Keeping your dishwasher clean ensures it runs efficiently, eliminates odors, and leaves your dishes spotless by removing built-up food particles and grime. Aim to clean your dishwasher whenever you see debris, notice your dishes aren’t coming out clean, or at least once a month.
Neglecting regular cleaning can lower the dishwasher’s performance, shorten its lifespan, and result in dirty dishes even after a wash cycle. With simple and affordable ingredients like baking soda and vinegar, you can easily clean your dishwasher while also tackling odors, mold, and bacteria.
Note: Never use bleach to clean your dishwasher, as it can damage the appliance. This is especially risky for dishwashers with stainless steel interiors or components. To protect your dishwasher, it’s best to avoid using bleach altogether.
1. Remove the Removable Parts:
- Take out the dishwasher racks, utensil holders, and filter. Depending on your dishwasher, the filter might twist off easily or require a screwdriver.
- Fill half your sink with warm water and add one cup of white distilled vinegar. Place the removed parts into the mixture and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the filter’s mesh and hard-to-reach spots. This helps remove trapped food particles and buildup.
- Before reinstalling the filter, wipe down the surrounding area inside the dishwasher to get rid of any lingering food scraps or odors.
2. Clean Out All Debris:
- Look for Leftover Debris: Now that you can see inside, check for any leftover food or debris stuck in corners or along the walls.
- Wipe the Interior: Use soapy water and a cloth to clean the walls and corners inside the dishwasher.
- Clean the Spray Arms: The spray arms have small holes that can get clogged with food particles. Check these holes and slots where water sprays out. If you find debris, use a toothbrush or toothpick to carefully remove it.
- Don’t Forget the Door Seal: Check the door seal for built-up grime, which can easily be missed but often collects a lot of dirt.
3: Clean the Inside of Your Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda
After wiping down the interior, it’s time to use vinegar and baking soda for a deeper clean. Start by filling a dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup of white vinegar and placing it on the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Set the dishwasher to run on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will help break down leftover food, grease, soap scum, and other residue, thoroughly cleaning the machine.
Once the first cycle is finished, remove the bowl and sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short cycle to let the baking soda work its magic, removing stains and freshening up the appliance. The result will be a sparkling clean dishwasher with a fresh, clean scent.
4: Clean the Dishwasher Door
To keep the outside of your dishwasher looking spotless, choose a cleaner that matches its surface. For stainless steel, use a cleaner designed specifically for it to avoid streaks or scratches.
Prefer a DIY option? Mix dish soap, water, and white vinegar for a safe and effective homemade solution. Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture, wring it out, and gently wipe the door, following the direction of the grain for a polished look. Rinse the cloth, go over the surface again, and enjoy a shiny, fingerprint-free finish. Don’t forget to clean the control panel and handles for a fully refreshed exterior.
How to Clean a Dishwasher with vinegar?
Follow these simple steps to keep your dishwasher sparkling clean using white vinegar:
- Prepare the Vinegar: Pour about one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe mug, filling it about two-thirds full.
- Place the Mug: Position the mug upright on the top rack of your dishwasher, ensuring it’s stable.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Close the dishwasher door and run a normal cycle with hot water. The vinegar helps break down soap scum, grease, and food residue, leaving your dishwasher spotless.
- Check the Drain: After the cycle finishes, remove the mug and inspect the drain under the bottom rack for any leftover debris. Use a soapy cloth or your hands to remove large particles.
- Repeat Regularly: Perform this cleaning routine every few weeks to maintain your dishwasher’s performance and cleanliness.
A clean dishwasher ensures your dishes come out sparkling every time!
How to Clean a Dishwasher filter?
Keeping your dishwasher filter clean is essential for optimal performance and sparkling dishes. The filter traps food particles and greasy residue, preventing them from ending up back on your plates and glasses. Regular cleaning—at least once a month—is crucial, especially if you notice unpleasant odors, soap buildup, or leftover food on your dishes.
You can clean the filter quickly and easily with common household items like vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial dishwasher cleaner. You can ensure your dishwasher stays in top shape in just a few minutes.
