I put off cleaning my dishwasher for so long that when I finally opened it one afternoon, the smell hit me before I even looked inside.
Gunk in the corners, grime along the door seal, a filter I had completely forgotten existed.
Ten minutes of actual cleaning fixed what months of ignoring could not.
Here is exactly how to do it right.
How Does the Dishwasher Even Get Dirty?
My sister said she used to think her dishwasher cleaned itself. She’s not wrong, though.
It’s full of hot water and soap every day.
But every time you run a load, bits of food, grease, and soap stay behind. They settle into the filter, cling to the spray arms, and build up along the door seal.
And that buildup causes bad smells, cloudy dishes, and poor cleaning.
Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning
Are there days when you open your dishwasher and it’s clean, yet it still doesn’t feel hygienic?
If you see these signs, then you need to start cleaning.
- Bad smell when opening the door.
- Cloudy or spotty glasses.
- Dishes don’t actually look clean.
- The dishwasher is draining slowly.
- Visible grime around the door seal.
- A filter that looks more brown than gray.
How to Clean the Dishwasher: DIYs
In everyday life, we’ve got everything in our kitchen cabinets to solve a problem. Likewise, cleaning a dishwasher takes just a few things from your kitchen.
- White vinegar and baking soda: Most commonly used DIY (for a reason). White vinegar removes the grease and mineral deposits. Baking soda removes the stains and smell.
- Dish soap and mild water: Take an old toothbrush and start scrubbing the filter, spray arms, and door seal.
Now, I use a mix of both of these methods to get it squeaky clean.
Things You’ll Need
Some things from your home can get the job done and work really well.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White vinegar | Breaks down grease and odors |
| Baking soda | Removes stains and freshens the tub |
| Dish soap | Cleans the filter and door seal |
| Old toothbrush | Scrubs tight corners and spray arms |
| Microfiber cloth | Wipes down the interior and door |
| Mild water | Rinses and loosens grime |
| Rubber gloves | Protects your hands |
How to Clean the Dishwasher: Step by Step
Cleaning the dishwasher can be a hassle, but I do it in seven simple steps.
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher Completely
First, take out all the dishes, racks, and utensil holders, as starting with a full dishwasher just makes the everything harder.
I always do this right after a cycle, so the interior is still and easier to wipe down.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Filter
The filter is at the bottom of your dishwasher and has all the food debris. Twist out the filter from the bottom.
Rinse it under mild running water.
And scrub it gently with an old toothbrush and a drop of dish soap.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Door Seal
The rubber seal around the door gets covered with mold and grease.
I take a microfiber cloth or a toothbrush, dip it in soapy water, and start scrubbing.
I was shocked the first time I cleaned mine.
Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms have small holes that push water onto your dishes, and its holes get clogged with mineral deposits and food bits.
Remove the arms, rinse them under running water, and use a toothpick to clear any blocked holes.
Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cycle
Place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a full hot water cycle.
The vinegar breaks down grease and dissolves mineral buildup. Vinegar also helps remove any odor from the dishwasher.
Step 6: Run a Baking Soda Cycle
After the vinegar cycle is done, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
Baking soda removes any tough stains and odor.
Step 7: Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the door, handle, and control panel.
If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, a little dish soap can remove fingerprints and smudges without scratching the surface.
How Often Should You Clean a Dishwasher?
I do a full cleaning every two months, and it keeps everything running smoothly with no unpleasant odors.
You need to plan a cleaning depending on your usage.
- Clean the filter every two to four weeks if you run your dishwasher daily.
- Run a vinegar cycle once a month to stay on top of grease and odors.
- Do a deep clean every one to three months, depending on how heavily you use it.
How to Make Your Dishwasher Smell Good?
A clean dishwasher should smell like nothing at all.
If yours still has an odor after cleaning, try leaving the door open between cycles to allow moisture to escape.
Every Sunday, my sister tosses a few lemon peels into the bottom and runs a short cycle.
The citrus leaves a fresh scent, keeping the dishwasher smelling good.
Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning a Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher is simple, but take a few steps to prevent damage.
- Using too much vinegar: Vinegar is great for occasional deep cleaning only. Using it every week can slowly wear down the rubber seals and hoses inside your machine.
- Skipping the filter: I went almost a year without cleaning the filter, and the smell worsened.
- Mixing vinegar and baking soda: They actually cancel each other out. Use them in separate cycles.
- Forgetting the door seal: Even the seal traps moisture and debris, and needs to be scrubbed.
Wrapping Up
So yes, it is that simple.
I have been doing it, and I never thought vinegar, baking soda, and an old toothbrush could do so much. Now, my dishwasher is hygienic, clean, and odor-free.
It’s not just cleaning, it’s a routine. Let’s clean our dishwashers every one to two weeks.
Leave a comment sharing your cleaning tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Should You Not Put in a Dishwasher?
Avoid cast-iron items, wooden items, sharp knives, nonstick pans, and delicate glassware.
2. Should I Run an Empty Dishwasher to Clean it?
Yes. Running an empty cycle with vinegar or baking soda is one of the easiest ways to clean it.
3. How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain?
Remove the filter and check the drain. Clear any blockage, then run a hot vinegar cycle to flush it out completely.
