How to Clean Your Dishwasher

The dishwasher cleans our pots, pans, plates, glasses and silverware. You would think it’s clean because we run it all the time. Not so. It gets dirty too. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your dishwasher running efficiently. Over time, food particles, grease, undissolved detergent, and mineral deposits can accumulate on the filter, interior walls, and spray arms. This buildup not only reduces the dishwasher’s performance but can also lead to clogs and unpleasant odors. Worse yet, a dirty dishwasher can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher?

To ensure your dishwasher stays efficient and hygienic, stick to a cleaning schedule. If you have hard water, consider deep cleaning more frequently to prevent mineral buildup.

Cleaning Daily

Task: Check for and remove any leftover food or debris from the bottom of the dishwasher.

Why: Prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.

Monthly Cleaning

Task: Perform a deep clean using baking soda and vinegar or a specialized dishwasher cleaner.

How: Place 1 cup of white vinegar in a bowl, or measuring cup, on the top rack and run the hottest cycle. Afterward, sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle.

Why: Eliminate grease, soap scum, and odors.

Cleaning the Dishwasher As Needed

Task: Clean and shine the dishwasher’s exterior.

How: Use a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water or stainless steel cleaner (if applicable).

Why: Keep the dishwasher looking spotless and remove smudges or spills.

Cleaning the Dishwasher After Special Loads

Task: Deep clean if you’ve washed non-dishware items (e.g., pet bowls, tools, hats).

Why: Prevent cross-contamination and ensure hygienic dishwashing.

Clean the Dishwasher Trap or Filter

Note: Refer to the user manual to determine if the trap or filter is removable.

Caution: This could be icky. The remnants of your last several meals could be stuck in the trap.

Every dishwasher has a trap to catch larger food particles. If you don’t pre-rinse your dishes well before loading them, you’ll likely have a gross little collection of food scraps in the filter.

If the trap is clogged, water will not drain properly when washing or rinsing. And as a result, dirty water can be tossed again and again on the dishes you are trying to clean.

There’s also a risk of overfilling with water. At that point, you’ll have more water on the kitchen floor than in the dishwasher.

While you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning, here are a few general tips.

• Remove the trap from the dishwasher and gently tap it against the side of the garbage can
• Rinse it off under clean water
• Wipe off any stuck-on food particles and grease with a wet paper towel
• Replace the trap

Cleaning the Inside of the Dishwasher

Notice grease, food particles, or mold inside the dishwasher? Follow these steps to get it clean:

Supplies Needed

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Hot soapy water
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• Clean rag or sponge

Steps to Clean the Inside

• Use a flashlight to check for grease, food buildup, or mold.
• Prepare a bowl of hot, soapy water with dishwasher soap.
• Use the toothbrush to clean inside the door, rubber seals, and interior walls.
• Use a rag or sponge to wipe away loosened grime.
• Remove the racks and utensil holder from the dishwasher to scrub them with soapy water. This will also give you the chance to clean the area underneath the racks before placing them back.
• Place a cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot cycle.
• Again, run the hottest setting or the “sanitize” option for a thorough clean.

Removing Odors from the Dishwasher

If you’re about to toss that box of baking soda from the refrigerator, don’t! Sprinkle about a tablespoon around the bottom of the dishwasher once a week or so to remove odors.

A clean dishwasher promotes better hygiene, ensuring that the dishes you use for meals are washed in a sanitary environment.