How to clean a dishwasher with vinegar, baking soda, and other methods.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

Clean your dishwasher at least once a month, and clean your filter as often as possible. In fact, put that on your regular house cleaning schedule. Think of it this way: a dirty dishwasher will only result in dirty (and smelly) dishes. Plus, cleaning it will help you notice and identify potential dishwasher issues and repairs.

Although once-a-month cleanings are good, you should also clean your dishwasher if you notice any of these signs:

• You see food particles in your dishwasher.
• Your dishes aren’t as clean as they used to be after a cycle.
• You notice a foul odor coming from your dishwasher. 

What you can use to clean your dishwasher.

• Dishwasher cleaning tablet
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Non-abrasive sponge
• Dish soap
• Soft bristle brush or toothbrush
• Soft cloth
• Gloves

How to clean and deodorize your dishwasher.

So, how do you clean a dishwasher? Keep reading to see our cleaning tips. For these tips, we’ll be using all-natural substances (like vinegar). But, of course, you can always use a dishwasher cleaning tablet instead. Just follow the instructions on the packaging.

Step 1: Read your owner’s manual.

Dishwashers are similar, but not all are exactly the same. For safety purposes, read your manual and familiarize yourself with the parts in your dishwasher. Some may or may not be removable. And some may have specific methods needed to easily remove them. 

Step 2. Unload the dishwasher and remove visible debris.

Once you’re familiar with your specific dishwasher, unload any clean dishes, silverware and any other items. Also, remove any food debris that is visible in the dishwasher. Look around your empty dishwasher carefully for bits of food and any crumbs.

Finally, remove the bottom rack in your dishwasher so you can access the filter or strainer.

Step 3: Clean your dishwasher filter.

Your dishwasher filter is the cylinder-shaped plastic part in the bottom of the dishwasher (consult your manual if you can’t find it). Its job is to filter out any food and debris from the water so that it can drain properly. If the filter is clogged with food particles, it can clog your drain and dirty up your clean dishes. Old food that remains in your dishwasher can also spoil, causing foul odors to accumulate.

Having a clean filter is important if you want spotless, clean dishes. Here’s how to clean your dishwasher filter:

1. With the bottom rack removed, you’ll have access to the filter. Twist and remove the filter carefully from its cavity in the dishwasher. 
2. Remove any food, paper labels and any small bits from the strainer by hand and discard.
3. Use your soft brush (or sponge) and dish soap to clean the dishwasher filter. Don’t use a scouring pad or a wire brush; both of these could damage your filter.
4. Run the filter under warm water to thoroughly rinse it.
5. Set the cleaned filter aside and get ready for the next step.

Note: Your dishwasher may have a self-cleaning filter, especially if it’s 10 years old or older. If so, consult your owner’s manual.

Related: Dishwasher won't drain? Here's how to unclog and clean it.

Step 4: Clean the cavity and replace the filter.

With the filter temporarily removed, you will be able to clean out the cavity. But before following these steps, consult your manual for any specific instructions on cleaning the filter cavity: 

• Use a sponge or absorbent paper towel to remove any visible debris. 
• Remove any slimy mildew and grease with a sponge, paper towel, white vinegar or a small amount of dish soap. 
• Secure the filter back into its cavity.

Step 5: Wipe the inside of the dishwasher.

Wipe the inner part of the dishwasher. Search one more time for any food and debris, and remove everything. 

Step 6: Clean your dishwasher with vinegar.

Most of the manual hard work is done. Now, it’s time for your dishwasher to take care of the next couple of steps during the vinegar rinse. White vinegar can help dissolve mineral deposits, dirt, grease and grime. It also helps eliminate foul odors. 

Here’s how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar:

• Return the bottom dish rack to its spot, and make sure the filter is back into its cavity.
• Pour 1-2 cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl. 
• Place the cup or bowl in the top rack of your dishwasher. Do not use detergent.
• Run a complete cycle. The vinegar will circulate in the dishwasher to eliminate dirt and smells.

