It’s easy to take appliances for granted, but a dishwasher that never gets cleaned itself eventually stops cleaning your dishes properly. Beyond poor performance, a dirty dishwasher can lead to unpleasant odors and bacteria buildup. Here are 6 expert tips to keep yours running smoothly.
Cleaning the Inside of the Dishwasher
The interior does the heavy lifting, so it’s also where grime accumulates fastest. Start by removing the racks and utensil holder, wiping them down with a damp cloth. Check the drain at the bottom and clear away any trapped food particles.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray the interior thoroughly, including the racks. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before wiping clean. For stubborn buildup, a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush handles it well.
Don’t skip the gasket and dispenser. Clean them with a soft toothbrush and warm, sudsy water, then wipe dry. Avoid bleach-based cleaners here, especially on stainless steel interiors. If you notice mold or mildew, check your owner’s manual before reaching for hydrogen peroxide, since some models have specific guidance.
The filter, usually located below the bottom spray arm, needs attention too. Gently scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame to clear trapped oil and particles. Make sure to reinstall it correctly afterward. Leaving it out or misaligned can damage the machine and even void your warranty.
Cleaning the Spray Arms
Spray arms distribute water and detergent throughout every cycle, so clogs here directly hurt cleaning performance. Remove them and soak in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes. Use a toothbrush to clear the nozzles of buildup, then rinse thoroughly. Once reinstalled, run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to fully sanitize and refresh the machine.
Cleaning the Exterior
The outside doesn’t get as dirty as the interior, but it still needs regular attention. Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth and mild detergent, paying extra care around the control panel, which is sensitive to moisture and harsh chemicals. A toothbrush or cotton swab works well for edges and corners. Finish with a dry cloth to buff away streaks and water spots.
Maintaining a Clean Dishwasher Between Deep Cleans
A few small habits go a long way toward preventing buildup in the first place. Scrape excess food off dishes before loading them. Use the correct amount of detergent and rinse aid, since too much or too little both hurt performance. Run the hottest setting available when you can, since heat helps sanitize.
Leaving the door open after each cycle lets the interior air dry, which prevents trapped moisture from becoming a problem. Plan for a full deep clean at least once a year to catch anything regular maintenance misses.
How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher
Consistency matters more than intensity here. After each use, clear out food debris and wipe the door seals. Every two weeks, run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to sanitize and clear buildup. Once a month, do the full interior deep clean described above.
Products That Actually Help
Regular cleaning matters most, but the right products make it easier. Commercial dishwasher cleaners (powder, gel, or tablet form) are purpose-built to remove buildup and sanitize. White vinegar handles hard water stains and mineral buildup effectively on a hot cycle. Baking soda, mixed into a paste, works as a gentle abrasive for stubborn interior stains.
Lemon juice is a solid natural option for freshening and odor removal — a cup in the bottom of an empty dishwasher on a hot cycle works well. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant but should be used sparingly and cautiously, since it can damage certain dishwasher components over time.
Keep the Rest of Your Kitchen in Sync
A clean dishwasher is one piece of a genuinely clean kitchen. Pair this routine with our full room-by-room cleaning checklist, or let a professional cleaning service handle the deeper kitchen maintenance while you focus on the day-to-day.