How to Clean Your Dishwasher

It seems counterintuitive—a machine designed to clean things should stay clean itself. But your dishwasher is basically a sealed box that gets blasted with food debris, grease, and minerals every day. Over time, that stuff accumulates in the filter, spray arms, and door seals. A dirty dishwasher can leave spots on dishes, smell bad, and eventually stop cleaning effectively.

Why This Matters

A neglected dishwasher develops problems:

• Food particles accumulate – In the filter and sump area
• Grease builds up – On walls, door, and spray arms
• Mineral deposits form – Especially in hard water areas
• Mold and mildew grow – In damp, dark corners
• Spray arm holes clog – Reduces cleaning effectiveness
• Door seals collect gunk – Can cause leaks and odors

The result: dishes that don’t get clean, funky smells, and eventually a machine that fails prematurely.

What You’re Cleaning

The Filter

Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. This catches food particles and prevents them from recirculating. It needs regular cleaning or it clogs, smells, and stops working.

Spray Arms

These spinning arms have holes that spray water throughout the tub. Food particles and minerals can clog these holes, reducing water pressure and coverage.

Door Edges and Seals

The area where the door meets the tub doesn’t get washed during cycles. Food residue and mold can accumulate there, causing odors and seal degradation.

The Tub Interior

Grease and minerals can build up on the walls, especially near the top where water doesn’t reach as effectively.

Step-by-Step Cleaning

Step 1: Clean the Filter

This is the most important part:

1. Remove the bottom dish rack
2. Locate the filter at the bottom of the tub (usually a cylindrical piece in the center or back)
3. Twist to unlock (usually counterclockwise) and lift out
4. Separate the coarse filter from the fine filter if possible
5. Rinse thoroughly under running water
6. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove stuck-on debris
7. Check the sump area underneath for large debris
8. Reinstall the filter

Do this monthly, or more often if you don’t pre-rinse dishes.

Step 2: Clean Spray Arms

1. Check the holes in both upper and lower spray arms
2. Use a toothpick or small wire to clear any clogged holes
3. If arms are removable, take them out and rinse
4. Check that arms spin freely

Step 3: Wipe Door and Seals

1. Open the door and locate the rubber seal around the tub opening
2. Wipe the seal with a damp cloth or sponge
3. Clean the area where the door meets the tub when closed
4. Check under the bottom of the door—debris collects there
5. Wipe the door edges that stay dry during cycles

Step 4: Vinegar Wash

This dissolves mineral deposits and cuts grease:

1. Place a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl on the top rack
2. Fill with 1-2 cups of white vinegar
3. Run a normal cycle on the hottest setting
4. The vinegar dispenses during the wash, cleaning the interior

Don’t use other cleaners—vinegar is safe and effective.

Step 5: Baking Soda Scrub

For stubborn odors:

1. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub
2. Run a short, hot cycle
3. The baking soda deodorizes and gently scrubs

Maintenance Tips

• Scrape, don’t rinse – Modern dishwashers and detergents work better with some food residue
• Run full loads – More efficient and the machine stays cleaner
• Use the right detergent – Cheap detergent leaves more residue
• Check the filter weekly – Quick visual inspection
• Leave door ajar – Allows interior to dry between cycles

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Attention

• Dishes come out dirty or spotty
• Visible food particles after cycles
• Musty or sour smell
• Standing water at bottom after cycle
• Cloudy glassware (hard water buildup)
• Noisy operation (clogged spray arms)

DIY vs. Call a Pro

DIY: Filter cleaning, spray arm clearing, vinegar/baking soda cleaning, seal wiping.

Call a pro: Drain pump issues, heating element failure, electronic problems, persistent odors after cleaning, or if the machine isn’t cleaning at all. Find an appliance repair service →

How Often to Clean

• Filter: Weekly or monthly depending on use
• Door/seals: Monthly
• Vinegar wash: Every 1-2 months
• Deep clean: Every 3-6 months

The Bottom Line

Your dishwasher works hard. Give it thirty minutes of attention every month or two, and it’ll keep your dishes clean for years. Ignore it, and you’ll be replacing it sooner than you should have to.