What Is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher?

Let’s face it—dishwashers are one of those unsung heroes of the household. They save us time, energy, and a whole lot of elbow grease. But have you ever opened your dishwasher expecting that fresh, lemony-clean smell… only to be hit with a whiff of something funky? Or noticed your dishes coming out with spots, gunk, or just not quite clean?

Yep, it might be time to give your dishwasher some TLC.

Even though dishwashers clean dishes, they need cleaning too. Over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, hard water stains and even mold can build up inside. But don’t worry! Giving your dishwasher a deep clean is easier than you might think, and it doesn’t take much time or effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher—step by step—with tips, tricks, and a few laughs along the way.

Why Clean Your Dishwasher?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s answer a simple question: Why bother cleaning something that already “cleans” things?

Great question. Here’s why it’s important:

Efficiency: A clean dishwasher works better and more efficiently. No more cloudy glasses or half-clean plates.
Odor Control: Food debris and trapped gunk can lead to some seriously nasty smells.
Longevity: Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your appliance.
Hygiene: Mold and bacteria can build up in hidden areas, and nobody wants that mingling with their silverware.

Think of it like brushing your teeth—you wouldn’t skip that just because your mouth gets rinsed every time you drink water, right?

Supplies You’ll Need

You don’t need a bucket full of fancy products to get started. Most of the best dishwasher cleaning tools are already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

White vinegar
Baking soda
Dish soap (mild, non-abrasive)
A soft cloth or sponge
An old toothbrush (or a small scrub brush)
Toothpicks or a paperclip (for cleaning spray arms)
Microfiber towel
Optional: commercial dishwasher cleaner tablets

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and show that dishwasher some love!

Step 1: Clear Out the Dishwasher

Start with an empty dishwasher. Remove any dishes, racks, and utensil holders so you can access all the nooks and crannies.

While the racks are out, inspect them for gunk or grime. Give them a rinse in the sink with warm water and a little dish soap if needed.

Pro tip: If your dishwasher has removable parts, like a filter or spray arms, go ahead and take those out too. We’ll deep clean them in the next steps.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

The filter is like the lint trap of your dishwasher—it catches food particles and keeps your pump from clogging. But if it’s not cleaned regularly, it can start to smell and cause drainage issues.

How to Clean the Filter:

Locate the filter. Most are at the bottom of the dishwasher (check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure).
Twist and lift it out (it’s usually easy to remove).
Rinse it under warm water.
Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub off any buildup.
For stubborn grime, soak it in a mixture of warm water and a little dish soap.

When it’s squeaky clean, set it aside to dry.

Step 3: Unclog the Spray Arms

Spray arms are the magical wands that shoot water onto your dishes. If they’re clogged, your dishwasher’s cleaning power drops big time.

Cleaning Spray Arms:

Remove the spray arms (check your manual if you’re unsure how).
Rinse them under warm water.
Use a toothpick or paperclip to poke out any debris from the spray holes.
Soak in vinegar for 10-15 minutes if they’re grimy or clogged.

Let them dry while you move on to the next step.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

Now’s the time to grab your sponge or microfiber cloth. Wipe down the interior walls, the inside of the door, the rubber gaskets, and the detergent dispenser.

Don’t Forget:

The seal around the door (this is a sneaky hiding place for mold).
The detergent and rinse aid dispensers—scrub away any crusty buildup.
The drain area—clean out any leftover food bits or gunk.

Use warm soapy water or a vinegar-water mix for this step. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and works wonders on soap scum and grease.

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Wash

This is the spa day part of your dishwasher’s makeover. Vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and odors. It’s like a detox cleanse for your appliance.

How to Do It:

Place a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
Run a hot water cycle (no detergent needed).

During the cycle, the vinegar will spread throughout the interior and break down grime. It’s simple, cheap, and super effective.

Step 6: Run a Baking Soda Rinse

For extra sparkle and freshness, follow the vinegar cycle with a baking soda rinse.

Here’s how:

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
Run a short hot water cycle.

This helps neutralize any lingering odors and gently scrubs away stains. Plus, it leaves your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.

Optional Step: Use a Commercial Cleaner

If your dishwasher has heavy buildup or a persistent smell, a store-bought dishwasher cleaner can give it a deep clean boost. Look for brands like Affresh, Finish, or Lemi Shine. Just follow the instructions on the label.

These cleaners are specially formulated to remove mineral buildup, grease, and odor-causing residue.

Step 7: Reassemble and Admire

Once everything’s clean and dry, reassemble your dishwasher: snap the filter and spray arms back into place, return the racks and utensil holders, and give everything one last wipe down.

Then, open that door and take a deep breath. Smell that? That’s the sweet scent of victory (and vinegar).

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Now that your dishwasher is sparkling clean, let’s talk maintenance.

Filter: Clean monthly (more often if you use your dishwasher daily).
Interior Deep Clean: Once a month with vinegar and baking soda.
Spray Arms: Check every few months or if dishes aren’t coming out clean.
Wipe Down Door and Seals: Every couple of weeks.

Regular care keeps your dishwasher running like a dream and your dishes sparkling clean every time.

Bonus Tips and Troubleshooting

Because we love you (and your dishes), here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom:

1. Don’t Overload the Dishwasher

Cramming dishes too tightly can block the spray arms and lead to poor results. Give everything space to breathe!

2. Pre-Rinse, But Don’t Overdo It

Scrape off large food chunks before loading, but don’t pre-wash like it’s the 1990s. Modern dishwashers need some grime to activate the detergent enzymes.

3. Use the Right Detergent

Too much soap can cause buildup; too little and your dishes won’t get clean. Follow the instructions on your detergent and avoid cheap alternatives.

4. Hard Water Woes?

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits may be a regular issue. Consider using a rinse aid or dishwasher salt if your appliance supports it.

5. Smelly Dishwasher?

Toss a few lemon peels into the bottom rack and run a rinse cycle. Natural and zesty!

Final Thoughts

Your dishwasher works hard day in and day out—it deserves a little pampering now and then! Regular cleaning not only improves performance and hygiene but can also save you money by preventing costly repairs or replacements.

So the next time your dishwasher starts acting a little funky, don’t ignore it. Show it some love with a good old-fashioned scrub, a vinegar spa day, and a sprinkle of baking soda magic.

Not only will your dishwasher thank you (in its own quiet, humming way), but your dishes will come out cleaner, shinier, and more sanitary.

Cheers to sparkling dishes and a happy, healthy dishwasher!