How to Clean a Dishwasher

Why Your Dishwasher Needs Regular Cleaning

A dishwasher cleans your dishes — but it doesn't clean itself. Over time, grease, food particles, mineral deposits, and soap scum accumulate on the interior walls, door gasket, spray arms, and filter. This buildup reduces cleaning performance, causes unpleasant odors, and shortens the dishwasher's lifespan. A monthly cleaning routine keeps the dishwasher performing at its best and prevents the gradual decline that leads to poor cleaning results.

This guide covers the complete dishwasher cleaning routine — from the filter to the door gasket to the interior — with step-by-step instructions.

How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher

Filter: Monthly (or every 2–3 weeks for heavy use)
Door gasket: Monthly
Spray arms: Every 2–3 months
Interior cleaning cycle: Monthly
Exterior: As needed

Step 1: Clean the Filter

The filter is the most important component to clean regularly. A clogged filter is the most common cause of poor dishwasher performance and odors.

Remove the lower rack
Twist out the cylindrical upper filter counterclockwise and lift out the flat lower filter
Rinse both under warm running water
Scrub with a soft brush (old toothbrush) and dish soap
Rinse thoroughly and reinstall — twist the upper filter clockwise until it locks

Step 2: Clean the Door Gasket

The rubber gasket around the door is a prime location for mold, mildew, and food debris accumulation. It's often overlooked but has a significant impact on odors.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl
Dip a cloth or old toothbrush in the solution
Scrub the entire gasket, paying attention to the folds and crevices where debris accumulates
Wipe clean with a damp cloth
For stubborn mold, apply a small amount of baking soda paste (baking soda + water) and scrub, then rinse

Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms

Clogged spray arm holes reduce water pressure and cleaning coverage. Clean them every 2–3 months or whenever you notice reduced cleaning performance.

Remove the spray arms — most twist off counterclockwise or unclip
Hold under warm running water and use a toothpick or thin wire to clear each spray hole
For mineral buildup, soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes before clearing the holes
Rinse thoroughly and reinstall

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

White vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, grease, and soap scum from the dishwasher interior. This is the most effective DIY cleaning method for the interior.

Ensure the dishwasher is empty
Place a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup filled with 1–2 cups of white vinegar on the upper rack
Run a hot water cycle (normal or heavy cycle)
The vinegar will be released during the cycle and clean the interior walls, door, and components

Note: Don't mix vinegar with dishwasher detergent — run the vinegar cycle on an empty dishwasher without detergent.

Step 5: Run a Baking Soda Cycle (Optional)

After the vinegar cycle, a baking soda cycle deodorizes the dishwasher and brightens the interior.

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the empty dishwasher
Run a short hot cycle
The baking soda neutralizes odors and leaves the interior fresh

Step 6: Use a Dishwasher Cleaner Monthly

Commercial dishwasher cleaners (Affresh, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner) are more effective than vinegar for heavy grease and mineral buildup. Use one monthly for the best results:

Place the cleaning tablet in the bottom of the empty dishwasher (or as directed on the package)
Run a hot cycle
The cleaner dissolves grease, limescale, and odor-causing residue from all internal components

Step 7: Clean the Exterior

For stainless steel exteriors, use a stainless steel cleaner or a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching. For the control panel, use a slightly damp cloth — avoid excess moisture near electronic controls.

Complete Monthly Cleaning Checklist

Clean the filter
Wipe the door gasket
Run a vinegar or commercial cleaner cycle
Wipe down the interior door and edges
Clean the exterior

Every 2–3 months, add:

Clean the spray arms
Check and wipe the detergent dispenser
Inspect the door gasket for cracks or wear

Final Thoughts

A monthly dishwasher cleaning routine takes 15–20 minutes and prevents the gradual buildup that causes poor cleaning performance, odors, and premature component failure. The filter and door gasket are the highest-priority items — clean these monthly and your dishwasher will perform consistently for its full expected lifespan. A monthly cleaning cycle with white vinegar or a commercial cleaner handles the interior surfaces and keeps mineral deposits from accumulating on the heating element and spray arms.

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