How To Clean A Dishwasher The Right Way

Most of us get a dishwasher so we don’t have to scrub a ton of dishes. The trade-off is that we now have to clean the dishwasher itself.

Grime from dirty dishes and detergent accumulates inside the appliance, which can lead to mould or even damage (and a hefty repair bill later).

Proper maintenance involves knowing how to clean a dishwasher! For routine cleaning, run a short cycle with detergent and baking soda or a commercial cleaner. Then, for deep cleaning, you’ll need to tackle separate parts like the filter, spray arm, and drain.

A dirty dishwasher doesn’t wash dishes, and the more you put it off, the dirtier it gets. From quick cleaning to removing bad smells, here’s your complete guide to dishwasher cleaning.

Before Cleaning | Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning the Interior | Cleaning the Exterior | Common Cleaning Issues | Tackling Stains | Can I Use This To Clean?

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Regular maintenance will keep your dishes clean and your dishwasher in good condition.

Here’s a good schedule to aim for:

CLEANING TASK	FREQUENCY
Spot-clean stains and debris	As needed
Wipe visible grime from exterior and tub	A few times a week
Light cleaning + wash the filter	Once a week
Deep clean dishwasher and drain	Once a month (or every 2 months if not used frequently)

Residue from food, detergent, and hard water builds up on dishwasher surfaces over time. If left uncleaned, the grime makes your dishwasher less efficient — or worse, causes the machine to malfunction.

The warm, enclosed, and damp conditions are also a prime environment for mould or bacteria to grow.

But if you want to avoid the added load to your chores, get your kitchen professionally cleaned with Maid2Match and ask us to clean the dishwasher!

 

What to Know Before Cleaning a Dishwasher

Dishwashers don’t wash themselves, much as we wish otherwise. But you can maintain them easily with the correct cleaners, tools, and prep steps.

 

What can you use to clean a dishwasher?

The best dishwasher cleaners are already there in your kitchen!

CLEANER	HOW TO USE	BEST FOR…
Dish soap	A few drops of dish soap mixed in a bowl of warm water	General cleaning
Distilled white vinegar	1 cup in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack	Deep cleaning; tackling limescale and soap scum; cleaning the drain
Baking soda	For regular cleaning, sprinkle 1 cup in the bottom of the tub For stains, make a paste of 2 parts baking soda, 1 part warm water, 1 tsp dish soap	Routine cleaning; neutralising odours; treating food-based stains
Citric acid powder	For limescale, dilute 1 part powder in 20 parts water For rust, make a paste of 2–3 tbsp powder and 1 tbsp warm water	Treating limescale and rust spots
Commercial dishwasher cleaner	According to product instructions	General cleaning

 

Then, alongside your preferred cleaners, you’ll need:

• Non-abrasive sponge
• Microfibre cloths or towels
• Soft brush (e.g. old toothbrush)

 

What not to use when cleaning a dishwasher

Steer clear of products with harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine bleach, or hydrochloric acid (such as  in drain cleaners). These can strip coatings or corrode parts inside the dishwasher.

Avoid highly abrasive tools (e.g. steel wool or wire brushes), which leave scratches that later trap dirt. Scouring powders are also often too abrasive and may contain bleach.

Baking soda is only mildly abrasive, so it’s safe to use, as are products like Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser.

Lastly, dish soap is fine when mixed with water, then applied with a soft cloth or brush. But do not add it to the dispenser for a cleaning cycle — it’s not made for dishwashers, and you’ll end up with a sudsy kitchen instead.

 

Preparing to clean

For routine cleaning, take out plates and other items so you’re working with an empty dishwasher. You don’t want dishes blocking the cleaner from getting to all surfaces.

For deep cleaning, empty the dishwasher and then switch it off. If possible, unplug the appliance and switch off the water valve.

Consult the user’s manual for instructions on how to remove the spray arms and filter. The manufacturer’s website should have a digital version if you don’t have a copy.

Wear rubber gloves while working, and a face mask if you suspect mould.

 

Routine Dishwasher Cleaning

Regular, light cleaning minimises the buildup of grime inside the dishwasher. Use either dishwasher detergent and baking soda (separately!) or a dedicated dishwasher cleaner.

