My disgustingly grimy dishwasher hasn’t been cleaned since it was purchased over five years ago.Whether your dishwasher smells or not, we’re going to get down to the nitty-gritty (or grimy, as it were) on how to get your dishwasher back in tip-top shape.
Regularly cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is an easy way to help prevent a smelly dishwasher and the build-up of detergent, minerals and dirt that can cause your dishwasher to not clean properly. Whether you use a dishwasher cleaning tablet or clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda, repeat the following steps every 30 days to keep your dishwasher and your family’s dishes sparkling clean.
Why You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher
You might think a dishwasher cleans itself every time you run a cycle. After all, it’s blasting hot water and soap, right? Unfortunately, food particles, grease, soap scum, and hard water minerals can build up over time. This gunk can clog spray arms, breed mold and bacteria, and make your dishwasher less efficient. Left unchecked, it might even shorten the appliance’s lifespan or leave your dishes less than spotless. Regular cleaning—about once a month—keeps your dishwasher in top shape, banishes odors, and ensures your glassware stays crystal clear.
Vinegar and baking soda are perfect for the job. Vinegar’s acidity cuts through grease and limescale, while baking soda’s mild abrasiveness scrubs away residue and neutralizes smells. Best of all, they’re cheap, eco-friendly, and probably already in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- Distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar (1–2 cups)
- Baking soda (1 cup)
- Dishwasher-safe bowl or cup
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Mild dish soap
- Toothpick (optional, for cleaning spray arms)
How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Follow these steps to deep clean your dishwasher. Important: Use vinegar and baking soda in separate cycles to avoid a fizzy mess from their chemical reaction.
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher
Start with a completely empty dishwasher—no dishes, no utensils. This ensures the cleaning agents can reach every nook and cranny. Pull out the racks and utensil holders to check for any stuck-on food or debris.
Step 2: Clean the Filter
Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom, designed to catch food particles. Check your manual to locate and remove it (some twist out, others pop out). If your filter isn’t removable, skip to Step 3 but wipe around the drain area with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
- Rinse the filter under warm water to remove loose debris.
- Soak it in a sink with warm water and a splash of dish soap for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a toothbrush to dislodge stubborn gunk.
- Rinse thoroughly and replace the filter securely.
A clean filter prevents clogs and keeps water flowing properly, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms—the rotating parts that shoot water—are prone to clogging from food bits or mineral deposits. Remove them if possible (check your manual for instructions) and:
- Rinse under running water.
- Use a toothpick or toothbrush to clear any clogged holes.
- Soak in a 1:1 mix of warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes if deposits are stubborn.
- Reattach securely, ensuring they spin freely.
Clean spray arms mean better water distribution and cleaner dishes.
Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle
Vinegar is the star of grease and limescale removal, but you need to use it correctly to avoid damaging rubber seals or gaskets.
- Pour 1–2 cups of distilled white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup. (Cleaning vinegar, which is stronger, works too if your dishwasher hasn’t been cleaned in a while.)
- Place the container upright on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (no detergent, no drying cycle). The vinegar will slosh around, breaking down grease, mineral buildup, and odors.
- When the cycle finishes, open the door to let the interior air dry. This prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold.
Pro Tip: Don’t pour vinegar directly into the bottom of the dishwasher. Some models drain residual water at the start of a cycle, flushing your vinegar away.
Step 5: Run a Baking Soda Cycle
Baking soda tackles lingering odors and provides a gentle scrub for the interior.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a short, hot water cycle (again, no detergent, no drying cycle).
- Open the door afterward to let it air dry.
Your dishwasher should now smell fresh and look noticeably cleaner.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Interior and Gaskets
Some grime may still cling to the door, gaskets, or crevices. Mix ½ cup vinegar with 3 cups hot water (undiluted vinegar can harm rubber seals). Dip a microfiber cloth or toothbrush into the solution and:
- Wipe the interior door, paying attention to edges and corners.
- Gently scrub the rubber gasket to remove mold or mildew. If it’s still dirty, check your manual to see if a mild all-purpose cleaner is safe.
- Dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
Step 7: Clean the Drain
A clogged drain can cause standing water and odors. To clean it:
- Heat 1 cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for 15–20 seconds until warm.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Pour the mixture into the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it into the drain to flush out debris.
Step 8: Polish the Exterior
For a sparkling finish, wipe the exterior (especially stainless steel models) with a microfiber cloth dampened with mild dish soap and water. For stainless steel, follow with a drop of olive oil or a stainless steel cleaner to remove streaks. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean
- Scrape Dishes: Remove large food scraps before loading to prevent clogs.
- Check the Filter Monthly: Rinse or soak it to keep it free of debris.
- Run the Garbage Disposal: If your dishwasher drains through it, clear it first to avoid backups.
- Leave the Door Ajar: After cycles, let the interior air dry to prevent mold.
- Use Rinse Aid: It helps reduce hard water spots and mineral buildup.
- Clean Monthly: If you use your dishwasher daily, stick to a monthly cleaning schedule. For occasional use, every 2–3 months is fine.
How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Smells
Besides food particles being trapped in the dishwasher, mold and mildew can also cause a smelly dishwasher. Whatever the source, complete a cleaning cycle using the steps above to remove the odors. To keep your dishwasher smelling clean longer, keep the door open after every cycle to let the interior air dry. Regularly clean any trapped food from the drain, baskets, and filter, and around the door gaskets to remove any mildew or mold build-up.
How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher?
A good rule of thumb is to put cleaning your dishwasher (filter and interior) on your monthly cleaning checklist. Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will help reduce hard-water deposits and soap scum build-up and can help optimize your dishwasher’s efficiency.
However, if you have a large family or use your dishwasher very frequently, you might opt to clean your dishwasher more often. Conversely, if you only run a cycle every few days, you could get away with cleaning the dishwasher every three months.
Lastly, if you start to catch a whiff of that musty odor or notice a film around the door or dishwasher interior, it may be time to clean the dishwasher regardless of schedule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Vinegar and Baking Soda: Combining them creates a foamy reaction that’s less effective and messy. Always run separate cycles.
- Using Bleach in Stainless Steel Models: Bleach can damage stainless steel interiors or parts. Check your manual before using it as a last resort for mold.
- Overusing Vinegar: Its acidity can wear down rubber seals over time. Dilute it for gasket cleaning and limit vinegar cycles to once a month.
- Skipping the Filter: A dirty filter is a common cause of odors and poor performance.
FAQs About Cleaning Your Dishwasher
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean it every 1–2 months if you use it regularly, or every 3–6 months for light use. Clean sooner if you notice odors, cloudy dishes, or debris.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Stick to distilled white or cleaning vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may contain dyes that could stain surfaces.
What if my dishwasher still smells?
Check for clogged spray arms or a dirty filter. For stubborn odors, run a cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner like affresh® or try a bleach cycle (only if your dishwasher isn’t stainless steel).
Can I clean the gasket with undiluted vinegar?
No, undiluted vinegar can degrade rubber gaskets. Use a diluted solution (1:6 vinegar to water) or mild dish soap.
Why are my dishes still cloudy after cleaning?
Cloudiness is often caused by hard water. Use a rinse aid, add dishwasher salt (if compatible), or run a cycle with citric acid powder in the detergent dispenser.
