Emma had always believed her dishwasher was a magical box. You throw in dirty dishes, close the door, press a button, and voilà—sparkling clean plates an hour later. But over time, she noticed something wasn’t quite right. The glasses came out looking foggy. There was a musty odor each time she opened the door. And one evening, after dinner, she pulled out a plate that was still dirty. That’s when it hit her—she had never learned how to clean a dishwasher.
A lot of us, like Emma, don’t think twice about maintaining the very machine that does our dirty work. But learning how to clean a dishwasher is essential if you want your dishes truly clean, your kitchen smelling fresh, and your machine lasting as long as possible.
Believe it or not, dishwashers are not self-cleaning. Food scraps, grease, and detergent buildup over time can clog filters, coat spray arms, and settle into the nooks and crannies of the machine. That gunk can lead to unpleasant smells and reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher.
Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Matters
It may sound odd to clean something that’s designed to clean other things, but it makes perfect sense once you understand how dishwashers work. During each wash cycle, leftover food particles, soap residue, and hard water minerals collect in filters and hidden parts. These deposits:
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Reduce cleaning power
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Create bad odors
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Make dishes look spotty or dull
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Cause drainage issues
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Shorten the lifespan of the machine
That’s why knowing how to clean a dishwasher is just as important as loading it properly. With regular cleaning, you’ll have consistently clean dishes, a fresher-smelling kitchen, and fewer mechanical problems down the road.
How Often Should You Clean It?
If your dishwasher gets used daily, it’s smart to give it a quick clean weekly and a deeper clean once a month. If you use it less often, a deep clean every two months should be fine. But when you notice strange smells, dirty dishes, or standing water in the bottom, it’s a sign it needs cleaning right away.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher
Here’s a clear and practical way to clean your dishwasher using things you probably already have at home.
1. Clear Out the Interior
Start by removing all dishes, utensils, and detachable racks. Check the bottom of the machine for any food bits, paper labels, or foreign objects that might be stuck. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to remove anything you find.
2. Clean the Filter
Most modern dishwashers have a filter located at the bottom, beneath the lower spray arm. This part traps food particles and keeps them from redepositing on your dishes.
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Twist the filter to remove it (check your manual if needed).
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Rinse it under warm water to remove debris.
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Use a toothbrush to scrub off stubborn grime.
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Let it dry and reinstall it securely.
A clean filter is crucial for maintaining water flow and washing power.
3. Clean the Spray Arms
Spray arms distribute water during the cycle. When holes get clogged, cleaning performance drops.
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Remove the arms if your model allows.
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Use a toothpick or thin wire to unclog each hole.
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Rinse thoroughly and replace.
This step ensures water reaches all parts of your dishes.
4. Wipe Down the Seals and Walls
Use a damp cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe the interior walls, the door, and especially the rubber seals around the edge. These seals often collect grime and mildew.
Pay attention to:
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Door hinges
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Inside corners
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Detergent and rinse aid compartments
This not only cleans but also prevents mold from forming.
5. Use Vinegar for a Deep Clean
Now that the inside is free from debris, you can freshen it up.
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Place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
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Run a full cycle on the hottest water setting.
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The vinegar will break down grease, remove odors, and clean internal components.
6. Follow with Baking Soda
Once the vinegar cycle is done:
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Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher.
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Run a short, hot cycle.
Baking soda will neutralize any remaining smells and leave the interior looking bright and clean.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Using Natural Ingredients
One of the best parts about learning how to clean a dishwasher is that you don’t need to use strong chemical cleaners. Vinegar and baking soda are both safe, affordable, and eco-friendly. Avoid using bleach, especially if your dishwasher has stainless steel components. And never mix bleach and vinegar—the combination can create toxic fumes.
How to Keep Your Dishwasher Cleaner, Longer
Once your dishwasher is clean, a few small habits can keep it that way:
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Rinse off large food scraps before loading dishes (no need to pre-wash).
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Run hot water in the sink before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with hot water right away.
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Use a rinse aid to help prevent hard water buildup.
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Leave the door ajar for an hour after cycles to let moisture escape and prevent mildew.
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Clean the filter weekly if your dishwasher sees heavy use.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
If you’ve cleaned everything but your dishwasher still isn’t working right—maybe water is pooling, or it’s not draining properly—it could be a bigger issue. In that case, it’s worth having a technician check for blockages in the drain hose, pump issues, or other mechanical problems.
Final Thoughts
Dishwashers are one of the most convenient appliances in the modern kitchen, but they aren’t maintenance-free. Now that you know how to clean a dishwasher, you can make it part of your monthly routine. It doesn’t take long, and the benefits are huge: cleaner dishes, a fresher-smelling kitchen, and a machine that lasts years longer.
Emma, our story’s star, now cleans her dishwasher once a month—and she hasn’t had a single musty smell or dirty dish since. Follow these steps, and your dishwasher will reward you with peak performance and sparkling results.
Meta Description:
Wondering how to clean a dishwasher? Learn a simple, effective method to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and running efficiently with this easy guide.
