Expert Tips & Maintenance Guide

Do you need to clean your dishwasher? The short answer is yes. Your dishwasher works hard to keep your dishes clean, but without regular maintenance, grease, food particles, and mineral buildup can reduce its efficiency. Plus, a dirty dishwasher can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Whether you’re keeping your kitchen spotless in a San Diego, CA home, maintaining your apartment in Jacksonville, FL, or freshening up your rental in New York, NY, learning how to clean the dishwasher is simple. 

Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean the dishwasher, featuring expert advice to keep your machine in top shape.

How often to clean your dishwasher

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a clean dishwasher. Different parts of your dishwasher require attention at varying intervals to prevent grime buildup, improve efficiency, and extend its lifespan. Wiping door seals and removing food debris should be done daily, while tasks like running a vinegar cycle or scrubbing spray arms can be done less often. Here’s a simple schedule to help keep your dishwasher in top condition:

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Step 1: Clean the filter regularly

The filter is the heart of your dishwasher. Over time, food particles and grease can clog the filter, reducing efficiency.

According to Cate Bloom from AAA Appliance Service Center in Wood Dale, IL, “For a clean and efficient dishwasher, remove and clean the filter monthly to prevent buildup, and check your rinse aid levels. Too much can leave a greasy film, while too little can cause spots.”

“Regularly clean the filter and spray arms to prevent buildup,” addsTony from Comfort Appliance Service & Installation located in Athens, GA. “Run a cycle with vinegar once a month to remove grease and odors, and ensure the door gasket stays clean to prevent leaks.”

“Maintaining a dishwasher is as simple as cleaning the filters when necessary and checking for obstructions in the spray arm nozzles,” says Oliver Christian from Appliance Mechanics in Lake Stevens, WA. “Today’s dishwashers utilize two types of filtration: self-cleaning filters and manual cleaning filters. Consumers with removable manual filters need to clean them every 30 days, as per manufacturer recommendations, while self-cleaning filters rely on the pump during regular cycles.”

“Many dishwasher models allow you to detach and remove the filter,” says Filippo Toffolon from food machinery supplier, Sistema Project. “If so, rinse it under running water, using a long-bristled brush for a more thorough clean. If the dirt is hard to remove, soak the filter in warm water for 30 minutes before scrubbing with the brush.”

For non-removable filters, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Step 2: Use vinegar to break down grease and limescale

White vinegar is a natural and effective way to dissolve grease, mineral deposits, and odors.

West Palm Beach, FL-based Romanos Appliance Repair suggests, “Run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar.This simple routine clears out grease and mineral buildup, keeping the dishwasher running efficiently.”

For hard water issues, Greg Reyneke, a master water specialist at Crusader Water of Utah, advises, “If you’ve got hard water, try adding a cup of white vinegar to your Glassware wash cycle. It’ll help dissolve that scale and keep your dishes and glassware sparkling clean.”

Step 3: Brighten and deodorize with baking soda

Baking soda is another powerhouse when it comes to deodorizing and removing stains.

“Baking soda will remove any odors in the dishwasher and also brighten the stainless steel,” shares recipe blogger Michelle Miller at Sunkissed Kitchen from Bend, OR. “Run the dishwasher on a hot-water express wash cycle. When you’re done, the interior of your dishwasher will shine and smell like it’s a new machine.”

If you want optimal results, sprinkle a cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot cycle.

Step 4: Clean the door seals, spray arms, and drain

Food particles and grime can build up around the door seals and spray arms, reducing water flow and causing unpleasant odors.

“To keep your dishwasher running efficiently and odor-free, use Guests on Earth’s All-Purpose Cleaner and Waffle Cleaning Cloths to wipe down the door, seals, and exterior, removing grease and buildup naturally,” recommends cleaning essentials brand Guests on Earth.

For stubborn grime, Gaia Guy, an eco-friendly products organization in Nashville, TN, suggests, “Gently scrub the filter, seals, and corners with Gaia Guy’s Lid and Utility Brush. Its soft yet durable natural bristles ensure a thorough clean without scratching delicate surfaces.”