Start by taking out the filter and scrubbing it with warm, soapy water and an old toothbrush. Do a quick check of the drain, too, and remove visible food scraps with some paper towels.

After washing the filter, put it back into the dishwasher. Do not forget this step — you shouldn’t run the machine without the filter inside.

Add a standard amount of detergent or 1 dish tab to the dispenser. (Avoid vinegar here, since repeated exposure can dry out rubber seals.) Run a self-cleaning cycle or a short wash cycle with heat drying turned off.

Once that cycle has completed, sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another short, hot cycle without drying.

If you prefer a commercial dishwasher cleaner, follow the product instructions. For many cleaners, you’ll place the product in the dispenser then run a hot wash cycle.

Afterwards, quickly wipe any remaining grime from the interior surfaces and door seal with a microfibre cloth. Leave the door slightly open so the dishwasher can air dry.

 

Deep Cleaning Inside the Dishwasher

Once a month, do a more thorough cleaning of the dishwasher.

This will involve washing individual parts (like the filter) and going over all the surfaces.

 

Disassembling the dishwasher to clean

Start the cleaning process by removing any dishes, then taking out the racks, filter, and spray arms.

Spray arms usually pop out or have clamps for releasing. Check how many your model has; many have 2 (upper and lower), but some models only have a bottom sprayer or have an additional middle one.

The filter is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, under the bottom rack and spray arm. Many models have a flat metal screen on top of the main filter — you’ll need to remove both for deep cleaning.

Lift out the upper filter, then twist the main filter in the direction indicated by the arrows to unlock.

 

How to clean a dishwasher filter

Separate the filter before you work! Some models have an additional coarse filter inside the mesh one, which you’ll need to remove for a more thorough cleaning.

Clean your dishwasher’s filter with dish soap and warm water. Run the filter under the tap to loosen dirt, then scrub it clean with a soft brush and the dish soap.

For a deeper clean, soak the filter for 10–15 minutes in hot, soapy water. Scrub each part clean and rinse afterwards, then shake off excess moisture and dry with a fresh cloth.

 

How to clean dishwasher spray arms

Food particles and hard water minerals can build up on spray arm nozzles, reducing water flow. Clean spray arms mean clean dishes!

Submerge the spray arms for 10–15 minutes in hot, soapy water to dissolve any residue inside them. Go over the surfaces afterwards with a soft sponge. Dislodge anything clogging the nozzles with an old toothbrush or toothpick.

Rinse the spray arms thoroughly. If water flows freely through the nozzles, they’re clean! Shake out the remaining moisture, then wipe dry.

 

How to clean the dishwasher tub

While leaving the other parts to soak, wash the dishwasher interior!

If it’s not too dirty, go over the tub surfaces with a microfibre cloth dipped in hot water and dish soap. Pay close attention to areas with detergent or food residue, and the points where the spray arms connect.

For more stubborn buildup, make a paste with 2 parts baking soda, 1 part warm water, and 1 tsp dish soap. Apply it with a damp sponge and wait 10–15 minutes before scrubbing the surface clean. Rinse off the residue with a damp cloth.

 

How to clean dishwasher racks and utensil holders

Take out the upper and lower racks, plus the utensil holders, then bring them to the sink. Wash them with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge.

For stuck-on food or detergent residue, soak the racks or holders in hot, sudsy water first! Use the laundry sink or a large plastic tub if the racks don’t fit in your kitchen sink. Scrub off the grime with the sponge and some soap afterwards.

Dry the racks and utensil holders thoroughly.

 

How to clean a dishwasher drain

Lastly, for the interior, clean the dishwasher drain.

Do a visual check on the drain with a torch/flashlight or your phone’s light. Remove visible debris inside with a spoon or by hand (wear gloves!). Then empty the standing water with a spoon or ladle.

Boil a kettle of hot water and wait a few minutes so it cools to around 60ºC (generally the highest temperature setting for wash cycles). Alternatively, run the hot tap until it reaches full temp.

Slowly pour the water down the drain, watching the water level — if it starts backing up, pause to let the water work its way through the drain and hose. Once it runs out, follow with 1–2 cups of white vinegar to flush out buildup and neutralise odours.

