How to Clean a Dishwasher: 6 Easy Steps

Last updated November 6, 2026

To clean a dishwasher, remove and rinse the filter, then wipe the door seals and spray arms. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. Finish by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom and running a short hot cycle.

A dirty dishwasher leaves spots, smells and food bits on clean dishes. A monthly clean takes about 30 minutes and keeps it working well.

Key Takeaways

• Clean the filter every month.
• Wipe the door seals and edges.
• Clear clogged spray arm holes.
• Run a hot cycle with vinegar.
• Finish with a baking soda rinse.

On This Page

• Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning
• What You Need
• How to Clean a Dishwasher Step by Step
• Cleaning Schedule
• Habits That Keep It Fresh
• Load Dishes the Right Way
• Save Energy and Water
• Deal With Hard Water Spots
• Common Dishwasher Myths
• Pick the Right Detergent
• What Not to Put in the Dishwasher
• Keep Dishes Food Safe
• Fix Common Smells
• Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer
• Shopping for a New Dishwasher
• Quick Weekly Upkeep

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning

Watch for these common warning signs.

• A sour or musty smell.
• Cloudy spots on glasses.
• Food bits left on clean dishes.
• Water pooling at the bottom.
• Gray film on the walls.

What You Need

You probably have most of these supplies already.

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• An old toothbrush
• A soft cloth or sponge
• Warm soapy water
• A toothpick

How to Clean a Dishwasher Step by Step

1. Empty the Dishwasher

Take out all dishes and both racks. This gives you room to reach every corner.

2. Clean the Filter

Twist out the filter at the bottom. Rinse it under warm water and scrub it gently with a toothbrush.

3. Clear the Spray Arms

Check the small holes on each spray arm. Use a toothpick to push out stuck food.

4. Wipe the Door and Seals

Scrub the rubber seals and door edges with warm soapy water. Grime hides in the folds.

5. Run a Vinegar Cycle

Put the racks back. Place a cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack. Run the hottest cycle.

6. Add a Baking Soda Rinse

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom. Run a short hot cycle to remove stains and odors.

Cleaning Schedule

Use this checker to see how many loads you run each month.

• Racks removed
• Filter rinsed and scrubbed
• Spray arm holes cleared
• Door seals wiped
• Vinegar cycle run
• Baking soda rinse done

Habits That Keep It Fresh

Scrape plates before loading. Large food scraps clog the filter fast.

Run the kitchen tap until the water is hot before you start a cycle. Hot water cleans better.

Leave the door open a crack after each cycle. This lets moisture escape and stops mold.

When to Call a Repair Pro

Call a technician if water still pools after you clean the filter. A blocked drain hose may be the cause.

Also call for help if you hear grinding sounds or see leaks on the floor.

Load Dishes the Right Way

Good loading helps your dishwasher clean better. Face dirty sides toward the center, where the spray is strongest.

Place plates and large items on the bottom rack. Put cups, glasses and plastic items on the top rack.

Mix spoons and forks in the basket so they do not nest together. Point knives down for safety.

Do not crowd the racks. Water needs space to reach every dish.

Save Energy and Water

Modern dishwashers use less water than washing by hand in many cases. A few habits help you save even more.

ENERGY STAR suggests running full loads and scraping instead of rinsing. Pre-rinsing wastes water and energy.

Choose the no-heat dry option and use a rinse aid. Open the door after the cycle to let dishes air dry.

Deal With Hard Water Spots

Cloudy glasses and white film often come from hard water. Minerals stay behind as water dries.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) explains how water hardness differs by region. Areas with hard water need extra care.

A rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes. Running an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack can also remove film.

Common Dishwasher Myths

Many people still believe old dishwasher advice. Some of it wastes time and money.

Myth one says you must rinse every dish first. In fact, most modern detergents work better with some food left on.

Myth two says dishwashers always waste water. Many newer models use less water than a full sink of hand washing.

Myth three says more detergent means cleaner dishes. Too much can leave a gritty film, so follow the label.

