Most people never give a second thought to cleaning their dishwashers since they are themselves cleaning tools. Use over time can cause a dishwasher to fill up with food debris and mildew since all of the food stuck on the dishes has to go somewhere. After a while you are going to notice that your dishwasher is not getting your dishes as clean as it usually does. At this point, you have a good indication that your dishwasher needs a good cleaning.Using it RegularlyOne of the worst things that you can do to your dishwasher is to use it for a while and then let it sit unused for an extended period of time. Using the dishwasher is a great way to delay having to clean it, because running it frequently can prevent the build- up of debris and food particles. If you know that you are not going to use it for a good amount of time, then this is a good time to give it an overall cleaning.Cleaning Your DishwasherThe best time to clean your dishwasher is right after it completes an entire cycle and is empty. The first thing to do is to check all of the spinning arms and holes for debris and clear away any that you find. You can use a small tool, such as a pair of pliers or toothpicks, to get into the small cracks and make sure that you do not miss any of the tiny particles. Next, you need to wipe down all of the edges of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge anywhere that water does not touch while it is running. The last thing you should do is check the drain and make sure that it is clear.Running your dishwasher is one of the best ways to keep it clean, because using it can prevent the build- up of debris. You may not believe that you need to clean your dishwasher every once in a while, but you are going to notice a drop in performance if you do not. Follow this guide, and you are sure to keep your dishwasher running effectively and efficiently.