Your dishwasher does a lot of the dirty work for you, so occasionally, you must do it a little good. Learn how to clean your dishwasher to keep it running efficiently, prevent odors, and ensure your dishes are sparkling clean. If your dishwasher isn’t washing dishes properly, try cleaning the dishwasher itself before calling for service. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands while cleaning.
This guide will walk you through the basics of cleaning your dishwasher and the best ways to clean it. But first, learn how often your dishwasher needs to be cleaned and why it’s so important.
How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher
Several brands recommend thorough dishwasher cleaning monthly. This means cleaning the entire interior, door, gasket, and filter.
If you only use your dishwasher occasionally or pre-wash dishes, you may not need to clean it often, but only let it go up to six months without washing. On the other hand, if you regularly clean your dishwasher thoroughly, consider cleaning it more than once a month. If you need to determine how much attention your dishwasher needs, start by making it a monthly chore. Then, after you know how dirty your dishwasher gets in a month, you can adjust your cleaning schedule.
Why Dishwasher Cleaning Is Important
Cleaning your dishwasher is a crucial preventative step in home maintenance. If you habitually put off this chore, unwanted residues like minerals, grease, dirt, and limescale will build up inside your appliance. Over time, it will become less effective. In other words, your dishwasher doesn’t clean things very well. Imagine dishes with crumbs stuck to them and cloudy wine glasses. And its poor performance could lead to unnecessary and expensive repair bills.
A dirty dishwasher will start to smell bad, which no one wants. So, for your future dishes and kitchen status, follow these tips and clean your dishwasher regularly.
Cleaning Dishwasher Parts
One of the easiest ways to clean a dishwasher is to start with the removable parts. Remove the cutlery racks and dishwasher racks. Rinse or wipe them to remove food residue.
If food is caked on, fill the sink half-full with warm water and add two cups of white vinegar. Vinegar is natural, dishwasher-safe, and can be used as a DIY cleaner. Soak the parts in the sink for 20 minutes. Then rinse and put it back in place.
How to Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher
Grime can build up inside a dishwasher until your dishes can no longer be adequately cleaned. As mentioned earlier, built-up grime can also cause unpleasant odors.
First, clean your dishwasher with vinegar to eliminate grime and odors. First, empty your dishwasher. Then, pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-specific bowl and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run the hottest cycle on your dishwasher. Skip the dry cycle and leave the dishwasher door open to air dry.
You can also sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a short cycle on the hottest setting to clean the inside and eliminate odors. Similar to when cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar, skip the dry cycle and let the dishwasher air dry. Using vinegar and baking soda is a simple and effective way to clean the inside of your dishwasher, but use them sparingly. Clean with vinegar first, then wash with baking soda.
Additionally, cleaning your dishwasher with bleach can deep clean its interior and remove stubborn stains, mold, and mildew, but only if your dishwasher is not stainless steel and does not contain stainless steel. Pour one cup of bleach into a dishwasher-safe bleach-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Then, run a complete cycle but skip the drying cycle.
Tip: Do not use bleach in a stainless steel dishwasher or a dishwasher that contains stainless steel parts, as bleach can damage it. Also, do not use bleach at the same time you are using vinegar or baking soda to clean your dishwasher.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Door and Gasket
Clean the inside of the dishwasher door. Gently wipe around the rubber gasket with an old, soft toothbrush and three cups of hot water mixed with a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Some manufacturers will tell you to clean only with warm water, so follow the instructions for your dishwasher.
If the gasket still looks dirty or shows signs of mold or mildew, read the manufacturer’s directions to see if you can use an all-purpose cleaner or other product to clean it without harming it.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
While many newer dishwashers come with self-cleaning filters, if your model has a manual filter, remove it and clean it once a month or as often as needed. Your owner’s manual will have more information on how to clean a dishwasher filter, but in general, remove and rinse the filter using these steps:
- Unlock the upper dishwasher filter and gently pull it out. If your model has a lower filter, remove it too.
- Check the filter base inside the dishwasher for any food that might be caught there. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber towel to clean it.
- Wash the filter by hand in warm, soapy water. If food particles are stuck on, gently scrub it with a small, soft-bristle brush.
- Rinse the filters thoroughly under warm running water.
- Put the filters back in place. If the upper filter has a locking mechanism, be sure it’s locked before you rerun the dishwasher.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain
Cleaning the dishwasher drain is another important monthly step in how to clean a dishwasher thoroughly. First, put one cup of white vinegar in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds so it is slightly warm.
Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in two tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil a kettle of water. Just as the boil dies down, carefully pour the water down the dishwasher drain to help clear out any debris or clogs. Do this slowly, not getting splashed with the boiling water.
Tip: If you have a garbage disposal, be sure it’s also clean and running well. Dishwasher clogs and draining problems can sometimes be traced to a clogged or dirty garbage disposal.
How to Clean the Dishwasher Exterior
Knowing how to clean a dishwasher on the inside is essential, but don’t forget to clean the exterior. Use a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water to clean the outside panel. Dry it with an old towel.
For a stainless-steel dishwasher, use a glass cleaner or stainless steel cleaner.
How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
Sometimes, dishwashers fail to clean dishes properly and start to smell bad. These odors often come from bits of food stuck in the dishwasher drain or in the jets on the spray arms. Knowing how to clean a smelly dishwasher can help you get rid of those bad smells.
Start by inspecting the spray arms and cleaning any blocked jets with toothpicks, if necessary. Use paper towels or a cloth to wipe up debris from the dishwasher tub’s bottom. Clean the inside of the dishwasher again, or as often as needed, if the smell persists.
From built-in to portable dishwashers, learning how to clean a dishwasher will result in cleaner dishes and a longer-lasting appliance. The best way to clean a dishwasher is to find a method that works for you and stick to a regular cleaning schedule.
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
White distilled vinegar is the best cleaner for the inside of a dishwasher. Its acidity effectively dissolves grease, food particles, and mineral deposits. Simply place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle.
If you want extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot cycle. It keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
What is best natural way to clean the dishwasher?
The best natural way to clean a dishwasher is by using white distilled vinegar and baking soda. Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle to remove grease and odors.
After that, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot cycle to remove any remaining residue. The method is effective and does not use harsh chemicals, so it is a safe choice for regular maintenance.
Is baking soda safe for dishwasher?
You should not substitute dishwasher detergent with dish soap or baking soda. While baking soda can be used to clean your dishwasher, it’s not a good dishwashing detergent. To keep dishwashers healthy, use a dishwasher detergent specially designed for dishwashers.
The Takeaway
Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential for its performance and longevity. Using vinegar and baking soda regularly can help remove buildup and smells. Keeping your dishwasher clean and addressing any issues right away ensures it runs efficiently. Clean your kitchen in these simple ways to keep your appliances running smoothly and hygienic.