Pick the Right Detergent

Different detergents suit different needs. This table can help you choose.

Store detergent in a dry place out of reach of children. Pods can look like candy to small kids.

What Not to Put in the Dishwasher

Some items can get damaged by heat and strong detergent. Wooden spoons and cutting boards can crack or warp.

Cast iron pans lose their seasoning in the dishwasher. Sharp chef knives can dull and chip.

Check labels on plastic containers. Only wash items marked dishwasher safe.

Keep Dishes Food Safe

Clean dishes help prevent the spread of germs in your kitchen. Hot water and detergent remove most food residue.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains how cleanliness helps prevent foodborne illness. Clean cutting boards and utensils matter as much as clean hands.

Use the sanitize setting if your dishwasher has one. It raises the water temperature for extra cleaning power.

Fix Common Smells

A sour smell often comes from a dirty filter or trapped food. Clean the filter first.

Next, wipe the door gasket where gunk hides. Then run a hot cycle with baking soda sprinkled on the bottom.

If smells return quickly, check the drain hose for kinks. A slow drain can leave dirty water behind.

Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer

Run the dishwasher at least once a week to keep seals moist. Long breaks can dry out rubber parts.

Run hot water at the sink before you start a cycle. This helps the dishwasher fill with hot water from the start.

Fix small leaks right away. Water damage under cabinets can cost far more than a quick repair.

Shopping for a New Dishwasher

If your old machine is beyond repair, a new one can save energy and time. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to find efficient models.

Check the noise rating if your kitchen opens to a living area. Quieter models let you run loads during dinner or movie night.

A third rack is handy for utensils and small items. Adjustable racks help fit tall pots and baking sheets.

Measure your space carefully before you buy. Standard dishwashers are 24 inches wide, but compact models are smaller.

Quick Weekly Upkeep

A few minutes each week keeps your dishwasher fresh. Check the filter and remove any trapped food.

Wipe the door edges and look for small bits stuck in the racks. Remove broken glass or bones right away.

Refill the rinse aid when the indicator light comes on. This small step makes a big difference in drying.

Dishwasher Mistakes to Avoid

Some habits make your dishwasher less effective. Watch out for these common mistakes.

• Overloading the racks
• Blocking the spray arms with tall items
• Skipping the filter cleaning
• Using too much detergent

Load dishes so water can reach every surface. Check that spray arms spin freely before each wash.

Make It a Monthly Habit

Set a monthly reminder to clean the filter and wipe the door seal. Small steps keep your dishwasher fresh.

Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner every few months.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

Clean the filter and run a vinegar cycle once a month.

Can I use bleach in my dishwasher?

Avoid bleach in stainless steel tubs. Never mix bleach with vinegar.

Why does my dishwasher smell bad?

Trapped food in the filter is the most common cause.

Do I need special dishwasher cleaner tablets?

No. Vinegar and baking soda work well for most homes.

Should I rinse dishes before loading them?

Scrape off food, but skip the rinse. Most modern dishwashers clean better with a little soil.

Why are my glasses cloudy after washing?

Hard water is a common cause. Try a rinse aid and a vinegar cleaning cycle.

Wrapping Up

Pull out your dishwasher filter tonight and give it a quick rinse. Then run a vinegar cycle for sparkling dishes.

Keep your kitchen ready for guests with our Thanksgiving cleaning checklist. Plan your big meal with our Thanksgiving hosting guide.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 6, 2026. Always follow the instructions in your dishwasher manual.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

D

Keep exploring

Your next read is waiting

Surprise me

1HealthRaw or Powdered Turmeric? What the Science Says4 min read2News5 Airlines Where Premium Economy WiFi Is Free4 min read3Food & LifestyleWhy 4 Irish Beaches Are Among Europe’s Best4 min read4Finance & MarketsHow to Teach Kids About Money: Simple Lessons8 min read5BusinessUber Plans to Grow Its Robotaxi Fleet Fast4 min read6EntertainmentHow to Start Drawing as a Beginner8 min read