A dishwasher that’s properly cleaned will function more efficiently—and likely last longer, too. Your dishwasher works hard to keep your serveware, cookware, drinkware, and other kitchen essentials clean. In the process, it can build up with food particles, grease, and soap scum, which may lead to reduced cleaning efficiency and can even potentially damage the appliance. Regular cleaning helps expand the lifespan of this appliance and ensures your dishes come out sparkling.
How Often to Clean the Dishwasher
Aim to clean your dishwasher at least once a month to prevent a buildup of particles and maintain optimal performance, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company. But if you notice any odors or visible debris, it’s advisable to clean it more frequently, she says.
I’ve found that sticking to a monthly cleaning schedule keeps my dishwasher running smoothly, but I’ll give it a quick check every couple of weeks for any funky smells or stuck-on bits. If you’re running your dishwasher daily, especially in a busy household, you might want to bump up the cleaning to every two weeks. A study from the Appliance Manufacturers Association suggests that regular maintenance can extend a dishwasher’s lifespan by up to 20%, which is a pretty good incentive to stay on top of it. Keeping an eye on water hardness in your area can also make a difference—hard water can leave mineral deposits that clog up the works faster, so you might need to clean more often if that’s an issue where you live.
Materials to Avoid When Cleaning the Dishwasher
Check your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends avoiding specific cleaning materials for your model. In general, stay away from using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool when cleaning your dishwasher, as they can damage the appliance’s interior surfaces and components. You should also stay away from bleach when cleaning your dishwasher as it can harm rubber seals and plastic parts, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. Instead, stick to dishwasher-safe cleaning agents and materials or gentle alternatives.
I learned the hard way that using a rough scrubber on my dishwasher’s interior left tiny scratches that trapped more grime over time. Stick to soft tools to avoid this headache. Also, bleach might seem like a quick fix for stains, but it can degrade the rubber gasket around the door, leading to leaks down the line. A quick tip: if you’re unsure about a cleaner, test it on a small, hidden spot first. Using gentle alternatives like vinegar or baking soda not only saves your dishwasher but also keeps your cleaning routine eco-friendly and budget-friendly—vinegar costs about $0.50 per gallon compared to specialty cleaners that can run $5 or more.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your dishwasher:
- Warm water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Ammonia
- Soft-bristle brush
- Bowl
- Large container
- Toothpick
- Microfiber cloths
These items are probably already in your kitchen or pantry, which makes this process super convenient. I keep a dedicated soft-bristle brush just for appliance cleaning—it’s worth the $2 investment to avoid cross-contamination with other household brushes. Distilled white vinegar is my go-to because it’s a natural disinfectant and cuts through grease without breaking the bank. If you’re out of ammonia, you can sometimes substitute it with a mild all-purpose cleaner, but check your dishwasher manual first to avoid any mishaps. Having everything ready before you start saves time and keeps the process stress-free.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher
Follow these steps to keep your dishwasher sparkling and running efficiently.
1. Clean the Filter
Start by removing the filter from your dishwasher, says Cohoon. Rinse the filter under the tap to clear out any food bits stuck in there. In a bowl, combine equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar. Let the filter soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Gently scrub the filter with a soft-bristle brush then rinse with warm water.
The filter is like the dishwasher’s first line of defense, catching all the gunk from your dishes. I’ve noticed that soaking it in vinegar not only loosens food particles but also tackles any limescale buildup, especially if you’re in a hard-water area. For an extra boost, I sometimes add a teaspoon of dish soap to the vinegar soak—it helps break down greasy residue. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly so no soap gets left behind, as it can cause sudsing during your next wash cycle.
2. Clean the Gasket
Avoid using harsh or acidic ingredients when cleaning the gasket of your dishwasher, as they can degrade the rubber. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and water until a paste forms. Spread the paste on the gasket of your dishwasher and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently scrub the gasket with a soft-bristle brush or sponge to wipe away grime. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth then dry.
The gasket is one of those spots that’s easy to overlook, but it’s a magnet for mold if you’re not careful. I check mine every time I clean the filter because moisture gets trapped there so easily. If you notice black spots, don’t panic—just make sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging the rubber. A quick trick I use is to apply the baking soda paste with an old toothbrush for precision. It’s satisfying to see the grime come off, and it keeps the seal tight, preventing leaks that could cost you a repair bill.
3. Clean the Racks
The racks of your dishwasher are also susceptible to a buildup of food particles and grease. Fill a large container with hot, soapy water. Remove the racks from your dishwasher and let them soak in the container. Scrub the racks with a sponge or brush to get rid of any stubborn stains. Rinse the racks with warm water and dry them before returning them to your dishwasher.
I was surprised the first time I pulled out my dishwasher racks and saw how much gunk had built up in the crevices. Soaking them in hot, soapy water makes the job so much easier—think of it like giving your dishes a bath. For really stubborn spots, I sprinkle a bit of baking soda directly on the sponge for some extra scrubbing power. Drying the racks completely before putting them back prevents water spots and keeps everything looking shiny. This step also gives you a chance to check for rust or damage, which can be an early sign your racks need repair or replacement.
4. Clean the Sprayer Arms
Food particles can easily become lodged in the sprayer arms of your dishwasher, so it’s important to clean them when deep cleaning the rest of your dishwasher. Remove the sprayer arms from the dishwasher and inspect them for any clogs or debris. Use a toothpick or small brush to dislodge any food particles stuck in the spray holes. Fill a large container with equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Place the sprayer arms in the cleaning solution and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the sprayer arms with clean water and reinstall them back into the dishwasher.
