How to Clean a Dishwasher (Step-by-Step Guide for a Fresh, Odor-Free Machine)

A dishwasher cleans dirty dishes every day, but over time, it can become dirty itself. Food particles, grease, soap residue, and hard water minerals slowly build up inside. This can cause bad smells, cloudy dishes, and poor cleaning results.

Regular dishwasher cleaning helps it work efficiently, last longer, and keep your dishes truly clean. The good news is that you don’t need special skills or expensive products. With a few simple steps and common household items, you can clean your dishwasher at home.

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Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Is Important

Many people assume that a dishwasher cleans itself. In reality, it doesn’t. While hot water and detergent remove food from dishes, much of that debris stays inside the machine.

Over time, this buildup can lead to unpleasant odors, greasy residue on dishes, clogged filters, and reduced cleaning performance.

Regular cleaning removes trapped food, dissolves grease, and prevents mold and bacteria from growing inside the dishwasher.

Prevents bad smells

Improves cleaning results

Helps the dishwasher last longer

How Often Should You Clean a Dishwasher?

How often you clean your dishwasher depends on how frequently you use it and what you wash. For most households, a simple routine works well.

You should clean your dishwasher sooner if you notice bad smells, standing water,

or dishes coming out dirty.

Things You’ll Need to Clean a Dishwasher at Home

Before you start, gather a few basic items. Most of these are already available in a typical kitchen.

White vinegar

Baking soda

Dish soap

Soft brush or old toothbrush

Microfiber cloth or sponge

Toothpick or wooden skewer

Optional items include citric acid for hard water buildup or a manufacturer-approved dishwasher cleaner.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter (Most Important Step)

The filter is the most critical part to clean. It traps food particles and prevents them from clogging the drain. When the filter is dirty, odors and poor cleaning are common.

Turn off the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack.

Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Twist and remove the filter gently.

Rinse it under warm running water.

Use a soft brush and dish soap to remove grease and debris.

Rinse well and reinstall the filter securely.

Never run the dishwasher without the filter installed, and avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can damage it.

How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective and affordable ways to clean a dishwasher. It removes grease, mineral deposits, and light mold.

Empty the dishwasher completely.

Place one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl.

Set the bowl on the top rack.

Run a hot water cycle without detergent.

Let the cycle complete fully.

Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other chemical cleaners, as this can be dangerous.

How to Clean a Dishwasher With Baking Soda

Baking soda is best for deodorizing and removing mild stains. It works well after a vinegar cleaning cycle.

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.

Run a short hot water cycle.

Allow the cycle to finish completely.

This method helps neutralize odors and leaves the dishwasher smelling fresh.

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How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar and Baking Soda (Safely)

Vinegar and baking soda should not be mixed together at the same time. They work best when used separately in sequence.

Run a hot cycle using vinegar first.

After the cycle ends, sprinkle baking soda inside.

Run a short hot cycle with baking soda.

Using them in this order provides a deeper clean without harsh chemicals.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain and Spray Arms

If your dishwasher drains slowly or leaves food on dishes, the drain or spray arms may be clogged.

Cleaning the drain

Remove the bottom rack and filter.

Check for food debris near the drain.

Remove visible blockages by hand.

Wipe the area with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the spray arms

Remove the spray arms if detachable.

Rinse them under warm water.

Clear blocked holes using a toothpick.

Reinstall the spray arms securely.

How to Clean a Dishwasher That Smells Bad

Bad odors usually come from trapped food, grease, or standing water. Finding the source is essential for proper cleaning.

Dirty filter

Food stuck in the drain

Grease buildup on door seals

Standing water at the bottom

Cleaning these areas and running a vinegar and baking soda cycle usually removes most dishwasher odors.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Naturally (Without Harsh Chemicals)

Natural cleaning methods are effective for regular maintenance and are safe for most dishwashers.

Vinegar for grease and mineral deposits

Baking soda for deodorizing

Citric acid for hard water buildup

Natural methods are ideal for monthly cleaning, but heavy buildup may require a manufacturer-approved cleaner.

Common Dishwasher Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing vinegar and bleach

Using too much cleaner

Ignoring the dishwasher filter

Using abrasive scrubbing tools

Skipping regular maintenance

Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines when in doubt.

Conclusion

Cleaning your dishwasher regularly is simple but important. By maintaining the filter, running monthly vinegar and baking soda cycles, and checking the drain and spray arms, you can prevent odors and improve performance.

A clean dishwasher works better, lasts longer, and keeps your dishes truly clean. With these practical steps, you can maintain your dishwasher easily at home.