How to Clean a Dishwasher – Deep Cleaning Guide for 2025

Is your dishwasher starting to smell funky, leave residue on your glasses, or just not clean as well as it used to? You’re not alone. Even the best dishwashers need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. The truth is, most people forget that their dishwasher—yes, the machine that cleans—needs cleaning too.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean a dishwasher properly, using simple, affordable tools like vinegar, baking soda, and a soft cloth. We’ll show you how to deep clean every essential part—from the filter and spray arms to the door seals and drain—plus how often to do it to keep your machine running like new.

And if you’re wondering about rinse aids or salt buildup, check out our full guide on using rinse aids properly to get sparkling results every time.

Let’s break down exactly what you need to do to keep your dishwasher fresh, odor-free, and performing like it’s brand new—because clean dishes start with a clean machine.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Is Essential for Long-Term Performance

It’s easy to assume your dishwasher keeps itself clean. After all, it runs hot water and detergent daily. However, over time, grease, food particles, soap scum, hard water minerals, and even mold can build up—and that buildup doesn’t just disappear.

As a result, your dishes may come out cloudy, your machine may start to smell, and performance can drop. Worse, clogged spray arms and filters can force your dishwasher to work harder, wasting energy and water while wearing out key components.

If you notice odors, that’s likely grease or mildew trapped in seals. Still see grime on plates? You’re probably dealing with a dirty filter or blocked nozzles.

Regular cleaning, however, keeps everything running efficiently. When filters and drains are clear, water circulates better. When buildup is gone, detergent and rinse aid can work more effectively—especially if you’re using the right salt and the right rinse aid for hard water.

In addition, skipping maintenance can lead to costly repairs. A clogged pump can overheat the motor and shorten the dishwasher’s life span.

If you live in a hard water area, deep cleaning becomes even more essential, as minerals can harden around internal parts and reduce heating efficiency.

Ultimately, a clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes—and fewer headaches. It takes minutes a month but protects your appliance for years.

What You’ll Need to Deep Clean a Dishwasher Naturally

Before you get started, gather a few simple supplies—most of which you probably already have at home. These basic tools will help you deep clean every part of your dishwasher without damaging delicate components.

🧰 Essential Supplies:

• White vinegar – Breaks down grease, soap scum, and hard water deposits
• Baking soda – Neutralizes odors and adds gentle scrubbing power
• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth – For wiping seals, edges, and the door interior
• Toothbrush or bottle brush – Ideal for cleaning spray arms and tight spots
• Dishwasher-safe bowl – Use this to hold vinegar during a hot rinse cycle
• Optional: commercial dishwasher cleaner – Tablets like Affresh, Finish, or Cascade Platinum can help remove tough limescale and buildup

Not sure which cleaner works best? Check out our breakdown of the best dishwasher cleaners for hard water and grease for U.S. homes.

Tip: Never mix vinegar and bleach—doing so can create toxic fumes. If you’re sanitizing with bleach, skip the vinegar step entirely.

Keeping these items on hand makes monthly cleaning quick and painless—and can save you from unexpected repair bills in the future.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher in 2025

Deep cleaning your dishwasher isn’t complicated—but it does take a bit more than just running a hot cycle. Follow these six steps to restore performance, eliminate smells, and make your dishwasher look and feel like new.

1️⃣ Clean the Dishwasher Filter and Drain Trap

The filter is your dishwasher’s first line of defense against food particles and grease. If it’s clogged, water can’t drain properly, and leftover debris may circulate back onto your dishes.

1. Locate the filter – Most dishwashers have a cylindrical filter at the bottom, usually under the lower spray arm.
2. Twist and remove – Unscrew it gently (usually counter-clockwise).
3. Rinse under warm water – Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away gunk, grease, and debris.
4. Check the drain – Shine a flashlight into the drain area and remove any bits of food, glass, or buildup.

⚠️ If you’ve never cleaned your filter before, you might be surprised by what’s hiding down there!

Bonus tip: Cleaning your filter at least once a week is one of the easiest ways to prevent bad smells and keep your machine efficient.

2️⃣ Unclog Dishwasher Spray Arms for Better Cleaning

The spray arms are responsible for blasting water all around the tub. Over time, food particles and hard water minerals can clog the tiny spray holes, reducing cleaning power.

1. Remove the spray arms – Depending on your model, they may snap or twist off easily. Refer to your manual if needed.
2. Soak in warm vinegar water – About 15–20 minutes to loosen buildup.
3. Use a toothpick or pin – Gently poke out any debris from the spray holes. Be thorough but careful not to enlarge them.
4. Rinse and dry – Shake out any loose particles and wipe clean.

If you live in a hard water region, we recommend checking out our guide on the best dishwashers for hard water for models that resist mineral buildup over time.