Step 5: Descale with citric acid

For deeper cleaning and descaling, citric acid is a powerful and eco-friendly solution.

“Citric acid is one of the most effective compounds when it comes to cleaning a dishwasher and removing mineral deposits,” says Liam Harris of ACTIVE Cleaners located in Minneapolis, MN. “Add 3-4 tablespoons of citric acid to the detergent dispenser and run a normal cycle without dishes.”

Hunter Lawrence of Sandy, UT-based Expert Services Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electrical adds, “To keep your dishwasher running efficiently, use a citric acid cleaner to remove buildup and descale the system. Another cleaning habit you should follow is to clean the filter regularly and ensure the drain hose slopes properly to prevent water from pooling.”

Step 6: Use eco-friendly cleaners

Harsh chemicals can harm aquatic life and degrade your dishwasher. To avoid this, learn how to green clean and opt for natural cleaning solutions.

Sustainable lifestyle blogger, Melissa of Welcome Objects in Fairfield, CT explains, “Harsh chemicals in conventional dishwashing cleaners harm our water and aquatic life. For an eco-friendlier way to maintain your dishwasher, clean with natural ingredients like white vinegar. Finally, lemons are your cleaning friends; they’re mildly acidic and naturally deodorizing.”

”A poorly maintained dishwasher can waste energy and water, pollute with chemicals, and contribute to e-waste by needing early replacement,” warns Rudramani Pandey from sustainability educational platform Sigma Earth. “Sustainable cleaning cuts waste, saves resources, extends appliance life, and supports zero-waste living.”

Andrew of eco-friendly cleaning brand Eco-Gals located in Springville, UT recommends using a product like Eco-Gals Dishwasher Cleaner, which uses earth-friendly enzymes and sodium percarbonate to break down odors and food particles, leaving your dishwasher clean and fresh.

Commonly asked questions about how to clean the dishwasher

1. Can I use a commercial cleaner?

“Use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner,” suggests Dwayne Lund from Affordable Appliance Repair in Cleveland, TN. “Make sure the cleaner is introduced during the wash cycle. Pause the unit at the end of the wash cycle and let the cleaner soak.”

2. Is it necessary to run a vinegar cycle?

“To keep your dishwasher running efficiently, clean the filter monthly to prevent food debris buildup,” notes dishwasher and kitchen experts, KitchPulse. “Run a cycle with white vinegar on the top rack to remove grease and limescale, then a baking soda cycle to neutralize odors and brighten your dishwasher.”

3. What should I do if my dishwasher smells bad?

Sarah Martino, a natural living blogger in Jacksonville, NC, also recommends,  “Keep your dishwasher fresh, run a cleaning cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and place a fresh lemon cut in half on the bottom rack. Leave the door slightly ajar after each use to allow air circulation and reduce moisture, helping prevent mildew.”

4. Should I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

It’s best to avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean your dishwasher. Instead, opt for natural cleaning products like vinegar or citric acid, which effectively break down buildup without causing harm to the appliance.

“It’s important to avoid using overly aggressive or abrasive cleaning products containing sodium hypochlorite, such as bleach, as they can damage the dishwasher,” warns Filippo Toffolon from Sistema Project. 

5. How do I prevent mold and mildew?

“We ensure dishwashers stay in top condition by wiping down the door seals using a damp cloth and a mild dishwasher cleaning agent to prevent mold buildup,” says Butler Housekeeping. “Leave the door slightly open afterward to improve air circulation and prevent mildew.”

How to clean the dishwasher

A dishwasher might be one of the household appliances you’re not cleaning but should be because it extends the lifespan of your appliance. With a combination of natural cleaning products and  proper filter maintenance, your dishwasher will continue running smoothly for years. By following these tips, you’ll know exactly how to clean the dishwasher and keep it looking and smelling fresh.