How to Clean Dishwasher with Baking Soda

Why Use Baking Soda to Clean Your Dishwasher?

Baking soda is one of the most effective natural dishwasher cleaners available. It deodorizes by neutralizing acidic odor compounds from food residue, gently scrubs away grease and staining from the interior walls and door, and leaves the dishwasher smelling fresh without any chemical residue. It's safe for all dishwasher components including the rubber door seal, spray arms, and stainless steel interior — and it costs almost nothing.

What Baking Soda Cleans in a Dishwasher

• Food odors and musty smells
• Light grease and food residue on interior walls
• Staining on the door interior and tub floor
• Residue in the detergent dispenser

For mineral deposits, limescale, and hard water staining, combine baking soda with white vinegar or use a dedicated descaler like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner tablets — baking soda alone doesn't dissolve mineral buildup.

What You'll Need

• Baking soda (1 cup)
• White vinegar (optional, for a combined clean)
• Soft sponge or cloth
• Old toothbrush

Keep a large supply of baking soda in your kitchen for regular dishwasher maintenance. Pair it with white vinegar for a more complete clean that addresses both odors and mineral deposits.

Method 1: Baking Soda Wash Cycle (Easiest)

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher

Remove all dishes, racks, and utensil holders. The dishwasher must be completely empty for a cleaning cycle.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Floor

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Focus on any areas with visible staining or residue.

Step 3: Run a Short Hot Cycle

Run the dishwasher on the shortest hot water cycle available. The baking soda will dissolve and circulate through the machine, deodorizing and gently cleaning the interior surfaces, spray arms, and drain area.

Step 4: Open and Inspect

After the cycle completes, open the dishwasher and inspect the interior. It should smell fresh and look noticeably cleaner. Wipe any remaining residue from the door interior and gasket with a damp cloth.

Method 2: Baking Soda + Vinegar Two-Step (Most Effective)

For a more thorough clean that addresses both odors and mineral deposits:

Step 1: Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a full hot cycle. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills bacteria.

Step 2: After the vinegar cycle completes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot cycle. The baking soda deodorizes and brightens the interior.

Note: Do not mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle — they neutralize each other and reduce the effectiveness of both. Run them as two separate cycles.

Method 3: Baking Soda Paste for Manual Scrubbing

For stubborn staining on the door interior, around the gasket, or on the tub walls:

Step 1: Mix baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste.

Step 2: Apply to stained areas and let sit for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub with a soft sponge or old toothbrush. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda lifts staining without scratching stainless steel or plastic surfaces.

Step 4: Wipe away with a damp cloth and run a rinse cycle.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda?

• Monthly baking soda wash cycle for regular maintenance.
• Baking soda + vinegar two-step every 3 months for a deeper clean.
• Baking soda paste spot treatment whenever you notice staining or odors.

Final Thoughts

Baking soda is one of the simplest and most effective tools for dishwasher maintenance. A monthly wash cycle keeps odors at bay and the interior looking clean. Combine it with a vinegar pre-treatment for a complete natural clean that rivals commercial dishwasher cleaners.