The Best Way to Clean Your Dish Rack

Think about it. What's the one thing in your kitchen you use practically every day but rarely — if ever — clean?

If you answered "my dish rack," you're singing a chorus with millions of others, darling. But does the idea of using a scrub brush and soap to spruce up the uniquely-shaped structure make you want to book it to your couch? We hear you. But sorry, folks, you should be cleaning this workhorse of a tool.

Per The Kitchn, here's the why and how: "Like anything that's exposed to water regularly, if not perpetually, [your dish rack] will eventually grow slimy black stuff. (Yes, that's the official term.)," writes Shifrah Combiths. "If you have a metal or plastic-coated dish rack, it's safe to toss it in the dishwasher. (Wood or bamboo ones can't be, obviously, but I'd shy away from those anyway because of inevitable mold growth.) A run through the dishwasher will sanitize this hard-working tool that holds your clean dishes. And it will do it without you having to scrub thin rungs by hand." Bonus: As Shifrah explains, throwing your dish rack in the dishwasher can be a way to help keep tinier items in place by placing the rack over random lids, tools, and assorted kitchen items.

WATCH: Dishwasher Salt May Be The Secret to Extra Clean Dishes

While you're at it, you'll likely want to wash that cloth or silicone mat you have perched under your dish rack, which can also be a hotbed for dirt and grime.

On a spring cleaning kick? Be sure to read How to Spring Clean Your Kitchen Like a Pro. Clean kitchen, here we come.