How to Properly Clean Your Dishwasher for Better Performance

Your dishwasher does a lot every day, keeping your dishes and kitchen items clean. But over time, food particles, grease, and soap residue can build up, affecting how well it works. Regular cleaning keeps your dishwasher running efficiently and helps your dishes come out spotless every time — while also extending the life of the appliance.

How Often to Clean the Dishwasher

Aim to clean your dishwasher at least once a month to prevent a buildup of particles and maintain optimal performance, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company. But if you notice any odors or visible debris, it’s advisable to clean it more frequently, she says.

Materials to Avoid When Cleaning the Dishwasher

Check your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends avoiding specific cleaning materials for your model. In general, stay away from using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool when cleaning your dishwasher, as they can damage the appliance’s interior surfaces and components. You should also stay away from bleach when cleaning your dishwasher as it can harm rubber seals and plastic parts, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. Instead, stick to dishwasher-safe cleaning agents and materials or gentle alternatives.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your dishwasher.

  • Warm water
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Dish soap
  • Ammonia
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Bowl
  • Large container
  • Toothpick
  • Microfiber cloths

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Follow these steps to keep your dishwasher sparkling and running efficiently.

1. Clean the Filter

Start by removing the filter from your dishwasher, says Cohoon.

Rinse the filter under the tap to clear out any food bits stuck in there.

In a bowl, combine equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar.

Let the filter soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

Gently scrub the filter with a soft-bristle brush then rinse with warm water.

2. Clean the Gasket

Avoid using harsh or acidic ingredients when cleaning the gasket of your dishwasher, as they can degrade the rubber.

  1. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and water until a paste forms.
  2. Spread the paste on the gasket of your dishwasher and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Gently scrub the gasket with a soft-bristle brush or sponge to wipe away grime.
  4. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth then dry.

3. Clean the Racks

The racks of your dishwasher are also susceptible to a buildup of food particles and grease.

  1. Fill a large container with hot, soapy water.
  2. Remove the racks from your dishwasher and let them soak in the container.
  3. Scrub the racks with a sponge or brush to get rid of any stubborn stains.
  4. Rinse the racks with warm water and dry them before returning them to your dishwasher.

4. Clean the Sprayer Arms

Food particles can easily become lodged in the sprayer arms of your dishwasher, so it’s important to clean them when deep cleaning the rest of your dishwasher.

  1. Remove the sprayer arms from the dishwasher and inspect them for any clogs or debris.
  2. Use a toothpick or small brush to dislodge any food particles stuck in the spray holes.
  3. Fill a large container with equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water.
  4. Place the sprayer arms in the cleaning solution and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse the sprayer arms with clean water and reinstall them back into the dishwasher.

5. Clean the Walls

When cleaning the walls of your dishwasher, pay close attention to the corners and edges where residue may accumulate, says Cohoon.

  1. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe down the walls of your dishwasher.
  2. For tough stains or buildup, make a paste with baking soda and water.
  3. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the paste.
  5. Rinse the walls with clean water and wipe them dry with a towel.

6. Clean the Drain

Break up grease and food residue stuck in your dishwasher drain by pouring baking soda and vinegar down it, says Cohoon.

  1. Remove the bottom rack from your dishwasher and inspect the drain area for any food particles or debris.
  2. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any visible debris.
  3. For a deeper clean, pour baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar.
  4. Let the solution sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.
  5. Reinstall the bottom rack once the drain is clean.

7. Clean the Door

Finally, wipe down the door of your dishwasher. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials that can potentially scratch the door.

  1. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe down the door of your dishwasher.
  2. For tough stains or buildup, make a paste with baking soda and water.
  3. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the paste.
  5. Rinse the door with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.

How to Remove Mildew From Your Dishwasher

To remove mildew from the interior or gasket,

  1. Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup of ammonia.
  2. Wearing rubber gloves, dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution.
  3. Wipe down any areas that have built up mildew.
  4. Run the dishwasher through a rinse cycle to remove any residual cleaner.

How to Remove Odors From Your Dishwasher

If your dishwasher has an odor coming from it, start by giving it a deep clean following the instructions above. If that doesn’t work, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher before running a hot water cycle, says Mock. This will help absorb and eliminate any unwanted odors.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar

For a quick, general cleaning, use this easy technique.

  1. Fill a dishwasher-safe container with vinegar and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
  2. Run a hot water cycle (without detergent). Choose the hottest water setting available.
  3. Once the cycle is complete, use a soft cloth to wipe away any stubborn debris.

How to Maintain Your Dishwasher

Keep your dishwasher sparkling in between deep cleans by following these maintenance tips.

  • Avoid overloading the dishwasher to ensure proper water circulation, says Mock.
  • Clean the filter and sprayer arms regularly to remove buildup and odors, says Cohoon.
  • Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle regularly to help break down grease and sanitize the interior, says Mock.
  • Keep the dishwasher door slightly ajar after each cycle to allow moisture to evaporate and prevent mold growth, says Mock.