Step 7: Clean your dishwasher with baking soda.

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive. It helps eliminate any remaining grime, grease and mildew. Baking soda also assists in removing any odors from the dishwasher.

Here’s how to use baking soda to clean your dishwasher:

• After the vinegar cycle ends, remove the cup of vinegar.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot water cycle.

Step 8: Clean the door seal and gasket.

With the inside clean, it’s time to work our way out. Next up: the rubber door seal and gasket. This is also a place where food, debris and paper labels can become trapped. If food or debris are trapped here, mold and mildew can appear.

Make a mixture of ¼ cup of all-natural dish detergent and 1 cup of hot water. Using a sponge or cloth dipped in this mixture, thoroughly wipe the rubber gasket. 

Next, wipe the area with a damp cloth dipped in hot water. Dry it with a soft cloth.  

Step 9: Clean the control panel.

It may seem unimportant, but the panel can become coated with bacteria and smudges. After all, we usually touch it after we’ve touched dirty dishes. For this cleaning task, a simple solution of white vinegar and water will suffice:

• Mix ¼ cup white vinegar with 1 cup of water. For ease, I recommend placing this solution in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto the surface.
• Using a non-abrasive cloth (to avoid scratching the surface), wipe down the panel. 

Step 10: Wipe down the door and exterior.

Complete your cleaning by wiping down the exterior. If your dishwasher is stainless steel, use a non-abrasive cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe it down. You can also find products that are specifically designed to clean stainless steel appliances.

If there are smudges or dried liquid on the exterior, you could also dip your cloth in a solution of warm water and vinegar:

• Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
• Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
• Spray it on the dishwasher exterior and thoroughly wipe down the area with a soft cloth.
• Dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth.

How to keep your dishwasher clean for as long as possible.

Developing a few maintenance habits and setting a few reminders can help you keep your dishwasher clean (and smelling good) for as long as possible.

1. Scrape your dishes before loading them in the dishwasher. 

Do you treat your dishwasher as a garbage disposal and load dishes filled with dried food on them? Instead of treating it like a garbage disposal, treat it like a sanitizer. Don't leave it up to your dishwasher to remove large food pieces and debris from dishes. 

Scrape and clear (don’t rinse) your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This will help ensure that the filter stays clean and clear, preventing clogs and allowing clean water to circulate easily and drain properly. 

2. Clean your filter frequently.

Check your owner’s manual to see how often you should clean your filters. But it doesn’t hurt to inspect your filter weekly (or bi-weekly) and clear it of any visible debris. 

3. Leave your dishwasher door open after a cycle.

When the dishwasher cycle ends and you’ve unloaded the dishes, leave the dishwasher door open. This will allow air to circulate and the dishwasher to dry out completely. A dry dishwasher prevents mold and mildew from accumulating.

4. Regularly check your dishwasher's temperature settings.

You’ll need to consult your manual for this step. Typically, you should set your dishwasher’s water temperature to 120°–150°F. If the water is too cool, it won’t break down the detergent and clean the dishes. 

5. Load your dishwasher the right way.

There’s an art to loading your dishwasher. When placing the dishes onto the racks, make sure you don’t block the spray arms. They should be able to rotate easily. And don’t stack your dishes on top of each other. Angle them so the water can drain properly. 

Hire a pro on Thumbtack to maintain your kitchen appliances.

In some cases, you’ll need a professional to help you maintain, clean and repair your appliances — including your dishwasher. You can find local house cleaning services on Thumbtack. When contacting house cleaners, explain what type of cleaning services you need and ask if they can also clean your dishwasher.

And if you notice your dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes all the way, it may be time for a professional’s opinion. Use Thumbtack to find dishwasher repair services near you. They can inspect your dishwasher, fix it or help you decide if it’s time to replace your appliance.