Your dishwasher helps clean your plates, pans, glasses, and kitchen tools. But while doing this, it can collect food bits, grease, and leftover soap. This buildup can stop it from working well and might even cause damage. Cleaning it often helps it last longer and keeps your dishes truly clean.
How Often Should You Clean It?
Try to clean your dishwasher once a month. This helps stop buildup and keeps it running well. If it starts to smell or you see food stuck inside, clean it sooner.
What Not to Use When Cleaning
Look at your user manual to check if there are any cleaning products you should not use for your model. In general, do not use:
- Scrubbing powders
- Steel wool
- Rough cleaning pads
These can scratch and harm the inside of your dishwasher.
Avoid bleach too. It can damage rubber seals and plastic parts. Instead, use gentle or dishwasher-safe cleaners.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these items:
- Warm water
- White vinegar (distilled)
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Ammonia
- Soft-bristle brush
- Small bowl
- Large container
- Toothpick
- Microfiber cloths
Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Dishwasher
1. Clean the Filter
Take the filter out of the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Rinse it under tap water to remove stuck food.
- Mix equal parts hot water and vinegar in a bowl.
- Let the filter soak in the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Use a soft brush to scrub it gently, then rinse with warm water.
2. Clean the Rubber Seal (Gasket)
Don’t use strong or sour cleaners here—they can ruin the rubber.
- Mix baking soda and water to make a paste.
- Spread this paste on the rubber around the door.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub it gently.
- Wipe off the paste with a wet cloth, then dry the area.
3. Clean the Racks
The racks can also collect grease and food.
- Fill a large container with hot water and dish soap.
- Take the racks out and soak them in the container.
- Use a brush or sponge to scrub off any stuck-on grime.
- Rinse with warm water and dry before putting them back.
4. Clean the Spray Arms
Food can get stuck in the spray arms and block water flow.
- Remove the spray arms.
- Look for food or clogs in the spray holes.
- Use a toothpick or small brush to poke out anything stuck.
- Soak the spray arms in a mix of half vinegar and half warm water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse them and put them back in place.
5. Clean the Walls
Be sure to check the corners and edges, where dirt builds up.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the inside walls of the dishwasher.
- For tough spots, mix baking soda and water to make a paste.
- Rub the paste on the dirty areas and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a cloth, then rinse and dry the walls.
6. Clean the Drain
The drain can get greasy and smelly.
- Take out the bottom rack.
- Look at the drain and wipe away food or debris with a damp cloth.
- For deeper cleaning, pour baking soda down the drain, then add vinegar.
- Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Pour hot water down the drain to rinse it.
- Put the bottom rack back.
7. Clean the Door
Be careful not to scratch the door surface.
- Wipe the door with a microfiber cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.
- For stuck-on dirt, make a baking soda paste.
- Spread it on the spots and wait 10 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a cloth.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
How to Get Rid of Mildew
If you see mildew inside or on the rubber seal:
- Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup of ammonia.
- Put on rubber gloves.
- Soak a cloth in the solution and wipe the mildew away.
- Run a rinse cycle in the dishwasher to wash out the cleaner.
How to Remove Bad Smells
If your dishwasher smells bad, start by giving it a full clean using the steps above. If it still smells:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a cycle with hot water (no detergent).
- This helps soak up and remove the odor.
How to Clean with Vinegar
Need a quick clean? Do this:
- Fill a dishwasher-safe container with white vinegar.
- Put it on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (no soap).
- After the cycle ends, wipe away any leftover mess with a soft cloth.
Everyday Dishwasher Care Tips
To keep your dishwasher clean longer, try these habits:
- Don’t overload it. This helps water move freely.
- Clean the filter and spray arms often to avoid buildup.
- Use hot water cycles now and then to melt grease and kill germs.
- Leave the door slightly open after using it. This lets the inside dry and keeps mold away.
