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How to Clean a GE Nautilus Dishwasher

Meredith Jameson

Since dishwashers use soap and water to clean dishes and utensils, the dishwasher itself should remain fairly clean. However, washing heavily soiled dishes or items with stains such as tomato sauce that drips into the dishwasher can cause problems with the tub. Other potential problems include brown stains caused by water with a high mineral content and a mildew smell caused by leaving dirty dishes in the tub without washing them regularly. Regardless of how the smell or stain occurs, dishwashers such as the GE Nautilus dishwasher may need additional cleaning.

White Film on Dishes or Mildew Smell

Step 1

Remove metal items from inside the GE Nautilus dishwasher.

Step 2

Place 1 to 3 tablespoons of citric acid crystals in the detergent dispenser without detergent.

Step 3

Run a normal wash cycle with air dry or no dry selected.

Step 4

Repeat as needed until the smell is gone or the white filmy appearance on dishes has been washed away.

Spots or Filmy Appearance on Dishes

Step 1

Remove metal items from the GE Nautilus dishwasher.

Step 2

Select a long wash cycle and start the dishwasher without detergent.

Step 3

Wait 20 minutes and open the dishwasher door. Set a glass container with 2 cups of white vinegar on the bottom rack.

Step 4

Close the dishwasher door and let the GE Nautilus finish washing. Repeat as needed with 1/4 cup citric acid crystals if the vinegar does not completely rinse the film or spots off dishes or utensils.

Tomato-Based Stains

Step 1

Run a "Rinse Only" cycle to remove remaining tomato stains in the GE Nautilus dishwasher.

Step 2

Add a plastic booster detergent to the dishwasher dispenser and run a normal cycle.

Step 3

Repeat the detergent rinse as needed.

Tea or Coffee Stains

Step 1

Wait at least 20 minutes after the last dish cycle completes to allow the GE dishwasher time to cool down.

Step 2

Mix 3 cups warm water and 1/2 cup bleach.

Step 3

Open the dishwasher door and use a cleaning sponge to wipe down the interior with the bleach solution.