⚡Quick Answer
The best way to clean a dishwasher is to remove and wash the filter, spray arms, and other removable parts, clean the door seals and hidden crevices, run a dishwasher cleaning tablet through a hot wash cycle, and wipe down the exterior. Regular monthly maintenance helps prevent odors, improves cleaning performance, and extends the life of your dishwasher.
A dishwasher is supposed to clean your dishes, but over time it can become surprisingly dirty itself. Food particles, grease, soap residue, and hard water deposits can all build up inside the machine. When that happens, your dishwasher may start to smell bad, leave dishes looking cloudy, or simply stop cleaning as effectively as it once did.
The good news is that deep cleaning a dishwasher is much easier than most people think. With a few simple supplies and a little time, you can remove years of buildup, eliminate odors, and get your machine running like new again.
Whenever I deep clean a dishwasher, I always begin by removing the parts that collect the most debris. The filter is usually located near the bottom center of the dishwasher and is often the biggest source of unpleasant odors. Most filters can be removed with a simple twist and lift.
Once the filter is out, inspect it closely. It’s common to find food particles, grease, and other debris trapped inside. If your dishwasher smells musty or sour, there’s a good chance the filter is the culprit. Many dishwashers also have a small mesh screen surrounding the filter. If yours does, remove that as well so it can be cleaned separately.
If your dishwasher allows it, remove the spray arms from both the bottom and upper racks. Food particles can become lodged inside the spray nozzles, reducing water flow and preventing dishes from getting fully clean. Cleaning these components can make a noticeable difference in dishwasher performance.
After removing the filter, mesh screen, and spray arms, fill one side of your sink with hot water. Add a generous squirt of dish soap along with about a cup of white vinegar.
This combination works exceptionally well because the dish soap cuts through grease and food residue while the vinegar helps dissolve hard water deposits and neutralize odors. Place all removable components into the solution and allow them to soak. Letting these parts sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes gives the cleaning solution time to loosen stubborn buildup. If the spray arms are too large to fully submerge, simply flip them over halfway through the soaking process so every surface gets treated.
While the removable parts are soaking, it’s the perfect time to tackle the interior of the dishwasher. One of my favorite DIY cleaning solutions combines white vinegar, a small amount of dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. The most important areas to focus on are the door seals, edges, corners, and hidden crevices around the dishwasher opening. These spots rarely come into contact with wash water during normal cycles, making them prime locations for grime buildup.
Spray the solution generously onto these areas and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to loosen dirt and residue. You’ll often be surprised by how much grime accumulates in these hidden locations. Once scrubbed, wipe everything clean with a damp microfiber cloth to remove loosened debris.
One of the most overlooked parts of a dishwasher is the lower lip where the door closes and hinges. This narrow area tends to collect food particles, grease, and moisture, creating the perfect environment for odors to develop.
Many people clean the visible edges of the dishwasher but completely miss this hidden section. Take a moment to inspect it closely and you’ll likely find buildup that has been sitting there for months. A quick scrub with your cleaning solution and brush is usually all it takes to restore this area and eliminate one of the most common sources of dishwasher odors.
When the filter is removed, you’ll likely notice a small amount of standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. This is completely normal and helps keep seals from drying out. However, if you notice excessive water pooling above the filter area, it may indicate a drainage issue that needs attention. During a deep clean, I like to absorb the water with a towel so I can inspect the area underneath.
Removing this water allows you to clear away any food particles or debris hiding beneath the filter assembly. Getting rid of these trapped scraps can make a huge difference in eliminating unpleasant smells.
After soaking, the filter and other removable parts should be much easier to clean. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away loosened food particles and grease. Pay special attention to the inside of the filter where debris tends to hide. Once everything looks clean, rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
For spray arms, inspect each nozzle opening carefully. A pipe cleaner, toothpick, or small brush works well for removing trapped particles. Once cleaned, run water through the spray arms to verify that all openings are clear and flowing freely.
Before moving on, reinstall all the cleaned components. Make sure the filter locks securely into place and that the spray arms spin freely without obstruction.
A properly installed filter is essential for dishwasher performance. If it isn’t seated correctly, food particles can bypass the filtration system and redeposit onto your dishes. Taking an extra moment to ensure everything is installed correctly can help prevent future cleaning issues and maximize efficiency.
Once the dishwasher is reassembled, it’s time for the deep-cleaning cycle. Dishwasher cleaning tablets are specifically formulated to remove grease, food residue, mineral deposits, and buildup throughout the entire machine. Place the cleaning tablet according to the manufacturer’s instructions and run the hottest cycle available. If your dishwasher has a dedicated cleaning cycle, use that setting. Otherwise, a normal cycle with a high-heat option works very well.
Unlike regular dish detergent, dishwasher cleaning tablets often contain ingredients such as citric acid that actively break down mineral deposits and stubborn residue throughout the machine. This helps clean internal components you can’t easily access by hand.
While the cleaning cycle is running, don’t forget the outside of the dishwasher. A simple solution of dish soap and water is usually all that’s needed to remove fingerprints, grease, and everyday grime.
For stainless steel models, always wipe and scrub in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks or scratches. If you encounter stubborn spots, use a non-scratch sponge to gently loosen the buildup. Finish by wiping the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining cleaner, then buff dry with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish.
How to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean Longer
The easiest way to prevent dishwasher odors and buildup is to clean the filter regularly. For most households, once a month is sufficient. If your dishwasher runs daily or you have a large family, consider cleaning it every two weeks. Running a dishwasher cleaning tablet through the machine once a month is another simple habit that prevents grease, mineral deposits, and food residue from accumulating. Consistent maintenance is much easier than dealing with a heavily soiled dishwasher later.
Finally, whenever you notice food particles, grime, or residue along the door seals or edges, wipe them away immediately. Staying on top of these small messes helps prevent odors and keeps your dishwasher operating at peak performance year-round. A clean dishwasher doesn’t just smell better, it cleans better too. By removing buildup from the filter, spray arms, seals, and interior surfaces, you’ll improve washing performance, eliminate odors, and help your appliance last longer.
A little monthly maintenance goes a long way. With just a few simple cleaning habits, you can keep your dishwasher looking, smelling, and performing like new for years to come.
