It can be easy to overlook or put off cleaning major kitchen appliances, and that’s especially true of the dishwasher — after all, we use it to clean things, so we don’t think of it as getting dirty. But a dishwasher does need regular cleaning and maintenance to operate properly, and to prevent foul odors from developing. To break the cleaning process down, we consulted experts who explained how to clean a dishwasher.
How often should you clean your dishwasher
Before we dive into the cleaning process, it’s important to know how often you should clean your dishwasher.
Lindsay Jones, a communications brand manager at Maytag, recommends regular cleanings to keep the machine running at peak performance. “Ideally you should be cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month,” Jones says, “but some may have to clean it sooner depending on how often they use the appliance. I recommend setting a reminder to make it part of your once-a-month cleaning routine.”
Jillian Franke, a senior scientist at Cascade, echoed the monthly cleaning recommendation, adding that households with very hard water, “may need to use dishwasher cleaner more frequently to prevent unwanted build-up and keep it sparkling.”
Steps to cleaning your dishwasher
Does your dishwasher smell off? That could indicate a problem with a dirty filter, a clogged drain, trapped food particles or mold and mildew growth in the gasket seals, all of which you can address with Jones’ and Franke’s step-by-step cleaning instructions below. That said, always consult the user’s manual before you clean appliances, as taking out parts could cause permanent damage.
Step 1: Prep the dishwasher for deep cleaning
Empty the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. If the dishwasher has a filter, remove it and clean out anything trapped inside; check the bottom of the unit and remove any visible food. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap to wipe down the seals and the spray arm.
If the spray arms need deeper cleaning, use a toothpick to dislodge debris from the holes in the spinner arm. Spray arms can also be removed from the unit to facilitate deeper cleaning; consult the user’s manual for instructions.
Step 2: Add dishwasher cleaner
Dishwasher cleaning tablets can be used in an empty or full dishwasher. To clean the machine with a load of dishes, place the tablet in the bottom of the unit; to clean it while empty, place the tablet in the detergent dispenser. If the dishwasher has significant buildup, put one tablet in the detergent dispenser and a second in the bottom of the unit and run a cycle without dishes.
A cup of white vinegar placed in the top rack of an empty dishwasher can be used in place of dishwasher cleaning tablets.
Step 3: Run a normal wash cycle
Dishwasher cleaning tablets are designed to clean parts of the machine that you cannot see or reach, including the tub, racks, pump and valve system and drain and recirculation hoses.
Supplies you need to clean your dishwasher
Although cleaning a dishwasher is a simple process, it’ll be easier if you have a few common kitchen supplies on hand. The five products below will also come in handy when it comes to cleaning cookware, your oven and other appliances.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the gasket and spray arm clean. These rags have consistently high reviews on Amazon, with consumers praising their absorbency.
With Dawn's ultra-concentrated dish soap, you'll only need a small amount to remove stubborn buildup on the gasket or spray arm.
Use a toothpick to dislodge debris from the holes in the spray arm. This pack comes with more than enough, plus a handy storage container.
Run a normal cycle using a dishwasher cleaning tablet like this top-rated one from Cascade.
As an alternative to commercial dishwashing tablets, place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher prior to running a normal cycle. Heinz's cleaning vinegar is especially potent thanks to its 6% acidity.