You don’t need to clean your air gap every time you fold laundry. Aim for every 3 to 6 months, or whenever your dishwasher starts smelling like a swamp. If you notice water pooling on your counter near the air gap, that’s a red flag—clean it ASAP.
Pro tip: If you have hard water, you might need to do this more often. Also, never pour bleach or harsh drain cleaners into the air gap. You’ll destroy the plastic and anger the plumbing gods. Stick to vinegar and elbow grease.
How To Clean Dishwasher Air Gap
