How to Clean Your Dishwasher: A Complete Guide for a Fresher, Longer-Lasting Appliance
Your dishwasher works hard day in and day out—scrubbing grime, melting grease, and rinsing food residue from your plates and pans. But have you ever stopped to think… who's cleaning the dishwasher?
If you’ve noticed cloudy glassware, a funky odor, or your dishes just aren’t as clean as they used to be, it might be time to give your dishwasher some TLC. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning your dishwasher—from deep cleans to everyday maintenance.
Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher
Let’s start with the why before we dive into the how.
Even though dishwashers clean, they don’t self-clean. Over time, grease, soap scum, food particles, and even mineral buildup from hard water can accumulate. This gunk can:
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Make your dishwasher smell bad
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Decrease cleaning efficiency
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Shorten your appliance’s lifespan
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Lead to mold or bacteria growth
Cleaning your dishwasher regularly helps avoid costly repairs, keeps your dishes sparkling, and ensures you’re not harboring a science experiment in your kitchen.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
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Daily: Wipe down door edges and check the drain for debris
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Weekly: Clean the filter and wipe down the spray arms
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Monthly: Deep clean with vinegar and baking soda
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As Needed: Remove mineral buildup or mold
Supplies You’ll Need
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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A soft brush or old toothbrush
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Microfiber cloths or sponges
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Dish soap
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Toothpick or paperclip (for cleaning spray holes)
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Optional: Commercial dishwasher cleaner, lemon essential oil
Step-by-Step Guide: Deep Cleaning Your Dishwasher
1. Empty the Dishwasher
This one might be obvious, but worth stating—don’t try to clean around dishes. You’ll want a completely empty machine.
2. Clean the Drain and Filter
Locate and remove the filter (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher beneath the lower rack). Unscrew and pull it out.
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Soak the filter in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes
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Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away gunk
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Rinse thoroughly before putting it back
Check the drain area for any debris—think food bits, plastic wrappers, bones, etc.—and remove anything you find.
3. Scrub the Spray Arms
The spray arms are responsible for spraying your dishes with water. If the holes get clogged, your dishes don’t get clean.
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Remove the spray arms (check your manual if needed)
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Use a toothpick or paperclip to unclog holes
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Rinse thoroughly in warm water and wipe with a damp cloth
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Reattach carefully
4. Wipe Down the Interior
Use a sponge or cloth with warm soapy water to clean:
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The door edges and gasket (mildew loves to hide here)
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The detergent dispenser
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The walls and floor of the tub
Tip: Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for freshness.
5. Run a Vinegar Wash Cycle
Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle (without detergent).
This will:
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Break down grease
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Eliminate odors
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Sanitize the interior
6. Run a Baking Soda Rinse
After the vinegar cycle:
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Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub
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Run a short hot water cycle
This neutralizes odors and polishes the interior for a final shine.
7. Optional: Tackle Mineral Deposits
If you have hard water, mineral deposits can form.
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Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner once a month or
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Add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle regularly
Avoid using bleach, especially if your dishwasher has stainless steel parts—it can corrode them.
Bonus Tips for a Healthy Dishwasher
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Use the right detergent and avoid overloading the machine
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Run hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure it starts with hot water
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Leave the door cracked open after cycles to prevent mold
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Wipe the gasket regularly to keep it sealing properly
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Check and replace filters or gaskets as needed
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your dishwasher might not be the most glamorous chore, but it pays off big time. With just a few simple steps and some common household items, you can improve performance, extend the life of your appliance, and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
So next time your dishwasher starts smelling funky or underperforming—don’t blame the machine. Just show it a little love or give us a call.