How to clean a dishwasher for amazing results
Want to know the absolute best way how to clean a dishwasher? In this step by step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know.
If your dishwasher is starting to smell bad or food particles have built up, it’s time to give it a deep clean. You’re dishwasher goes through a lot, keeping your glassware, cutlery, kitchen essentials and dishware clean. Over time, there is a build up of soap scum, grease and food debris this can effect the efficiency of your dishwasher and it will start to smell really bad. Don’t panic, I’m going to let you know everything you need to know about cleaning your dishwasher so that it smells amazing and your kitchen essentials will sparkle.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.–
This post is all about how to clean a dishwasher
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
The frequency of cleaning your dishwasher will depend on how often your use but, but generally speaking you should clean it thoroughly at least one a month. However, if it’s starting to smell or you see particles inside it, you should clean it. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher removes the build up of bacteria, germs and mildew so it’s important to stay on top of it.
Supplies needed to clean your dishwasher
- Bowl
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Washing up liquid
- White wine vinegar
- Soft bristle brush
- Microfibre cloths
Method for cleaning your dishwasher
clean the spray arms
Its important to clean the spray arms in your appliance to stop them from getting clogged. If they get clogged it prevents water from flowing through properly and after a while this can damage your machine.
- I always begin by removing both the upper and lower spray arms. To do this unclip the lower ones and unscrew the upper arms.
- Next I clean the nozzles with either a toothbrush or toothpick to remove any food debris that can block the holes.
- I then soak the spray arms in a white vinegar solution. (white wine vinegar mixed with warm water), for 20 to 30 minutes. Then clean with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
clean the walls
To clean the walls of your machine, take a microfibre cloth and some warm soapy water. Then wipe the walls down and rinse. For stubborn stains I create a paste with bicarbonate soda and water. Rub the paste over the stains and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
clean the door
Wipe down the dishwasher door with a microfibre cloth and warm soapy water, to remove any grease and food debris. As with the walls of your appliances, if you have any stubborn stains rub a bicarbonate soda and water paste and leave for 10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
clean the gasket
The gasket is the seal around the dishwasher door. This prevents any leaks and creates a water tight seal. Keeping this clean prevents bad odours and food waste build up. If food gets stuck in the gasket it will grow mould and mildew. By cleaning this regularly it will improve the performance of the machine.
- Create a bicarbonate soda and water paste, with the consistency of toothpaste.
- With a microfibre cloth rub the paste around the gasket and leave to work for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Rub gently not to damage the gasket, to remove any food debris or stains.
- With a damp cloth wipe the gasket down and dry to stop mildew and mould from forming.
clean the filter
To keep your dishwasher maintained and working to its full potential I recommend regularly cleaning the filter. It’s so easy to get clogged and that can lead to bad odours and your appliances not working properly because the filter traps the food debris and if that is not cleared it starts to smell or recirculate around the machine.
- Start by removing the filter that is normally located in the bottom of the dishwasher (You can check your user manual to make sure). It looks like a mesh or round part.
- Using warm or hot soapy water and rinse under the tap. This will remove any debris that has been caught.
- To be though wipe where the filter came from at the bottom of the dishwasher and replace the filter.
- Lastly, run your machine on the hottest wash to ensure everything is cleaned.
clean the drain
It’s important to stay on top of cleaning your drain because if you don’t it can cause poor drainage and it can get clogged with grease and food particles. This is one of the most common causes of bad odours coming from your dishwasher.
- Start by removing the lower rack to gain access to the drain area.
- Secondly, Wipe the base to remove any debris left in the bottom.
- To give it a deep clean, I pour vinegar and bicarbonate soda down the hole and leave it for 20 minutes. Allow the solution to do its job then rinse with hot water.
- Replace the lower rack to finish.
cleaning the racks
Cleaning the dishwasher racks removes any soap scum, grease or food particles. To clean them simply soak them in hot soapy water, wipe them down and rinse under running warm water.
how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar
Use this method if you’re wanting a quick and easy way to clean your appliance in between deep cleaning. Mix a solution of white wine vinegar and warm water 90/10. Then place it in your dishwasher on the top rack. Finally, run it on a hot setting and rinse thoroughly. Leave the door open to let the fresh air circulate.
How to maintain your dishwasher
There are a number of different things you can do to help maintain your dishwasher between deep cleans to avoid it becoming smelly and forming buildups of grease and germs.
- Firstly, when you are stacking it don’t overload it. This helps the water to flow through and rinse properly.
- Another important way to maintain your dishwasher is to clean the filter out regularly, this will prevent any food particles from getting stuck.
- After use try to keep the door open a little, this will help air circulate and stop the buildup of moisture.
- If you live in a hard water area, consider descaling your dishwasher as it stops minerals and limescale deposits from collecting in your appliance. Using dishwasher salt also reduces the amount of minerals that can accumulate.
- periodically remove the arms and soak them in hot soapy water to remove any grease or soap scum.
This post is all about how to clean a dishwasher
(Related post: How to clean a washing machine)
