of the machine or fail to drain entirely. This not only affects cleaning performance but can also lead to odors, bacteria growth, and even water damage.
These parts don’t clean themselves. Your dishwasher may rinse away food from your dishes, but the residue often collects in the drain filter and hose. This causes buildup to form and create clogs over time.
Signs Your Dishwasher Drain Hose May Be Clogged:
- Dishes are not coming out clean
- Dishwasher smells bad after a cycle
- Water remains pooled in the bottom of the dishwasher
- Loud or unusual draining noises
Ignoring these signs can result in costly repairs or even replacement, underlining the need for regular maintenance and upkeep.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain Hose Without Removing It
You don’t need to disassemble your dishwasher to keep the drain hose clean. Here’s a simple method that works without removing any parts:
- Empty the dishwasher (do not add dish detergent).
- Remove the cap from the Glisten bottle, leaving the wax plug intact.
- Place the bottle upside down in the lower dish rack.
- Run a normal wash cycle with hot water.
The cleaner will reach internal parts including the drain, spray arms, filter, and hose — all without the need for disassembly in most dishwashers. For best results, use Glisten monthly to maintain optimal performance and prevent buildup.
What Makes Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner the Best Choice?
Glisten is the only EPA-registered dishwasher cleaner and disinfectant on the market, offering heavy-duty cleaning power that reaches deep into spray arms, filters, and pipes — where other cleaners can’t. It’s a powerful, multi-functional solution designed specifically for dishwashers. Here’s what sets it apart:
- EPA Safer Choice Certified: Glisten meets strict EPA standards, making it a safe option for your family and the environment.
- Breaks Down Buildup and Germs: Tackles limescale, grease, food debris, and harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
- Safe for All Dishwashers: Compatible with stainless steel and plastic interiors.
- Easy to Use: Just place and run a cycle, no scrubbing required.
- Cleaning Regimen: Glisten offers a complete cleaning regimen — from heavy-duty monthly cleaning to weekly freshening
Can You Use Drain Cleaner in a Dishwasher?
No, you should never use standard drain cleaner in a dishwasher. Traditional drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals not intended for use in dishwashers. These can degrade internal components and leave behind residues unsafe for food-contact surfaces — a risk Glisten eliminates with its food-safe, appliance-specific formula.. Worse, they can leave behind toxic residues that are not meant to be used near food-contact surfaces. Using a traditional drain cleaner on your dishwasher could be unsafe for you and your dishwasher.
Instead, use a dishwasher drain cleaner specifically designed for this purpose, like Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant. It’s safe, effective, and specially formulated to remove limescale, grease, and food residue, leaving your appliance fresh and functioning at its best.
Final Tips for Dishwasher Maintenance
Keeping your dishwasher running like new doesn’t take much time. Here are a few habits that help:
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Remove large food particles before loading, but don’t pre-rinse your dishes. Pre-rinsing can actually reduce dishwasher efficiency.
- Run Hot Water First: Before starting your dishwasher, run your kitchen sink with hot water to preheat the water going in.
- Use Glisten Monthly: This ensures the drain and hose stay clean and free of blockages.
A clean dishwasher doesn’t just work better — it lasts longer. With Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner, you get a safe, effective way to clean your dishwasher drain, hose, and interior all at once. Say goodbye to odors, clogs, and cloudy glassware — and hello to a cleaner, longer-lasting dishwasher.
Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant is available online and at major retailers. For more tips and product details, visit summitbrands.com or find Glisten at a retailer near you.