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How to Clean a Dishwasher: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

AZparts Team

Updated on July 18, 2025

9 min read

If you've ever wondered how to clean a dishwasher the right way, you're not alone. Food debris, grease, and soap scum can quietly build up and affect your dishwasher’s performance. A proper deep clean can eliminate odors, improve efficiency, and help your appliance last longer. AZParts will guide you through each step with the right tools and expert-approved cleaning solutions to make the job easier and more effective.

1. Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Matters

Even though your dishwasher’s duty is to clean, that doesn’t mean it stays clean itself. Over time, detergent residue, food particles, grease, and grime can build up inside. Especially in hidden areas like the dishwasher filter, dishwasher spray arms, and dishwasher door gasket. This buildup can cause unpleasant odors, reduce cleaning performance, and leave your dishes looking dull.

If neglected, it may even lead to mold growth and expensive repairs. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues, keeping your dishwasher hygienic, running efficiently, and producing spotless results every time.

Wiping down the dishwasher interior with a sponge for a deep clean (Source: AZParts)

2. How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

The frequency of cleaning your dishwasher depends on how often you use it. If you run a load daily, a simple routine can help keep it fresh and running efficiently. Here’s a practical cleaning schedule to follow:

Daily or After Every Load: Check and remove any visible food debris from the bottom of the dishwasher and around the filter area. This prevents clogging and keeps odors away.
Weekly: Wipe down the door edges, door gasket, and detergent dispenser to remove grime or buildup. Take out the filter and rinse it under warm water to keep drainage smooth.
Monthly: Run a deep cleaning cycle using vinegar, baking soda, or a dishwasher cleaner to remove grease, limescale, and lingering smells.
As Needed: Clean the exterior and handle, and wipe away any stains or spots on the interior walls and racks.

3. What You’ll Need to Clean Your Dishwasher

To keep your dishwasher spotless and running smoothly, gather these reliable and gentle cleaning supplies:

White vinegar: Naturally breaks down grease and dissolves mineral deposits without harsh chemicals.
Baking soda: Helps eliminate odors and gently lifts stains for a fresh interior.
Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush: Excellent for scrubbing hard-to-reach spots like filters and door seals.
Microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge: Safe for wiping surfaces without causing scratches.
Optional tool: A toothpick or thin pick to clear out clogged spray holes or stubborn debris.

Essential Supplies to Clean Your Dishwasher Effectively (Source: AZParts)

For those wanting an eco-conscious approach, consider using biodegradable cleaning pads and natural cleaning agents that are both effective and environmentally friendly.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or bleach on stainless steel or rubber parts, as they can damage surfaces and shorten the life of your dishwasher.

4. How to Clean a Dishwasher: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher

Before starting any cleaning, remove all dishes, utensils, and racks if they are removable. Clearing the interior gives you full access to clean every part thoroughly and prevents any obstruction during cleaning.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

The dishwasher filter traps food particles and debris, so it needs regular cleaning to prevent clogs and odors. Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, usually beneath the lower spray arm. Twist or unlock it carefully, then remove it. Rinse the filter under warm running water, and use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any stuck-on food, grease, or residue. After cleaning, reinstall the filter securely to avoid drainage problems.

Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms distribute water during the wash cycle, but their holes can become clogged with mineral deposits or food particles. Remove the spray arms if your dishwasher model allows. Inspect each hole, and use a toothpick, small brush, or thin wire to clear any blockages. Rinse the spray arms thoroughly under running water before reattaching them to the dishwasher.

Cleaning Dishwasher Spray Arm with Detail Brush (Source: AZParts)

Step 4: Wipe the Door & Gasket

The door edges and rubber gasket often collect grime, soap scum, and mold. Using a microfiber cloth or soft sponge dampened with warm, soapy water, wipe the inside edges of the door and the rubber seal carefully. For stubborn dirt in crevices, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub without damaging the gasket. Regular cleaning here helps prevent leaks and unpleasant odors.

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Wash (Deodorize)

White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and degreaser. Place a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a full cycle using the hottest water setting but without detergent. The vinegar will help dissolve grease, limescale, and mineral buildup, freshening the interior and removing odors.

Step 6: Run a Baking Soda Rinse (Freshen)

After the vinegar wash completes, sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, hot water cycle. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer that brightens the interior and helps eliminate any remaining odors or stains.