Afterwards, scrub the drain area with a soft brush (like a bottle brush) and some dish soap. Go over the area beneath the filter housing, too.

Follow with some warm water to rinse the drain.

 

Cleaning the Dishwasher Door and Exterior

Once you’ve finished tackling the tub and interior parts, move on to the door and exterior surfaces.

 

How to clean the detergent dispenser

Detergent residue and limescale accumulate inside the detergent dispenser. If not regularly cleaned, the residue could stop the dispenser from working properly during a cycle.

Wash the dispenser with warm water and dish soap, plus a soft brush.

For stubborn residue, pour a little hot water mixed with vinegar inside and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub clean.

 

How to clean the gasket and door

The rubber gasket (or seal) on the door is a prime spot for mould or bacteria, so don’t ignore it! 

Wash the door surfaces with a non-abrasive sponge and warm water plus dish soap. Use an old toothbrush to get into any grooves and crevices, and between the folds of the seal where grime often gets trapped.

Rinse off the residue with a damp cloth before drying the seal thoroughly.

 

Cleaning the dishwasher exterior

For the outside of your dishwasher, wipe the surfaces with warm, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner. Work in zigzag strokes for a streak-free finish.

For stainless steel dishwashers, you can opt for a dedicated product like Koala Eco’s Stainless Cleaner for the exterior. Follow the grain while wiping so you don’t smudge the surface.

Tackle crevices and grooves with a toothbrush or cotton bud, especially around the buttons. Clear the gunk away as you go. Don’t let water seep into electrical components to prevent damage.

Wash off any residue with a damp cloth, then follow with a clean cloth to remove remaining moisture.

As an optional step for stainless steel exteriors, apply a dab of olive oil onto a microfibre cloth, then use that to polish the exterior.

 

Reassembling the dishwasher after cleaning

Once all the parts are clean, it’s time to reassemble your dishwasher! Start with the filter, ensuring it locks into place with a “click.” Then return the spray arms, racks, and utensil holders.

Finish up by putting a shallow dishwasher-safe container with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack, then run a short, hot cycle (without heat drying). This helps remove remaining residue and ensure everything works properly. Listen for knocking or rattling that signals a loose part.

Once that’s done, wipe off excess moisture with some soft cloths, then leave the door open to air dry.

 

Common Dishwasher Cleaning Issues

Beyond dirt from normal use, your dishwasher might be extra grimy from a clogged filter or mould on the gasket. In that case, regular cleaning won’t be enough.

 

How to clean a smelly dishwasher

There are a few reasons your dishwasher smells, such as:

• Trapped food residue
• Clogged dishwasher filter
• Clogged dishwasher drain
• Mould or mildew on the gasket

For dirty filters or drains, clean them first before tackling any smells. Soak and wash the filter, or flush the drain with hot water.

To get rid of bad odours in the dishwasher, run a hot cycle (no drying) with a shallow container of white vinegar on the top rack.

Afterwards, sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the tub, then run another short cycle without drying.

Wipe the interior with a dry cloth and leave the door open so it can air dry.

 

How to treat mould in the dishwasher

Dishwashers can be hotspots for mould — from dirty dishes left inside too long, food stuck on the racks, or grime in the gasket folds.

Take out any dishes ASAP and set them to soak in hot water (at least 60ºC) for 20–30 minutes, topping up the water as needed. Do the same for the racks. Scrub them clean with a sponge and dish soap afterwards, then disinfect with rubbing alcohol and buff dry.

For mould on the gaskets, thoroughly spray the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

Scrub the gasket clean with an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water afterwards, then dry with a cloth.

 

How to disinfect a dishwasher

Dishwashers generally don’t need disinfecting, especially with routine maintenance. But if raw meat juices got on the surfaces or you found mould on the racks, this is a useful step.

Always clean a surface first before disinfecting, to maximise contact with the disinfectant. Wash the affected area with hot water and soap, then wipe it dry.

Spray the dishwasher surfaces with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) and let it sit for at least 1 minute. Buff the area dry with a soft cloth afterwards.

 

Tackling Stains in a Dishwasher

Many things can cause stains inside your appliance. Tackle the stain straight away so it doesn’t set and become harder to remove.

 

How to clean grease buildup from a dishwasher

Fats, oils, and grease can accumulate inside the dishwasher, especially if you don’t wipe food messes off before loading.

