How Often to Clean Dishwasher

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Most people never clean their dishwasher — and then wonder why their dishes come out with spots, grit, or odors. A dishwasher cleans your dishes but cannot clean itself. Grease, food debris, mineral deposits, and bacteria build up inside the machine over time and reduce its performance. Here is a complete cleaning schedule to keep your dishwasher running at its best.

Dishwasher Cleaning Schedule

After Every Cycle

• Leave the door open slightly after the cycle ends to allow steam to escape and the interior to air dry — this prevents moisture buildup that encourages mold and odor
• Wipe down the door seal if you notice any food debris or moisture collecting there

Weekly

• Wipe down the door seal and edges with a damp cloth — food debris and mold collect in the folds of the rubber gasket
• Check the spray arm nozzles for blockages and clear any clogged holes with a toothpick
• Wipe down the interior door panel and control area

Every Two to Four Weeks

• Clean the filter: This is the most important regular maintenance task. Remove the filter from the bottom of the tub, rinse under warm running water, and scrub with a soft brush to remove food debris and grease. A clogged filter is the most common cause of poor dishwasher performance.

Monthly

• Run a cleaning cycle: Place a dishwasher cleaner tablet in the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run the hottest cycle available. Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are designed to power away grease, limescale, and odor-causing bacteria from inside the pump, tub, and hoses — areas that regular detergent never reaches.
• Check and refill the rinse aid dispenser if needed
• Check the salt compartment indicator if your dishwasher has one

Every Three to Six Months

• Remove the spray arms and rinse them thoroughly under warm water, clearing all nozzle holes
• Inspect the door seal for cracks, tears, or mold that cannot be cleaned away — replace if damaged
• Check the drain area for debris and clear any blockage

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning Now

• Unpleasant odor when you open the door
• Dishes coming out with grit or residue
• Visible grease or film on the interior walls
• White or gray mineral buildup on the spray arms
• Reduced cleaning performance despite correct loading and detergent

DIY Monthly Cleaning Alternative

If you prefer a natural approach, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of an empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle. Follow with a sprinkle of baking soda on the floor of the tub and run a short hot cycle. This removes odors and some mineral buildup, though it is less effective than a dedicated cleaner tablet for heavy grease and limescale.

Final Cleaning Schedule Summary

• After every cycle: Leave door open to air dry
• Weekly: Wipe door seal, check spray arms
• Every 2–4 weeks: Clean the filter
• Monthly: Run a cleaning cycle with a cleaner tablet, check rinse aid and salt
• Every 3–6 months: Deep clean spray arms, inspect door seal and drain