How to Clean the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher cleans your pots, pans, plates, glasses and silverware, so it is easy to assume that it cleans itself, too. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Food particles, grease, detergent residue and minerals from hard water can build up inside, so cleaning the dishwasher should be one of the regular kitchen cleaning tasks on your list.

The filter, spray arms, door gasket and other areas can collect debris over time, which may contribute to odors and affect how well the dishwasher cleans.

Regular dishwasher cleaning and maintenance can help keep the appliance working properly and your dishes coming out clean.

How Often Should You Be Cleaning the Dishwasher?

How often you should be cleaning the dishwasher depends on how frequently you use it, the type of water you have, and how much food residue is left behind.

A simple maintenance routine works well for most households:

After Each Load

Check the bottom of the dishwasher for any large pieces of food or debris and remove them.

This helps keep debris from accumulating and being recirculated during future wash cycles.

Clean the Filter Regularly

If your dishwasher has a removable filter, check and clean it regularly. How often depends on the dishwasher and how heavily it is used. Some manufacturers recommend monthly filter cleaning, while other models may need attention less often.

Deep Clean About Once a Month

A monthly deep cleaning is a reasonable starting point for many households. You may need to clean more frequently if you use the dishwasher heavily, have hard water, or notice odors or buildup.

A dishwasher cleaner made for your appliance is one option. An occasional vinegar and baking soda cleaning can also help with odors and buildup if your manufacturer’s instructions allow it.

Clean the Exterior As Needed

Wipe fingerprints, spills and food splatters from the outside of the dishwasher whenever necessary.

For stainless steel, use a cleaner appropriate for stainless steel and wipe in the direction of the grain.

Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter

The dishwasher filter catches food particles and other debris so they don’t continually circulate through the wash water.

Not every dishwasher has the same type of filter, and some have filtration systems that work differently. Check your owner’s manual before removing the filter.

If your dishwasher has a removable filter:

1. Remove the bottom rack if necessary to access the filter.
2. Remove the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Rinse the filter under warm running water.
4. Use a soft brush, such as a soft toothbrush, to loosen stuck-on food or mineral deposits.
5. Rinse the filter thoroughly.
6. Reinstall it and make sure it is securely locked into place before running the dishwasher.

Avoid wire brushes, abrasive scrubbers and harsh tools that could damage the filter.

A clogged or dirty filter can contribute to odors, poor cleaning performance and food debris being left on dishes.

Cleaning the Inside of a Dishwasher

Once you have cleaned the filter, clean the accessible areas inside the dishwasher.

Supplies

You may need:

• A microfiber cloth or soft sponge
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• A soft-bristled toothbrush or small soft brush
• White vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner, if appropriate for your dishwasher

Cleaning the Dishwasher Interior

1. Remove the bottom rack and inspect the bottom of the dishwasher for food particles, labels, broken glass or other debris.
2. Wipe the bottom and interior walls with a damp cloth or sponge.
3. Clean around the dishwasher door and the bottom edge of the door where food and grime can collect.
4. Carefully wipe the door gasket to remove visible residue.
5. Clean the racks and utensil basket if they have food or mineral buildup.
6. Check the spray arms for food particles or mineral deposits blocking the spray holes.
7. Wipe away any loosened debris.

If you find broken glass or another sharp object inside the dishwasher, use appropriate caution when removing it.

How to Clean Dishwasher Spray Arms

The spray arms need to be able to rotate and spray water freely.

Inspect the holes in the spray arms for food particles or mineral deposits. If you can safely remove the spray arm according to your dishwasher’s instructions, rinse it under running water and gently clean blocked openings with a soft brush.

Do not force anything into the spray holes that could damage the spray arm.

If the spray arms cannot be removed, simply wipe and rinse the accessible areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cleaning the Dishwasher with Vinegar & Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda can be used for an occasional dishwasher deep clean on models where the manufacturer allows them.

Do not mix the vinegar and baking soda together. They react with each other and largely neutralize one another. Instead, use them in separate cycles.