Pro tip: Check the upper spray arm too—many people miss it, but it’s just as important for clean cups and glasses!

3️⃣ Wipe Down Dishwasher Interior and Rubber Seals

Now that you’ve tackled the mechanical parts, it’s time to give the interior a manual wipe-down. This step targets grime that builds up around the walls, door frame, and especially the rubber gasket that seals in steam.

1. Use a damp microfiber cloth – Dipped in warm soapy water or a mix of vinegar and water (1:1).
2. Focus on the door edges – Wipe along the rubber seal, hinge crevices, and under the detergent dispenser.
3. Pay attention to the bottom corners – That’s where grease and grime love to hide.
4. Don’t forget the exterior – Give the control panel and handle a quick clean using a non-abrasive cloth.

This part of the dishwasher doesn’t get hit directly by spray arms, so residue here can lead to mold, mildew, and musty smells. A simple wipe once a week keeps these spots fresh.

Light build-up on the rubber seals? A sprinkle of baking soda on your cloth can help scrub gently without damage.

4️⃣ Run a Vinegar Cycle to Clean Dishwasher Interior

White vinegar is one of the most effective, natural cleaners for your dishwasher. It cuts through grease, dissolves mineral buildup, and deodorizes the interior—all without harsh chemicals.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Empty your dishwasher – Remove all dishes, racks, and utensil holders if possible.
2. Place a bowl of vinegar – Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and place it upright on the top rack.
3. Run a hot water cycle – Choose the hottest setting and let it run through a full wash cycle (no detergent needed).

This process cleans the spray arms, tub, and internal plumbing as the steam circulates the vinegar throughout the system.

Pro tip: Do this once a month for best results, especially if you have hard water or frequently use heavy-duty cycles.

If you’re curious how much water your dishwasher uses per cycle, check our guide on dishwasher water usage and efficiency.

5️⃣ Use Baking Soda to Deodorize Your Dishwasher

While vinegar handles most of the grime, baking soda finishes the job by neutralizing lingering odors and gently polishing the interior.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of your empty dishwasher.
2. Run a short, hot rinse cycle – No need for detergent or dishes.

The result? A clean, fresh-smelling interior and a lightly scrubbed stainless steel finish.

This step is especially useful if your dishwasher has picked up a sour or musty smell that vinegar alone couldn’t fix.

Got pets or a sensitive nose? Baking soda is your best odor-neutralizing ally.

6️⃣ How to Sanitize a Dishwasher with Bleach (If Needed)

If your dishwasher is battling mold, mildew, or someone in your household has recently been sick, sanitizing with bleach may be necessary. However, you should only use bleach in dishwashers without stainless steel interiors, as it can corrode and permanently damage the finish.

To sanitize safely, follow these steps carefully:

Firstly, pour 1 cup of bleach into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.

Secondly, run a full hot wash cycle—make sure there are no dishes or detergent inside the machine during this step.

Most importantly, never mix bleach with vinegar. Doing so can release toxic fumes. If you’re planning to use both, clean with vinegar first, run a rinse cycle, and then sanitize with bleach in a completely separate cycle.

Thirdly, always check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure whether your model is bleach-safe. When in doubt, consider a commercial dishwasher sanitizing cleaner as a gentler alternative.

⚠️ Warning: Never use bleach in combination with stainless steel or after using vinegar in the same cycle. Always do this step separately and cautiously.

If you’re unsure whether your model is bleach-safe, consult your user manual—or consider using a commercial sanitizing cleaner instead, like Affresh or Cascade Machine Cleaner.

How Often Should You Clean a Dishwasher?

Cleaning your dishwasher isn’t a one-time thing—it’s part of regular appliance care. How often you clean depends on how frequently you run it and whether you have hard water or use heavy-duty cycles.

Here’s a simple breakdown to follow:

If you run your dishwasher daily, you may need to clean it more frequently—especially the filter and spray arms. Homes with hard water should also consider adding dishwasher salt and reviewing our dishwasher salt and rinse aid guide to reduce mineral buildup.

Pro tip: Add a calendar reminder to clean your filter every Sunday—it only takes five minutes and keeps your machine running like new.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Dishwasher

At first glance, cleaning your dishwasher might seem straightforward. However, a few common missteps can actually do more harm than good—potentially damaging your machine or reducing its cleaning power. To keep your dishwasher running efficiently, here are the most important mistakes to avoid, along with safer alternatives:

❌ Avoid using regular dish soap inside the dishwasher

While it may seem harmless, using regular dish soap creates excessive suds that can overflow, damage the pump, and leave a sticky, soapy film on your dishes. Instead, always use detergent specifically designed for dishwashers.

❌ Never mix vinegar and bleach

Although both are effective cleaners on their own, combining vinegar and bleach releases toxic chlorine gas—a serious health hazard. To stay safe, run separate cleaning cycles and never use the two together.

