Dishwasher is always in the kitchen inside the silent work, to help you clean all kinds of kitchen supplies, in order to let the dishwasher to keep clean and good performance, you need to regularly clean your dishwasher, so how is the correct way to clean the dishwasher, the following let’s talk about it together.
You know, I’ve learned this the hard way after my dishwasher started leaving spots on my wine glasses—turns out mineral deposits from hard water were clogging the spray arms. According to appliance manufacturers, a well-maintained dishwasher can last 12-15 years, but neglected units often fail after just 7-8 years. The average repair cost for a dishwasher runs between $200-400, while a new unit can cost $500-1,200. So spending 30 minutes monthly on maintenance suddenly seems like a pretty smart investment.
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.
Here’s what I’ve noticed from my own experience: homes with hard water (over 7 grains per gallon) need cleaning every 2-3 weeks. If you’re washing a lot of greasy pans or using your dishwasher daily, you might want to bump that up too. A study by the Water Quality Association found that 85% of American homes have hard water, which means most of us are dealing with mineral buildup faster than we think.
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 made the mistake once of using a Magic Eraser on my dishwasher’s stainless steel interior—big mistake! It left micro-scratches that actually trapped more dirt over time. The thing about stainless steel is that it has a grain pattern, and going against that grain with anything abrasive creates permanent damage. Commercial dishwasher cleaners might seem convenient, but they often contain harsh chemicals that can break down rubber seals faster than you’d expect.
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
Pro tip: I always keep a designated cleaning kit under my kitchen sink. White vinegar works because it’s acidic enough (pH around 2.4) to dissolve mineral deposits but gentle enough not to damage most dishwasher components. The key is using distilled white vinegar rather than other types—apple cider vinegar, for instance, can leave residue and doesn’t have the same cleaning power.
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 honestly the most important part to clean—it’s like the liver of your dishwasher. Most people don’t realize there are actually two types of filters: self-cleaning (older models) and manual (newer models). If you’ve got a newer dishwasher made after 2010, you probably have a manual filter that needs regular attention. When I first discovered mine was clogged, I was amazed at how much gunk came out—no wonder my dishes weren’t getting clean! Food particles can reduce water flow by up to 30%, which means your dishwasher has to work twice as hard to get the same results.
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 where most people see mold first—it’s that perfect damp, dark environment that fungi love. Baking soda works great here because it’s mildly alkaline (pH around 9), which neutralizes acidic conditions that promote mold growth. I learned to pay special attention to the bottom of the gasket where water tends to pool. If you’re dealing with stubborn mold, sometimes I’ll use a soft toothbrush to get into those tight crevices.
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.
What’s interesting about dishwasher racks is that they’re often coated with a special vinyl that can chip over time. Once it chips, rust can start forming, which not only looks ugly but can also stain your dishes. If you notice rust spots, you can actually buy touch-up kits from most appliance stores for about $10-15. I keep mine in the utility room because once rust starts, it spreads fast.
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.
The spray arms are where I see the most dramatic difference after cleaning. These arms rely on water pressure to spin and distribute water evenly—when even a few holes get clogged, the whole system becomes less effective. I once counted 47 holes in my upper spray arm alone! Hard water deposits love to accumulate here because the constant water flow creates perfect conditions for mineral buildup. After cleaning, you should see a noticeable improvement in how well your dishes come out.
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 are where you’ll often see that cloudy film—that’s usually soap scum mixed with mineral deposits. Stainless steel interiors show this more than plastic ones, but they’re actually easier to clean. I’ve found that working from top to bottom prevents dirty water from dripping onto already-cleaned areas. Those corners at the bottom are notorious for collecting grease, especially if you’re washing a lot of pots and pans.
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 area is basically the stomach of your dishwasher—everything eventually ends up there. When baking soda meets vinegar, it creates a mild foaming action that helps break up grease and food particles. I usually pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction creates carbonic acid, which is great for breaking down organic matter but gentle enough not to damage your pipes.
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.
Don’t forget the door seals and hinges—I’ve seen way too many people skip these areas and wonder why their dishwasher still smells funky. The door is also where you’ll see water spots most clearly, especially on stainless steel models. I always finish with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots from forming.
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 is basically mold’s less aggressive cousin, but it’s still something you want to deal with quickly. The ammonia solution works because it’s alkaline and has antimicrobial properties. Just make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated when using ammonia—I learned that lesson the hard way! Also, never mix ammonia with bleach or other cleaners, as this can create dangerous fumes.
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.
Persistent odors usually mean there’s something stuck in the filter or drain that you missed. I’ve found that running a cycle with just baking soda (about 1/2 cup) works wonders. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer because it neutralizes both acidic and basic odors. If you’re still getting smells after a thorough cleaning, check your garbage disposal if it’s connected to the same drain line—sometimes the problem isn’t actually in the dishwasher itself.
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 is my go-to method for monthly maintenance. I use a measuring cup filled with about 2 cups of white vinegar. The hot water helps the vinegar reach every corner of the dishwasher, and the acidity breaks down mineral deposits and soap scum. Some people worry about vinegar damaging rubber seals, but occasional use is fine—it’s the daily exposure to harsh chemicals that really breaks down rubber components over time.
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.
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of dishwasher ownership: scrape your dishes but don’t rinse them completely before loading. Modern dishwashers actually need some food particles to work properly—the enzymes in dishwasher detergent are designed to break down food waste. Also, run your kitchen faucet until the water gets hot before starting the dishwasher. Most people don’t realize that dishwashers don’t heat their own water from cold—they rely on your water heater. Starting with hot water (120°F is ideal) improves cleaning performance significantly.
One more thing: if you’re not running your dishwasher for several days, leave the door cracked open. The humid environment is perfect for bacteria and mold growth. I’ve seen dishwashers develop serious odor problems just from sitting unused for a week or two with the door sealed shut.