Optional: Use Dishwasher Cleaner Tablet

Placing a Cleaner Tablet in the Dishwasher (Source: AZParts)

For a deep, thorough clean, consider using a commercial dishwasher cleaner tablet. These tablets are formulated to break down tough grease, limescale, and buildup in hard-to-reach areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use; most tablets can be run on an empty dishwasher with a hot cycle. This step is especially helpful if your dishwasher hasn’t been cleaned for several months or if you notice persistent odors or poor washing performance.

5. How to Sanitize a Dishwasher

Sanitizing your dishwasher goes a step beyond regular cleaning. It helps eliminate bacteria, mold, and lingering odors. Especially after washing heavily soiled dishes or during periods of high use. Here are two effective methods:

Option 1: With Vinegar

White vinegar is a safe and natural way to sanitize your dishwasher.

Steps:

Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty.
Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack.
Run a hot water cycle without detergent.
Let the interior air dry with the door slightly open after the cycle.

Vinegar not only kills many common germs but also removes soap residue and mineral deposits without harming your appliance.

Option 2: With Bleach (Plastic Interiors Only)

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but it should only be used in dishwashers with plastic interiors . Never use bleach in stainless steel tubs , as it can cause corrosion.

Bleach Cleaning Method for Plastic Dishwashers (Source: AZParts)

Steps:

Ensure the dishwasher is empty and that your machine has a plastic interior.
Pour 1 cup of bleach into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack .
Run a full hot water cycle without detergent.
Do not combine bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.

Bleach is highly effective at eliminating mold, mildew, and tough bacteria, but use it sparingly and with proper ventilation.

6. Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean Longer

A few smart habits can help prevent grime, odors, and buildup from taking over your dishwasher. Here’s how to keep your machine clean and performing at its best with less effort over time:

Essential Dishwasher Maintenance Tips You Can Do Weekly (Source: AZParts)

Scrape off large food pieces before loading: This helps prevent filter clogs and keeps spray arms from getting blocked.
Avoid washing items not labeled dishwasher-safe: Materials like wood, cast iron, or delicate china can warp, rust, or break down, which damages your dishes and your machine.
Load dishes properly: Follow your manufacturer’s loading instructions to allow proper water flow and detergent distribution.
Run your sink's garbage disposal first (if connected): This clears shared drain lines, reducing the chance of backflow or slow drainage.
Use a cleaner or descaler monthly: A maintenance product like a dishwasher cleaning tablet can help prevent limescale, grease, and odor buildup.
Keep the door ajar after each cycle. Allowing air to circulate prevents moisture from lingering inside, which helps stop mold and mildew growth.
Wipe down interior surfaces weekly: A quick wipe of the door edges, seal, and controls can go a long way in keeping grime from building up.
Check and rinse the filter regularly: Don’t wait until it smells; a quick rinse once a week keeps everything running smoothly.

Periodically inspect components like the dishwasher corner gasket, dishwasher rack wheels, and dishwasher arm mounts. Replacing worn parts and components can drastically improve longevity and performance.

Consistent maintenance takes only minutes but makes a huge difference in performance, cleanliness, and appliance lifespan. Your dishwasher will thank you with cleaner dishes and fewer surprises.

7. FAQs

7.1 Can I clean my dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda at the same time?

It’s best not to use them together in the same cycle. When mixed directly, vinegar and baking soda neutralize each other, reducing their individual cleaning power. For the best results, run a vinegar cycle first to break down grease and odors, then follow with a separate baking soda rinse to freshen and brighten the interior.

7.2 Can I use bleach in a stainless steel dishwasher?

No. You should never use bleach in a dishwasher with a stainless steel interior or stainless steel parts. Bleach can cause corrosion and permanent damage. If you need to sanitize a stainless steel dishwasher, use white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner tablet that’s safe for metal finishes.

7.3 How often should I run a deep clean cycle?

A deep clean should be done once a month to maintain optimal performance. If you use your dishwasher frequently or notice odors, cloudy dishes, or food buildup, consider cleaning it more often. Regular maintenance helps prevent bigger issues down the line and keeps your machine running efficiently.

Understanding how to clean a dishwasher is key to keeping it running efficiently, smelling fresh, and producing spotless dishes. With just simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and gentle brushes, you can maintain it easily and affordably at home. If you're in need of replacement parts, AZParts is a trusted source for high-quality, dishwasher-safe components. Regular maintenance and timely part replacements help prolong your appliance’s life and ensure consistently excellent performance.

Contact Information:

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support@azparts.com

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