For a greasy filter, give it a good soak (up to 15 minutes) in a bowl of hot water plus a half cup of baking soda. If it’s heavily soiled, switch to a paste (2 parts bicarb, 1 part water, 1 tsp dish soap) and leave on for 10–15 minutes.

Wash the filter afterwards in soap and water.

For greasy spots in the dishwasher, the same baking soda paste works well! Apply with a damp sponge and wait 10–15 minutes so it breaks down the grease. Wipe away residue with a dampened cloth after.

 

How to descale a dishwasher

Limescale comes from minerals left behind after hard water dries. It looks like chalky white residue and, if left untreated, can harden on surfaces.

White vinegar and lemon juice are excellent dishwasher descalers. The mild acid reacts with the minerals, making them easier to clean off. Just be mindful of the dwell time, especially on stainless steel — prolonged exposure to acid could cause etching.

To remove limescale, dampen some paper towels with equal parts water and vinegar (or lemon juice), then lay them over the mineral deposits. Wait 3–5 minutes before wiping the limescale off. Wash the surface clean with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

For tougher residue, do not extend dwell time. Instead, wait a short while after rinsing to repeat the application.

 

How to remove rust in a dishwasher

Stainless steel and other metals in a dishwasher typically have a protective coating to prevent rust. However, scuffs and scratches can penetrate that coating, then exposure to moisture leads to rust.

For a homemade rust remover, mix a little coarse salt with lemon juice. Use that paste to scrub off the rust spots, then wipe away residue with a dampened cloth. You can also sprinkle the salt on the cut side of half a lemon, then use that to buff the rust away.

Another option is to make a paste of 2–3 tbsp citric acid and 1 tbsp water, then apply it to the rust spot. Wait 3–5 minutes before scrubbing the rust away with a dampened cloth. Wash the area clean afterwards and dry with a towel.

 

Can I Use This When Cleaning My Dishwasher?

Found a cleaning hack online or just want to verify if something will work?

Before you grab that cleaner, check if it’ll be effective!

 

Can you run vinegar through a dishwasher to clean it?

White vinegar is a good way to clean a dishwasher naturally, but with some caveats!

Avoid vinegar for regular dishwasher cleaning, since repeated and prolonged exposure can dry out rubber seals.

Instead, save it for deep cleans and always use it diluted.

 

Can I use citric acid to clean my dishwasher?

You can use citric acid powder to clean the dishwasher, but it’s important not to use it in high concentrations with very hot water, especially if you have hard water.

Citric acid is often found in dishwasher cleaners or used as an alternative to vinegar. The acid reacts with minerals in hard water (like calcium) to break them down so they’re easier to clean.

However, in high heat and high concentrations, the citric acid could create chalky white deposits (calcium citrate) that harden onto dishwasher surfaces.

If using citric acid to clean, use a low-temperature setting and a mild concentration (1 part citric acid to 20 parts warm water). You can also make a paste of 2–3 parts citric acid and 1 part water to tackle rust.

 

Can you use baking soda to clean a dishwasher?

Yes, baking soda is effective at removing food-based stains, especially grease, and neutralising odours.

However, while using vinegar and baking soda is a popular hack, they’re ineffective when combined. Clean with vinegar first, then follow with baking soda in a separate cycle.

For tackling stains, use a paste made of baking soda, water, and dishwashing liquid.

 

Can I clean a dishwasher with dishwasher tablets?

You can use a dishwasher tablet for routine cleaning. See if your machine has a cleaning cycle, then place a tablet in the dispenser or on the bottom of the tub. It can’t tackle deep-seated grime, but it’ll work for everyday dirt.

Just remember that regular dishwasher tablets (for dishes) are different from dishwasher cleaner tablets. Your regular dish tabs can help in a pinch, but don’t use the cleaning tabs on your plates!

 

Can you use bleach to clean a dishwasher?

You should avoid using bleach or bleach-based products around the dishwasher, particularly anything with stainless steel. The exceptions are dishwasher products formulated with bleach, like certain dish tabs.

Bleach (especially chlorine bleach) can strip protective coatings or corrode stainless steel parts. It can also dry out or degrade rubber seals.