how to deep clean dishwasher

To deep clean a dishwasher, you’ll remove and scrub key parts, run a vinegar cycle, then a baking soda or cleaner cycle, and finish by detailing the seals and spray arms for odor and buildup removal.

Quick Scoop

• Empty the dishwasher and clean out food debris first.

• Remove and scrub the filter, racks, and spray arms in warm soapy water.

• Run a hot cycle with a bowl or cup of white vinegar to cut grease and odors.

• Run a second hot cycle with baking soda or a dishwasher cleaner tablet for deodorizing and descaling.

• Wipe door seals, edges, and exterior to finish, then set a monthly mini-cleaning habit.

Step‑by‑step: how to deep clean dishwasher

1. Prep and safety

• Turn off or pause power if you’ll be removing parts deeply (check your manual).
• Empty all dishes, racks clear, and remove obvious food bits from the bottom and filter area so nothing recirculates.

2. Remove and clean filter and racks

Most modern dishwashers have a twist‑out filter in the bottom.

1. Pull out the bottom rack and set aside.

2. Twist or lift out the cylindrical/flat filter and any mesh screen beneath it (usually counterclockwise).

3. Fill your sink with warm water and a little mild dish soap.
4. Soak the filter, bottom rack section, and any removable utensil baskets 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush, especially the mesh.

5. Rinse well and set aside to dry.

A clogged filter is one of the biggest reasons for smells and poor cleaning, so getting it truly clear helps a lot.

3. Clean spray arms and small openings

If the spray arms come out:

• Gently remove them (often a clip or small screw) and rinse under warm water.
• Use a toothpick or skewer to clear mineral deposits from the spray holes—don’t enlarge the holes, just dislodge gunk.

• Rinse again and re‑install securely so they spin freely.

If they don’t come out, spin and wipe them in place, poking out any obvious clogs.

4. Detail clean door, seals, and corners

This is where slime, mold, and smells like to hide.

• Mix warm water with a few drops of mild detergent.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe:
  • Door edges and the bottom lip
  • Rubber gasket around the door
  • Inside corners and around the detergent cup
• Use a soft brush or old toothbrush for crevices; wipe dry afterward to prevent mildew.

If the outside is stainless steel, use a designated stainless cleaner or a slightly damp microfiber, wiping with the grain to avoid streaks.

Vinegar cycle: degrease and deodorize

This is the “reset” step that cuts through residue and soap film.

1. Put the cleaned bottom rack back in (leave dishes out).
2. Place a dishwasher‑safe cup or bowl filled with white vinegar on the top or bottom rack, upright so it doesn’t spill.

3. Run a hot or “sanitize” cycle with no detergent.
4. When done, open the door and let it air out; you can skip heat‑dry to save energy.

Important precautions:

• Do not mix vinegar and baking soda together inside a running dishwasher—do them as separate cycles, or you can create excessive foam and a mess.

• If your manufacturer warns against vinegar due to certain metals/rubbers, follow their instructions and use an approved cleaner instead.

Baking soda or cleaner cycle: polish and descale

Once the vinegar cycle is done:

Option A: baking soda

1. Remove the empty vinegar container.
2. Sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda evenly over the bottom of the tub.

3. Run a short hot cycle (no detergent).
4. This freshens odors and gently brightens the interior surface.

Option B: dishwasher cleaning tablets

Many brands sell dedicated “dishwasher cleaners” that target limescale and mineral buildup.

• Place the tablet either in the detergent cup or on the bottom of the tub (follow package directions).
• Run a Normal or cleaning cycle, often with the dishwasher empty, though some cleaners allow a load of dishes plus a cleaner in the tub at the same time.

• These products are designed to remove limescale, mineral film, and hidden residue in lines and sprayers.

You don’t need both baking soda and a cleaner tablet in one go; pick the method that matches your buildup (baking soda for mild odors, tablets for heavy limescale or hard water).

Final wipe‑down and reassembly

• Reinstall the filter and mesh screen, ensuring they’re seated and locked properly (a loose filter can be damaged by the spray).

• Put racks and spray arms back, checking that arms can spin freely and aren’t blocked.
• Wipe the interior one last time if you see loosened residue, and clean the control panel and handle for a finished look.

A quick example: Think of it like detailing a car—vacuum first (debris and filter), scrub the tough parts (seals, corners, spray arms), then run it through the “wash tunnel” (vinegar and baking soda/cleaner cycles).

How often to deep clean & mini‑maintenance

• Deep clean: every 1–3 months, depending on use, hardness of water, and whether you pre‑rinse.

• Quick monthly mini‑routine:
  • Rinse filter under warm water.
  • Wipe door gasket and edges.
  • Run a quick vinegar or cleaner‑tablet cycle if you notice film or smell.

Simple habits that help:

• Scrape (don’t fully rinse) plates so big chunks don’t clog the filter.

• Occasionally check the bottom for glass shards or bones.
• Run hot water in the sink before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with hotter water from the start.

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Task	What to do	How often
Filter & bottom	Remove debris, soak and scrub filter in warm soapy water.	Monthly (or if dishes look gritty)
Spray arms	Rinse, clear blocked holes with a toothpick, reinstall.	Every 2–3 months
Vinegar cycle	Run hot cycle with a cup/bowl of white vinegar on rack, no detergent.	Every 1–2 months
Baking soda / cleaner	Run hot cycle with baking soda sprinkled in bottom or with cleaner tablet.	Every 1–3 months
Seals & corners	Wipe gasket, door edges, corners with warm soapy water.	Monthly or when you see buildup

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.