How to Clean a Dishwasher: Step-by-Step Guide

As you use your dishwasher, bits of food and soap scum will accumulate over time. This can allow germs and bacteria to grow, leading to odors, poor drainage, and mold. A clean dishwasher guarantees optimal performance and the cleanest dishes.

Thankfully, with the right methods, you can deep clean your dishwasher and keep it running efficiently. Below, we’ll show you exactly how to clean a dishwasher — from filter to spray arm to the smelly bits you wish didn’t exist.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher | Roto-Rooter

Step 1 – Clear the Drain in a Dishwasher

Food particles and grease can settle at the bottom of your dishwasher, causing slow drainage or foul odors. If the water isn’t draining properly or smells persist, you may be dealing with a partial blockage. Always be on the lookout for the signs of a clogged dishwasher. 

Start your cleaning process by removing the bottom rack and inspecting the drain area.

1. Remove any large debris by hand.
2. Remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise, then rinse it under water to clear it. Knowing how to clean a dishwasher filter can solve a lot of common dishwasher problems!
3. Wipe the area around the drain with a damp cloth.
4. Check for signs of a clog or buildup.

Step 2 – Clean Dishwasher Spray Arm Jets

Your dishwasher has upper and lower spray arms that spin around during the wash and rinse cycles to spray out water. Sometimes, the jets get clogged with food debris or mineral buildup from hard water. This can be one of the reasons your dishwasher isn’t working.

Here’s how to clean the inside of a dishwasher spray arm jet:

1. Remove the spray arms (check your manual for specific instructions).
2. Use a toothpick or soft wire to clear clogged holes. You can also straighten a paper clip or coat hanger and use the blunt end to poke through debris in each of the holes on the upper and lower spray arms.
3. Rinse with warm, soapy water and reinstall.

Step 3 – Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher and Door Gasket

Once your dishwasher is empty, the most effective homemade dishwasher cleaner is white vinegar (5% acidity is best). Wondering how to clean a dishwasher with vinegar? Wipe down the interior walls, racks, and door gasket with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to get:

• The door seal, which can trap mold and mildew
• The detergent dispenser and rinse aid compartment
• The utensil holder and rack rails

If you really want to give your dishwasher a deep clean, pour two cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container (bowl, cup, or glass) and place it on the top rack. Run a normal washing cycle. Your dishwasher will use the vinegar to perform a deep cleaning of itself, removing stains and odors as it does so.

Step 4 – Eliminate Odors from a Dishwasher

A smelly dishwasher is often caused by trapped food particles, bacteria, or stagnant water in the filter and drain.

There’s no need to buy a special product for cleaning dishwashers. You can spread a cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle.

A combo of white vinegar and baking soda also works wonders. Vinegar breaks down grease and soap scum, while baking soda deodorizes and gently scrubs interior surfaces.

How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher

Here’s how to clean a dishwasher that smells:

1. Remove and clean the filter under running water with a soft brush.
2. Run a hot cycle with white vinegar.
3. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle the next day.
4. Leave the door ajar between uses to improve airflow.

Additional Dishwasher Cleaning Tips

You should clean your dishwasher monthly, especially the filter and door seal. If you have hard water or use it daily, increase the frequency. Keep the following DIY dishwasher cleaning tips and tricks in mind for your regularly scheduled cleaning sessions.

• Run the garbage disposal before running the dishwasher. Since the dishwasher and disposal share the same drain, if there are food particles inside the disposal, they may prevent the dishwasher from draining properly.
• To save water and energy and ensure the appliance’s longevity, only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
• Don’t clean your dishes completely before loading them into the dishwasher. A bit of grease and food on your dishes is necessary for the proper reaction with the dish soap.

DIY Dishwasher Cleaning Methods

You can use these DIY dishwasher cleaning tips for a sparkling clean appliance.

• Mold killer: If your dishwasher is moldy, pour a cup of bleach into a dishwasher-safe container and place it in the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Then, run a full cycle. WARNING: Do not do this if the interior of your dishwasher is stainless steel, and never mix bleach with vinegar or baking soda.
• Lemon juice cleaner: Pour half a cup of lemon juice into a bowl on the top rack and run a normal cycle. The citric acid helps cut through grease and leaves a fresh scent behind.
• Filter soak: Remove the filter and soak it in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub away gunk before reinstalling.
• Toothbrush scrub: Use an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar or soapy water to scrub around the door gasket, spray arms, and any visible grime along the seams.

How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher

Sometimes, surface cleaning isn’t enough. Deep cleaning includes:

• Soaking and scrubbing all removable components (racks, utensil holders, filter)
• Running a full cleaning cycle with vinegar, then baking soda
• Scrubbing stubborn buildup around seals and hinges
• Checking the spray arm for hidden gunk
• Inspecting the water inlet and drain hose for residue or clogs

If your dishwasher still isn’t working correctly after a thorough cleaning, it may be time to look into repairs. There are some simple dishwasher repairs you can do yourself, but many require the skills of an experienced plumber.

Keeping Your Dishwasher Clean and Sanitary

Regular dishwasher cleaning goes a long way in preventing odors, breakdowns, and expensive repairs, but it won’t solve everything. If smells return quickly, drainage slows, or the dishwasher simply won’t run right, it could be anything from a faulty water line to a bad heating element.

Contact Roto-Rooter for expert help with dishwasher repair, drain cleaning, or stubborn clogs that DIY just can’t fix.