❌ Be sure not to skip stainless steel with abrasive tools

Scrubbing with wire brushes or steel wool may feel like a deep clean, but it can scratch and dull the stainless interior over time. Rather, opt for a non-abrasive cloth or soft sponge to preserve the finish.

❌ Don’t skip cleaning the filter

It’s easy to overlook, but the filter is one of the most critical parts of your dishwasher. A clogged filter is the #1 reason for foul smells and poor cleaning results. Even worse, minor buildup can snowball into major performance issues if left unchecked.

❌ Don’t overload your dishwasher

Packing dishes too tightly may seem like a time-saver, but it actually prevents water and detergent from reaching all surfaces. As a result, leftover food particles accumulate and contribute to internal grime. Give your dishes some space for better circulation and cleaner results.

Bonus tip: If your dishwasher smells even after cleaning, double-check the drain, filter, and rubber seals—they often hold hidden grime.

Want to avoid these mistakes long-term? Our dishwasher buying checklist includes models with self-cleaning filters and anti-flood sensors.

Should You Use Commercial Dishwasher Cleaners?

While DIY methods like vinegar and baking soda are great for monthly upkeep, sometimes your dishwasher needs a little extra muscle—especially if you’re dealing with stubborn grease, limescale, or funky odors that won’t quit.

That’s where commercial dishwasher cleaners come in.

Products like Affresh, Finish Dual Action, and Cascade Machine Cleaner are specifically designed to target the kinds of buildup that natural ingredients sometimes can’t remove. They’re safe for most models, easy to use (just drop a tablet in and run a cycle), and often recommended by appliance manufacturers.

When should you use one?

• When you notice a persistent odor, even after cleaning with vinegar
• You live in a hard water area with frequent limescale issues
• It’s been months since your last deep clean
• Your dishwasher has stainless steel that you prefer not to risk with bleach

Looking for a cleaner that works best in your area?
✅ Check Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner on Amazon
✅ Compare Finish vs. Cascade Cleaners
✅ View top-rated cleaners at Walmart

And if you’re not sure which cleaner is compatible with your model, our guide to dishwasher features can help you sort it out.

Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist: Weekly, Monthly & More

Want to keep your dishwasher running like new year-round? Use this quick checklist to stay on track. It takes just minutes each week—but can save you from clogs, smells, and costly repairs down the line.

✅ Every Week

• Wipe down door seals and edges with a damp cloth
• Remove and rinse the filter
• Check for food debris around the drain
• Look inside spray arms for blockages

✅ Every Month

• Run a hot cycle with white vinegar
• Follow with a short baking soda rinse
• Use a commercial cleaner if needed
• Clean spray arms thoroughly
• Wipe the control panel and exterior

✅ As Needed

• Sanitize with bleach (non-stainless steel models only)
• Use dishwasher salt and rinse aid if you have hard water
• Leave door slightly open between cycles to air out moisture

Want to learn more about maintenance features built into modern dishwashers? Don’t miss our guide to common dishwasher features.

❓ FAQs – People Also Ask : How to Clean a Dishwasher & Avoid Common Issues?

How often should I deep clean my dishwasher?

Once a month is ideal for most households. If you run your dishwasher daily or have hard water, consider deep cleaning every 2–3 weeks to prevent buildup and odors.

Can I use bleach and vinegar together to clean my dishwasher?

No. Never mix bleach and vinegar—they create toxic fumes. If you want to use both, run separate cleaning cycles, starting with vinegar first, then bleach (only in non-stainless steel models).

Why does my dishwasher still smell after cleaning it?

Check the filter, drain area, and rubber door seals—these areas often trap grease and food particles that cause lingering odors. A baking soda rinse or commercial cleaner may help eliminate them.

Is vinegar safe for all dishwashers?

Yes, white vinegar is generally safe for most dishwasher interiors. Just avoid overuse in machines with rubber components or plastic tubing, as prolonged exposure may wear them down over time.

What happens if I never clean my dishwasher?

Over time, you’ll likely notice cloudy dishes, foul smells, poor cleaning performance, and even mechanical issues. In addition to that, grease, food particles, and mineral deposits can gradually clog essential components—especially the pump and spray arms—causing even more serious damage if left unchecked.

✅ Final Tips & Conclusion

Cleaning your dishwasher isn’t glamorous—but it’s essential. A clean machine means cleaner dishes, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan for one of your hardest-working kitchen appliances.

Just remember:

• Wipe seals weekly
• Clean filters monthly
• Don’t ignore funky smells
• And never mix vinegar and bleach

Staying consistent with these simple steps will help your dishwasher perform like new—without calling a repair tech.

Bookmark this guide, or better yet, set a reminder for your next deep clean. Your future self (and your dishes) will thank you.