Clogged sprayer arms are a sneaky reason your dishes might not be coming out as clean as you’d like. I check mine every couple of months because even tiny bits of food can block the holes and mess with water flow. The toothpick trick is a lifesaver for getting into those tiny openings without damaging them. If you’re in a hard-water area, the vinegar soak is especially helpful for dissolving mineral deposits. After cleaning, I always run a quick rinse cycle to make sure everything’s flowing smoothly—it’s like a test drive for your dishwasher.
5. Clean the Walls
When cleaning the walls of your dishwasher, pay close attention to the corners and edges where residue may accumulate, says Cohoon. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe down the walls of your dishwasher. For tough stains or buildup, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the paste. Rinse the walls with clean water and wipe them dry with a towel.
The walls of the dishwasher can get surprisingly grimy, especially around the bottom edges where water tends to pool. I like to use a microfiber cloth because it grabs onto debris without leaving lint behind. For really tough stains, I’ve found that letting the baking soda paste sit a bit longer—say, 15 minutes—can make scrubbing a breeze. Keeping the walls clean not only helps with performance but also prevents that stale smell that can linger if residue builds up. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to see the stainless steel shine again.
6. Clean the Drain
Break up grease and food residue stuck in your dishwasher drain by pouring baking soda and vinegar down it, says Cohoon. Remove the bottom rack from your dishwasher and inspect the drain area for any food particles or debris. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any visible debris. For a deeper clean, pour baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar. Let the solution sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water. Reinstall the bottom rack once the drain is clean.
The drain is where a lot of the nasty stuff hides, so don’t skip this step. I once found a piece of spinach clogging mine, and it was causing a weird smell every time I opened the dishwasher. The baking soda and vinegar combo works like magic—the fizzing action helps break up grease without any harsh chemicals. If you want to take it up a notch, try boiling the water before pouring it down the drain for extra grease-busting power. Just be careful not to splash yourself. A clean drain means better water flow and fewer odors, so it’s worth the effort.
7. Clean the Door
Finally, wipe down the door of your dishwasher. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials that can potentially scratch the door. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe down the door of your dishwasher. For tough stains or buildup, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the paste. Rinse the door with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.
The door, especially the handle and edges, can get grimy from constant touching. I’ve noticed that a quick wipe-down every week keeps it looking sharp and prevents buildup. If your dishwasher has a stainless steel finish, the baking soda paste is great for tackling fingerprints without streaking. For an extra polished look, I sometimes finish with a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface. It’s a small step, but it makes the whole kitchen feel cleaner, and it only takes a minute or two.
How to Remove Mildew From Your Dishwasher
To remove mildew from the interior or gasket, mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup of ammonia. Wearing rubber gloves, dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution. Wipe down any areas that have built up mildew. Run the dishwasher through a rinse cycle to remove any residual cleaner.
Mildew loves the damp, dark corners of a dishwasher, especially around the gasket. I’ve dealt with this a few times, and the ammonia solution works fast without leaving a strong smell. Just make sure to ventilate the area since ammonia can be a bit pungent. If you’re sensitive to chemicals, you can try a 1:1 vinegar-water mix as an alternative, though it might take a bit more scrubbing. Mildew can affect air quality in your kitchen, so tackling it quickly keeps things fresh and hygienic.
How to Remove Odors From Your Dishwasher
If your dishwasher has an odor coming from it, start by giving it a deep clean following the instructions above. If that doesn’t work, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher before running a hot water cycle, says Mock. This will help absorb and eliminate any unwanted odors.
Nothing’s worse than opening your dishwasher and getting hit with a musty smell. The baking soda trick has saved me more than once—it’s like a deodorizer for your appliance. If odors persist, I’ve found that placing a small bowl of coffee grounds in the dishwasher overnight can absorb some of the lingering smells, though it’s not as effective as baking soda. Persistent odors might also point to a clogged drain or filter, so double-check those areas if the problem sticks around.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar
For a quick, general cleaning, use this easy technique. Fill a dishwasher-safe container with vinegar and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle (without detergent). Choose the hottest water setting available. Once the cycle is complete, use a soft cloth to wipe away any stubborn debris.
This vinegar method is my go-to when I’m short on time—it’s so simple and uses stuff I already have. The hot water helps the vinegar break down grease and limescale, leaving the dishwasher fresh. I’ve noticed it also helps with water spots on glasses during regular washes. For an extra kick, I sometimes add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the vinegar for a citrusy scent. Just don’t overdo it—too much vinegar can leave a slight smell, so one cup is usually plenty.
How to Maintain Your Dishwasher
Keep your dishwasher sparkling in between deep cleans by following these maintenance tips:
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher to ensure proper water circulation, says Mock.
- Clean the filter and sprayer arms regularly to remove buildup and odors, says Cohoon.
- Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle regularly to help break down grease and sanitize the interior, says Mock.
- Keep the dishwasher door slightly ajar after each cycle to allow moisture to evaporate and prevent mold growth, says Mock.
These tips have been game-changers for keeping my dishwasher in top shape. I used to cram in too many dishes, thinking it would save water, but it just left some plates half-cleaned. Now I space things out, and everything comes out spotless. Leaving the door ajar after a cycle is such a simple habit—it really cuts down on that damp, moldy vibe. Also, running a hot cycle every week or so keeps things sanitized without much effort. According to a 2023 consumer report, regular maintenance like this can reduce repair costs by up to 30%, which is a big win for your wallet.