Step 1: Clean the Filter

Remove food debris and clean the dishwasher filter if your model has a removable filter.

Step 2: Run a Vinegar Cycle

Place white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container and run an empty wash cycle.

The exact amount and placement can vary by manufacturer. For example, Whirlpool currently recommends 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher safe measuring cup on the lower rack, with no detergent and the dry option turned off on applicable models. Whirlpool also cautions that vinegar is acidic and that using it too often could damage the dishwasher.

For that reason, I would use vinegar as an occasional deep-cleaning method rather than a weekly routine.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda Separately

After the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run a separate hot-water cycle.

This can help freshen the interior and reduce odors.

If your dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions do not recommend vinegar, use a dishwasher cleaner specifically made for the appliance instead.

Can You Use Dishwasher Cleaner Instead of Vinegar?

Yes. Dishwasher cleaning products are specifically formulated to remove buildup from inside the appliance.

This can be particularly useful if you have hard-water mineral deposits or buildup that household ingredients aren’t removing.

Follow the cleaner’s directions carefully and don’t combine it with other cleaning products.

Cleaning the Dishwasher & Removing Odors

A dishwasher that smells unpleasant usually needs more than a handful of baking soda sprinkled inside.

Start by cleaning the filter and removing food debris from the bottom of the dishwasher. Then wipe the door, gasket and other areas where food residue may collect.

If the dishwasher still smells, run an appropriate dishwasher cleaning cycle using either a dishwasher cleaner or an occasional vinegar treatment if your manufacturer’s instructions allow it.

After the dishwasher has finished running, leaving the door slightly open can allow the interior to dry and air out, which may help reduce odors.

What About Baking Soda for Dishwasher Odors?

Baking soda can help freshen a dishwasher, but it works best as part of a cleaning routine rather than as a substitute for cleaning the filter and removing food residue.

If you have a persistent odor, find the source first.

What If You See Mold in Your Dishwasher?

If you see mold-like growth or persistent dark buildup inside your dishwasher, clean the affected areas according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Do not automatically reach for bleach. Bleach is not appropriate for every dishwasher and can damage stainless steel interiors or components.

If the growth keeps returning, look for the underlying cause, such as trapped food residue, standing water, a drainage problem, or an area that is staying excessively damp.

Cleaning the Dishwasher Exterior

Cleaning the outside of the dishwasher is simple.

Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild soap for most finishes. For stainless steel, use a stainless steel cleaner if needed and wipe in the direction of the grain.

Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the finish.

Cleaning the Dishwasher After Washing Other Items

Some people use their dishwasher to wash items other than dishes, such as pet bowls, certain household tools, baseball hats (yes) or other dishwasher safe objects.

If you have washed something particularly dirty or something that could leave behind unusual residue, inspect the dishwasher afterward and clean it if necessary. Whirlpool also recommends cleaning the dishwasher after washing certain non-dishware items to help avoid cross contamination.

Of course, always make sure an item is actually dishwasher-safe before putting it in the dishwasher.

Simple Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

Keeping your dishwasher clean doesn’t have to become another major household chore.

• Remove large food scraps before loading dishes.
• Check the bottom of the dishwasher after loads for leftover debris.
• Clean the filter regularly if your dishwasher has a removable filter.
• Check the spray arms for blocked openings.
• Wipe the door gasket and areas around the door.
• Clean mineral deposits when you notice them, especially if you have hard water.
• Deep clean the dishwasher about once a month or according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Use vinegar only occasionally if your dishwasher manufacturer allows it.
• Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products.
• Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after a cycle when appropriate to help the interior dry.

A Clean Dishwasher Helps Clean Your Dishes

Your dishwasher does a lot of work for you, but it still needs a little maintenance of its own.

Cleaning the filter, removing food debris, checking the spray arms, wiping the door gasket and occasionally cleaning the interior can help keep your dishwasher working properly and reduce unpleasant odors.

You don’t need to make dishwasher cleaning complicated. A little regular maintenance can prevent a much bigger cleaning job later.

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