Things You’ll Need Tools
Sink or a large bowl
Dishcloth or sponge
Old toothbrush
Soft-bristled nylon brush
Materials
Dishwashing liquid with a degreaser
Distilled white vinegar (optional)
1. Find the Filter:
Take out the bottom rack of your dishwasher to find the filter, usually located on the dishwasher floor. Most filters are round and twist into place. Some have two parts: a cylindrical filter and a flat filter underneath.
2. Remove the Filter:
Look for arrows or guides on the filter and twist it (usually counter-clockwise) to unlock it. Gently lift it out. If there’s a flat filter below it, remove that too.
3. Prepare a Cleaning Solution:
Fill a sink or a large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, including a degreaser. This will make cleaning the filter easier.
4. Soak and Scrub the Filter:
Place the filter in a bowl of soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any dirt. Use a sponge, an old toothbrush, or a soft brush to scrub away trapped food or grease.
5. Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse the filter under hot water to wash away all debris. Make sure it’s clean and no longer feels greasy.
6. Clean the Filter Housing:
Dip a sponge or cloth in soapy water and wipe the area where the filter sits. This removes any leftover food particles or grease.
7. Reinstall the Filter:
Put the filter back in place. If your dishwasher has two filters, install the flat one first, followed by the cylindrical one. Ensure everything is securely locked in place.
Also read, How to Unclog A Drain with Simple Methods?
Easy Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Filter Cleaner for Longer
Scrape Off Food Before Loading: To prevent clogs, remove leftover food from your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
Run a Monthly Cleaning Cycle: Clean your dishwasher when it’s empty once a month. Place 2 cups of distilled white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. This helps remove grease and buildup from the interior and filter.
Avoid Problematic Items: Don’t load items like paper-labeled jars or wooden utensils. These can break apart, leaving debris that clogs the filter.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Many dishwasher brands recommend cleaning the appliance thoroughly once a month, including the interior, door, gasket, and filter. If you don’t use your dishwasher often or you rinse your dishes before loading, you may not need to clean them as frequently. However, avoid going longer than six months without cleaning it. If you use your dishwasher daily or for heavy loads, consider cleaning it more often than once a month. If you’re unsure, start with monthly cleanings. After a few months, you’ll get a better idea of how often it needs attention and can adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain?
Cleaning the dishwasher drain is an essential part of maintaining your appliance. Start by placing one cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until it’s warm. Next, stir in two tablespoons of baking soda and pour the mixture into the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down any debris.
While the mixture is sitting, boil a kettle of water. Once the water is boiling, slowly pour it down the dishwasher drain to help flush out any remaining debris or clogs. Be careful not to get splashed with the hot water.
Tip: If you have a garbage disposal, make sure it’s clean and working properly. A clogged disposal can sometimes be the cause of dishwasher draining issues.
How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher?
A smelly dishwasher can be a real nuisance, often caused by food particles stuck in the drain or spray arm jets. Fortunately, with a little cleaning, you can eliminate those odors and keep your dishwasher running efficiently.
Start by inspecting the spray arms and use a toothpick to clear any blocked jets. Then, wipe up any food debris or grime from the bottom of the dishwasher tub using a paper towel or cloth. If the smell persists, clean the interior thoroughly again, and repeat as needed.
Whether it’s a built-in or portable dishwasher, regular cleaning ensures cleaner dishes and extends the life of your appliance. Find a cleaning routine that works for you and stick to it to maintain a fresh-smelling dishwasher.
Looking for supplies? Use The Home Depot app to check inventory and locate the cleaning products you need—right down to the exact aisle and bay!
Keep Your Dishwasher Spotless with PlumbSmart’s Expertise
A clean dishwasher means spotless dishes, efficient performance, and a longer lifespan for your appliance. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the filter, drain, and interior, prevents clogs, grime buildup, and unpleasant odors. By incorporating simple cleaning techniques with household staples like vinegar and baking soda, you can keep your dishwasher in excellent shape.
But when issues persist, or you need expert assistance, PlumbSmart is here to help. Our skilled professionals are equipped to handle all your dishwasher maintenance and plumbing needs with precision and care. Don’t let a dirty or malfunctioning dishwasher disrupt your routine—trust us to restore its performance.
Call PlumbSmart today and experience a smarter way to keep your home running smoothly!
