# How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher: Expert Cleaning Tips
Cleaning your Whirlpool dishwasher might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s essential for keeping your dishes sparkling and your kitchen running smoothly. Over time, food debris, grease, and mineral buildup can clog components, reduce cleaning efficiency, and even cause unpleasant odors. Fortunately, with the right techniques and a little know-how, you can restore your dishwasher to peak performance. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through expert-approved steps, share practical tips, and provide supplementary advice to ensure your Whirlpool dishwasher stays in top shape. Let’s dive in!
## Why Cleaning Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Matters
Dishwashers are designed to clean your dishes, but they don’t clean themselves. As Whirlpool explains, “Regularly cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is an easy way to help prevent a smelly dishwasher and the build-up of detergent, minerals and dirt that can cause your dishwasher to not clean properly.” Without routine maintenance, trapped food particles and hard water deposits can lead to cloudy glassware, reduced water flow, and even damage to internal parts like the pump. A clean dishwasher not only ensures spotless dishes but also extends the appliance’s lifespan—an investment worth protecting.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Whirlpool Dishwasher
### Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, collect these essentials:
– Distilled white vinegar (avoid colored vinegars to prevent staining)
– Baking soda
– A soft cloth or sponge
– An old toothbrush or small brush
– Dish soap
– Optional: affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner (recommended by Whirlpool)
– A dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup
These household items are affordable and effective, making this a budget-friendly task.
### Step 2: Clean the Filter
The filter is the unsung hero of your dishwasher, trapping food particles to prevent them from redepositing on your dishes. “Most dishwashers have a filter that helps to trap food particles and other debris,” notes Whirlpool. “Cleaning dishwasher filters regularly is important for appliance maintenance.”
Here’s how to do it:
1. Pull out the lower dish rack to access the filter, typically located at the bottom of the tub, either in a back corner or around the base of the spray arm.
2. Twist the upper filter clockwise about a quarter-turn to remove it, then gently lift out the lower filter (some models may vary—check your manual).
3. Rinse the filter under warm running water to remove debris. For stubborn buildup, soak it in soapy water for an hour, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
4. Reassemble the filter and place it back in the dishwasher.
Regular filter cleaning—every three to six months—keeps water circulating effectively and prevents clogs that could harm the pump.
### Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms distribute water to clean your dishes, but clogged holes can sabotage their performance. Dan Marc Appliance advises, “Spray arms can often get blocked with mildew or food debris, which can prevent water from flowing through them” [(( Dan Marc Appliance ))].
To clean them:
1. Carefully unscrew the spray arms (top arm clockwise, bottom arm counterclockwise in most Whirlpool models).
2. Soak them in a solution of warm water and dish soap for about an hour to loosen grime.
3. Use a toothbrush to clear debris from the holes, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Reattach the arms, ensuring they spin freely.
This step ensures even water distribution, tackling that filmy residue on your glasses.
### Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior and Seals
Food and grease can accumulate inside the tub and around the door seals, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. “The dishwasher seals ensure that your Whirlpool dishwasher shuts tightly, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew,” says Dan Marc Appliance.
– **Interior:** Remove racks and wipe the tub with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Pay extra attention to the detergent dispenser, which often harbors buildup—scrub it with a brush if needed.
– **Seals:** Use a soapy cloth to clean around the door gasket, getting into crevices with a toothbrush. Finish with a clean, damp cloth wipe-down to remove soap residue.
A clean interior and tight seals prevent leaks and odors, keeping your dishwasher hygienic.
### Step 5: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Now it’s time to deep clean. You have two expert-recommended options:
#### Option 1: Vinegar and Baking Soda
“Cleaning with vinegar works because it’s acidic, which helps break down and dissolve mineral deposits inside of your dishwasher,” explains professional cleaner Chris Willatt via WikiHow [(( WikiHow ))].
1. Place 2 cups (500 mL) of distilled white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
2. Run a normal cycle without detergent or heat-dry settings.
3. After the cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub and run a short, hot-water cycle to neutralize odors and scrub away remaining grime.
#### Option 2: affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner
Whirlpool recommends affresh® tablets: “Using affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner every month will help keep your dishwasher from filming and spotting and keep the interior clean and free of odors.”
1. Place one tablet in the detergent dispenser (or one in the dispenser and one at the bottom for heavy buildup).
2. Run a normal cycle, with or without dishes—affresh® descales glassware too.
3. Leave the door ajar afterward to air-dry and prevent odors.
Both methods tackle limescale, grease, and mineral deposits effectively.
### Step 6: Polish the Exterior
Don’t neglect the outside! “Outside of the dishwasher looking dingy? Just wipe down the surface with a damp cloth,” suggests Whirlpool [(( Whirlpool ))]. For stainless steel models, use a cleaner like affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaning Spray for a streak-free shine. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the finish.
## Supplementary Tips for Optimal Performance
### Addressing Hard Water Issues
If you have “heavy mineral water” causing white film, as many users report, vinegar or affresh® can help. For persistent issues, Whirlpool advises, “Extremely hard water mineral deposits can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it difficult to clean it properly.” Consider a rinse aid like Jet Dry or a whole-house water softener to combat hard water buildup.
### Loading Techniques
“An overcrowded dishwasher will not clean effectively and could lead to unnecessary strain on the mechanical parts,” warns The Stay-at-Home-Mom Survival Guide. Load dishes without overlapping, ensuring spray arms can reach every surface—your plates will thank you.
### Pre-Rinse Hot Water Trick
“Run hot water from your kitchen sink until it’s fully heated before starting your dishwasher,” recommends The Havok Journal. This ensures the cycle begins with water hot enough (ideally 120°F) to dissolve detergent and cut through grease from the start.
### Monthly Maintenance Schedule
Whirlpool suggests cleaning “approximately every 30 days for optimal performance.” Adjust this based on usage—daily users might need more frequent deep cleans, while occasional users can stretch it to every six months.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
– **Dishes Still Dirty?** Check water temperature (should be 120°F), clear spray arm clogs, or ensure you’re using fresh detergent. A clogged filter might also be the culprit.
– **Standing Water?** Run an empty hot cycle to clear minor drain clogs. If it persists, pour 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup baking soda down the drain, wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
– **Cloudy Glassware?** This often signals hard water or detergent residue. Use a rinse aid or affresh® to descale.
If problems persist, contact Whirlpool support or a technician to inspect the pump or motor.
## FAQ: Common Questions About Cleaning a Whirlpool Dishwasher
**Q: How often should I clean my Whirlpool dishwasher?**
A: Whirlpool recommends every 30 days. Adjust based on usage—monthly for heavy use, every 3-6 months for light use.
**Q: Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?**
A: No. Professional cleaner James Sears advises against bleach, as it’s too harsh. “Non-toxic cleaners like vinegar are best for your dishwasher,” he says via WikiHow.
**Q: Why does my dishwasher smell bad even after cleaning?**
A: Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and ensure the garbage disposal (if connected) is clear. Persistent odors might indicate a need for professional service.
**Q: Is affresh® better than vinegar?**
A: affresh® is formulated to target limescale and detergent buildup, while vinegar is a natural alternative for lighter cleaning. For heavy buildup, affresh® may be more effective.
**Q: Can I clean the filter without removing it?**
A: If your model lacks a removable filter, rinse it in place with hot water and a brush, or run a hot cycle with vinegar.
**Q: How do I prevent mineral buildup from hard water?**
A: Use a rinse aid, run vinegar cycles monthly, or install a water softener for a long-term fix.
With these expert tips and a little elbow grease, your Whirlpool dishwasher will stay fresh, efficient, and ready to tackle every load. Happy cleaning!