Yes, You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher!

A clean dishwasher means shinier dishes, no lingering odors, and a longer-lasting appliance.

Grease, food particles, and mineral deposits quietly collect in hidden areas—especially around the dishwasher filter, the door gasket, and the spray arms.

A little care on a predictable schedule is the simplest way to keep performance high and problems low.

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How Often to Clean It

If you run the machine most days, do a quick weekly wipe and a monthly deep clean.

Clear indicators you’re due include a light smell when you open the door, a cloudy film on glassware, gritty residues on plates, or cycles that feel slower or less effective.

What You’ll Need

White vinegar, baking soda, warm soapy water, a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, a soft toothbrush, and if you have a stainless front panel, a stainless-steel cleaner.

Optional helpers for hard-water areas: a commercial dishwasher cleaner tablet or citric acid powder to tackle hard water stains.

Safety First and Model Notes

Always check your owner’s manual for instructions on removing the filter and approved cleaning agents.

Avoid mixing products in the same cycle so they work as intended and don’t react with each other. Never use sharp tools that might puncture seals or scratch interior surfaces.

Step-by-Step Deep Clean (About 30–45 Minutes of Active Time)

Pull out the bottom rack and clear the drain area (5–10 minutes). Remove visible debris with gloved hands. This simple step often improves draining and reduces cloudy film.
Remove and wash the dishwasher filter (10 minutes). Most modern machines have a twist-out, mesh-style filter at the bottom center. Soak it in hot, soapy water, then use a soft toothbrush to loosen trapped particles. Rinse thoroughly.
Clean the spray arms (5–10 minutes). Lift them out if your model allows. Rinse and use a toothpick or soft brush to open any clogged holes so water can spray freely.
Run the vinegar cycle (hands-off). Place a dishwasher-safe cup with about two cups of white vinegar on the top rack. Run a normal hot cycle with no detergent and no dishes. This helps dissolve light scale, cuts grease, and helps remove odors.
Wipe the gasket and door edges (5 minutes). While the machine runs or right after, clean the rubber door seal, hinge area, and control panel with a mild cleaner and microfiber cloth.
Run the baking soda cycle (hands-off). When the vinegar cycle is finished, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the empty tub. Run a short, hot cycle without detergent. Baking soda freshens and brightens. Use vinegar and baking soda in separate cycles so each does its job.
Reinstall parts and do a quick test. Reseat the filter and spray arms, slide the rack back, and run a rinse. You should notice cleaner interiors and better results on your very next load.

Troubleshooting Odors, Streaks, and Mineral Buildup

If smells persist after both cycles, inspect the drain hose (behind the unit or under the sink) for kinks or partial clogs that can trap water.

For stainless exteriors, finish with a streak-resistant cleaner to keep fingerprints at bay. If you see chalky residue, try a monthly pass with a cleaner tablet or citric acid to dissolve mineral deposits typical of hard water.

Your Simple Dishwasher Cleaning Routine

Weekly: wipe the gasket and door lip with a damp cloth; check the bottom for visible bits.

Monthly: run the vinegar cycle followed by the baking soda cycle.

Every 3–6 months: remove and soak the dishwasher filter; clear spray-arm holes.

Always: scrape large food scraps (no need to pre-wash), avoid over-crowding, and choose a detergent that suits your water hardness.

Smart Tips That Make a Difference

Use the hottest appropriate setting for cleaning cycles. Place tall items so they don’t block spray-arm rotation.

Alternate the position of heavily soiled dishes so water paths stay open.

If your machine offers a sanitize or extra-hot option, use it during the vinegar cycle for an even deeper refresh.

Keep a small caddy with sponge, cloth, and toothbrush under the sink so the quick weekly wipe actually happens.

Alternatives to Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you prefer a store-bought option, a dishwasher cleaner tablet used monthly can simplify maintenance.

In areas with very hard water, a citric acid cycle every month or two helps prevent hard water stains before they show up on your glassware.

Follow package directions and avoid combining these products with vinegar in the same cycle.

Keep It Clean with Confidence

You now know how to clean a dishwasher without complicated steps or specialty tools.

The biggest wins are clearing the drain area, caring for the dishwasher filter, and scheduling two quick, separate cycles for vinegar and baking soda.

That combination keeps odors away, boosts spray power, and protects the machine so it keeps doing what it does best—delivering spotless dishes.

Calendar It and Enjoy the Sparkle

Set a recurring reminder for next month for a five-minute gasket wipe and a vinegar cycle.

Build the habit and your dishwasher cleaning routine becomes effortless: fewer odors, fewer streaks, and consistently brighter results load after load.

The Catchy Finish: Shine Today, Save Tomorrow

A little monthly maintenance is the easiest insurance for crystal-clear glasses, fresh-smelling interiors, and a dishwasher that lasts.

Make this simple routine part of your home rhythm and enjoy the payoff every single day.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Source: One Good Thing by Jillee

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