How to Clean Dishwasher Inside: A Complete Deep-Clean Guide

It might seem counterintuitive, but your dishwasher — the appliance that cleans everything else — needs regular cleaning itself. Grease, food particles, mineral deposits, and soap scum build up over time, reducing cleaning performance and causing unpleasant odors. A monthly deep clean keeps your dishwasher running at its best.

What You'll Need

• Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner tablets
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloths
• Non-scratch sponge
• Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
• Spray bottle

Step 1: Clean the Filter

The filter is the most important part to clean — a clogged filter is the #1 cause of poor dishwasher performance and bad smells. Locate it at the bottom of the dishwasher (usually a cylindrical filter that twists out). Remove it, rinse under warm running water, and scrub with a soft brush and dish soap. Reinstall securely. Clean the filter monthly.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

Remove the spray arms (they usually unscrew or unclip). Hold them under running water and use a toothpick or small brush to clear any clogged holes. Rinse thoroughly and reattach.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Door and Gasket

Wipe the inside of the door, the edges, and the rubber door gasket with a damp microfiber cloth. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the gasket folds where mold and grime accumulate. For stubborn buildup, spray with white vinegar from a spray bottle and let sit 5 minutes before wiping.

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle

Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar upright on the bottom rack. Run a hot water cycle (empty dishwasher). The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, grease, and soap scum throughout the interior.

Step 5: Run a Baking Soda Cycle

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot cycle. This deodorizes and brightens the interior.

Step 6: Use a Dishwasher Cleaner Tablet (Monthly)

For a thorough monthly clean, drop an Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner tablet into the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle. These tablets are specifically formulated to power away limescale, mineral deposits, and odor-causing bacteria from the pump, tub, and hoses — areas that vinegar alone can't fully reach.

Step 7: Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the outside of the dishwasher door, control panel, and handle with a damp microfiber cloth. For stainless steel exteriors, wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.

Maintenance Tips

• Scrape food off dishes before loading — don't pre-rinse, but do remove large chunks.
• Clean the filter monthly.
• Run a vinegar or Affresh cycle monthly.
• Leave the door slightly ajar after cycles to allow the interior to dry and prevent mold.
• Use a rinse aid to prevent water spots and mineral buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

Clean the filter monthly. Run a deep-clean cycle (vinegar or Affresh tablet) monthly. Wipe the door gasket every 2-4 weeks.

Why are my dishes still dirty after the dishwasher cycle?

The most common causes are a clogged filter, blocked spray arm holes, or insufficient detergent. Clean the filter and spray arms first — this fixes the problem in most cases.

Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

Only if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior — bleach can damage stainless steel. For most dishwashers, use vinegar, baking soda, or Affresh tablets instead.

Is it safe to run vinegar in the dishwasher?

Yes — white vinegar is safe for dishwasher interiors and effectively dissolves mineral deposits and grease. Don't mix it with baking soda in the same cycle — run them separately.