Your dishwasher is a workhorse, quietly cleaning your dishes day in and day out. But did you know that it also needs regular maintenance to stay in top shape? Over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, and even mold can build up inside your dishwasher, leading to unpleasant odors, reduced performance, and even clogs. This guide will walk you through how to clean a dishwasher and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher is Important
Many people assume that dishwashers clean themselves while they wash dishes. However, grease, food residue, and limescale can accumulate in the filter, spray arms, and seals. Regular cleaning improves the performance of your dishwasher and ensures your dishes come out spotless after every wash.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Dishwasher
- Dishwashing detergent
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Toothpick or small brush (for cleaning spray arms)
How to Clean a Dishwasher: Step-by-Step
1. Empty the Dishwasher
Before you start cleaning, make sure your dishwasher is completely empty. Remove any dishes, utensils, or other items. This will allow you to access all parts of the dishwasher that need cleaning.
2. Clean the Dishwasher Filter
The filter is one of the most important parts of your dishwasher to clean. It traps food particles and prevents them from clogging the drainage system. If the filter gets too dirty, your dishwasher may not clean your dishes properly.
- Step 1: Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher. Most filters can be easily removed by twisting and lifting them out.
- Step 2: Rinse the filter under warm water to remove any food debris. If there’s stubborn grime, use a soft toothbrush and dish soap to scrub it clean.
- Step 3: Once clean, replace the filter back into the dishwasher.
3. Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms are responsible for distributing water throughout the dishwasher. Over time, they can get clogged with food particles and limescale, reducing the effectiveness of your dishwasher.
- Step 1: Remove the spray arms by unscrewing them or gently pulling them off, depending on your dishwasher model.
- Step 2: Use a toothpick or a small brush to clear any clogs in the spray holes.
- Step 3: Rinse the spray arms under warm water and reattach them to the dishwasher.
4. Wipe Down the Door Seal and Gasket
The door seal (or gasket) can accumulate grime, soap scum, and even mold over time. Cleaning it regularly prevents odors and helps the door close properly.
- Step 1: Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water.
- Step 2: Wipe down the seal, making sure to get into the crevices.
- Step 3: For stubborn mold or mildew, use a solution of water and vinegar to sanitize the area.
5. Clean the Inside of the Dishwasher with Vinegar
One of the best ways to clean the inside of your dishwasher is with white vinegar. Vinegar helps dissolve grease, limescale, and soap scum that can build up over time.
- Step 1: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle to allow the vinegar to break down any grease and residue inside the machine.
- Step 3: Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior with a soft cloth to remove any remaining grime.
6. Use Baking Soda for Extra Freshness
After cleaning with vinegar, baking soda can help deodorize and brighten the inside of your dishwasher.
- Step 1: Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Run a short, hot cycle (without dishes) to allow the baking soda to neutralize odors and remove any stains.
- Step 3: After the cycle finishes, your dishwasher should smell fresh and look sparkling clean.
How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher
If your dishwasher hasn’t been cleaned in a while or you notice significant buildup, you may need to perform a deep cleaning. Here’s how to deep clean your dishwasher:
- Step 1: Follow all the steps above, including cleaning the filter, spray arms, and door seal.
- Step 2: Add a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with two cups of vinegar to the bottom rack and run the hottest cycle.
- Step 3: After the cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle.
- Step 4: Wipe down the exterior and the door with a vinegar solution to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
Keeping your dishwasher clean is essential for its performance and longevity. Here are some tips for regular dishwasher maintenance:
- Clean the filter every month to prevent food buildup and odors.
- Wipe down the door seals and spray arms regularly to keep them free of debris.
- Run a hot water cycle with vinegar and baking soda every few months to keep your dishwasher fresh.
- Remove large food particles from dishes before loading them to reduce strain on the filter and spray arms.
For professional maintenance and deep cleaning of your home’s appliances and overall hygiene, consider scheduling residential cleaning services from MyCleaningMate. Our experts can help keep your kitchen spotless and running smoothly.
When to Call in the Professionals
If you’re dealing with stubborn grime or if your dishwasher isn’t functioning properly after regular cleaning, it may be time to call in the professionals. Our commercial building cleaning services and public buildings cleaning services offer thorough, professional-grade cleaning for both homes and larger properties.
If your home needs a deeper clean beyond appliances, check out our move-in/move-out cleaning services or after renovation cleaning for a complete refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I clean my dishwasher?
To keep your dishwasher running efficiently, clean the filter monthly and deep clean the inside with vinegar and baking soda every 3-6 months. - Can I use vinegar in my dishwasher regularly?
Yes, vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can help remove limescale and grease buildup in your dishwasher. - Is it safe to use baking soda in the dishwasher?
Yes, baking soda is safe to use and is excellent for deodorizing and removing stains from the interior of your dishwasher.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is essential to maintaining its performance and ensuring your dishes come out sparkling clean. With simple cleaning methods using vinegar, baking soda, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come. And remember, if you ever need a professional touch, MyCleaningMate offers a range of cleaning services—from residential cleaning to public buildings cleaning—to help you keep your home in top shape.
References
- Whirlpool: How to Clean a Dishwasher https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher.html
- Home Depot: How to Clean a Dishwasher https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90933193f6
- Good Housekeeping: Dishwasher Cleaning Tips https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2877/dishwasher-tricks/
- Architectural Digest: How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-with-vinegar
- The Spruce: How to Clean the Dishwasher https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-the-dishwasher-1900465
- Martha Stewart: How to Clean a Dishwasher https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-clean-dishwasher-with-vinegar-8602651
- Sharp USA: How to Clean a Dishwasher https://simplybetterliving.sharpusa.com/simply-better-you/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher/
