How to Clean and Maintain Your Dishwasher

 month, and it makes a significant difference in how well the appliance works and how long it lasts. This guide covers how to clean every part of your dishwasher and how to maintain it to prevent problems.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

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Step 1: Clean the Filter

The filter is the most important part to clean. It catches food particles, debris, and other gunk before they can recirculate onto your dishes. A clogged filter reduces cleaning performance and causes odors.

Find Your Filter

Most modern dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub, under the lower spray arm. It’s usually a cylindrical mesh screen that twists out.

Older dishwashers (pre-2010) may have a “self-cleaning” grinder instead of a removable filter. These have a hard food disposer that grinds up food particles like a garbage disposal. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a removable filter, skip this step.

How to Clean the Filter

1. Remove the filter. Twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and pull it up. There may be a second, flat mesh filter underneath — remove that too.

2. Rinse the filter under running water. Most of the debris will wash away.

3. Scrub stubborn residue with an old toothbrush and a little dish soap. Pay attention to the mesh screen — food can get stuck in the holes.

4. Check for damage. If the filter is torn or has holes, replace it. A damaged filter lets food recirculate onto your dishes.

5. Reinstall the filter. Make sure it’s seated properly and twisted securely into place. A loose filter can let debris into the pump.

How Often to Clean the Filter

Clean the filter once a month. If you use your dishwasher daily or don’t scrape plates before loading, clean it every two weeks.

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Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms are the rotating arms that distribute water throughout the dishwasher. If the small holes in the arms get clogged with food or minerals, the water can’t spray properly, and your dishes won’t get clean.

How to Clean the Spray Arms

1. Remove the spray arms. Most spray arms pull straight up or have a clip that releases them. Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to remove them. The upper arm may have a retaining nut or clip.

2. Rinse the arms under running water.

3. Clear clogged holes. Use a toothpick, a straightened paper clip, or a thin wire to poke out any debris from the spray holes. Don’t use something that could break off inside (like a wooden toothpick that might snap).

4. Soak in vinegar if there’s mineral buildup. Submerge the arms in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve hard water deposits.

5. Flush the arms by holding them under running water and watching the water come out of the spray holes. All holes should have a clear stream of water.

6. Reinstall the arms. Make sure they spin freely.

How to Tell if Spray Arms Are Clogged

If your dishes aren’t getting clean, especially on the top rack, the spray arms may be clogged. Other signs:

• The dishwasher sounds different than it used to (less water splashing)
• Detergent isn’t dissolving completely
• Glasses on the top rack have food or residue on them

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Step 3: Clean the Door Gasket

The rubber gasket around the dishwasher door creates a watertight seal. Over time, food, grease, and mold can build up on the gasket, preventing a good seal and causing odors.

How to Clean the Gasket

1. Wipe the gasket with a damp cloth and warm, soapy water. Pay attention to the folds and crevices where gunk accumulates.

2. Use an old toothbrush to scrub stubborn dirt or mold.

3. For mold or mildew, wipe the gasket with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Don’t use bleach — it can degrade the rubber over time.

4. Dry the gasket with a clean cloth.

5. Check for damage. If the gasket is torn, cracked, or permanently compressed, it may not seal properly. A damaged gasket can cause leaks and should be replaced.

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Step 4: Clean the Interior

Run a Vinegar Cycle

White vinegar is the best cleaner for dishwashers. It cuts through grease, removes mineral deposits, and kills odor-causing bacteria.

1. Make sure the dishwasher is empty.

2. Place a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl on the top rack. Fill it with 2 cups of white vinegar.

3. Run a hot water cycle. Use the hottest cycle available (usually “Pots and Pans” or “Heavy Duty”). Don’t use a heated dry cycle — the vinegar needs to wash through the dishwasher, not bake onto the dishes.

4. Let the cycle complete. The vinegar will clean the interior, dissolve mineral deposits, and remove odors.

Don’t put vinegar in the detergent dispenser. The vinegar needs to be in an open container so it can mix with the water throughout the cycle. If you put it in the dispenser, it all gets released at once and doesn’t have time to work.

Alternative: Baking Soda

For extra cleaning and deodorizing:

1. After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.

2. Run a short, hot water cycle.

3. The baking soda will scrub away stains and absorb odors.

For Stubborn Stains or Hard Water Buildup

If the interior of your dishwasher has a white, chalky film (hard water deposits) or brown/orange stains (iron in the water):

1. Use a dishwasher cleaner. Products like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner or Finish Dishwasher Cleaner are formulated to remove tough buildup. Follow the package instructions.

2. Use citric acid. Fill the detergent dispenser with citric acid powder (available at hardware stores or online) and run a hot cycle. Citric acid is excellent at dissolving hard water deposits.

3. Use Tang or Kool-Aid. This sounds weird, but the citric acid in these drink mixes is effective at cleaning dishwashers. Put a packet in the detergent dispenser and run a hot cycle. Use the unsweetened kind — you don’t want sugar in your dishwasher.

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Step 5: Clean the Exterior

For Stainless Steel Doors

1. Wipe with a damp cloth and a small amount of dish soap.

2. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.

3. For streaks and fingerprints, use a stainless steel cleaner or a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray it on and wipe with a microfiber cloth, following the grain of the stainless steel.

4. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or bleach on stainless steel. They can scratch or discolor the surface.

For Plastic or Enamel Doors

1. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.

2. Dry with a clean cloth.

3. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub gently with a sponge.

Clean the Control Panel

The buttons and control panel can get gunky from food splashes and greasy fingers. Wipe them with a damp cloth and dry. Don’t spray cleaner directly on the panel — spray it on the cloth first.

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Step 6: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser can get caked with dried detergent or have residue that prevents it from opening properly.

How to Clean the Dispenser

1. Open the dispenser.

2. Remove any visible residue with a damp cloth or an old toothbrush.

3. Soak with vinegar if the residue is stubborn. Saturate a cloth with vinegar and lay it over the dispenser for 15 minutes, then scrub.

4. Check the dispenser door. It should open and close smoothly. If it’s sticky, clean the hinge area with a toothbrush and vinegar.

5. Run a cycle to flush out any remaining residue.

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How to Maintain Your Dishwasher

Cleaning is important, but so is daily maintenance. These habits will keep your dishwasher running well and prevent problems.

Scrape, Don’t Rinse

This surprises a lot of people, but you should scrape food off your plates, not rinse them. Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to work with food residue on the dishes. The enzymes in dishwasher detergent need food to break down — if the dishes are already clean, the detergent can etch the glass over time.

Scrape large food pieces into the trash, but leave the small stuff. The dishwasher will handle it.

Don’t Overload the Dishwasher

Overloading prevents water and detergent from reaching all the dishes. Make sure there’s space between items and that nothing is blocking the spray arms.

A good test: Can you see through the rack? If dishes are piled so close that you can’t see the bottom of the tub, it’s too full.

Use the Right Detergent

• Use detergent specifically designed for dishwashers. Regular dish soap will create a massive foam party in your kitchen.

• Use the right amount. More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner dishes. In fact, too much detergent can leave a residue. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Don’t use expired detergent. Dishwasher detergent loses effectiveness over time. If it’s clumpy or hard, it’s past its prime.

• Consider using a rinse aid. Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes, preventing spots and film. It’s especially important if you have hard water.

Run Hot Water Before Starting the Dishwasher

The dishwasher works best when the water is hot from the start. Run the kitchen sink faucet until the water is hot, then start the dishwasher. This ensures the first fill cycle uses hot water, not the cold water that’s been sitting in the pipes.

Run the Dishwasher Regularly

If you don’t run your dishwasher often (less than once a week), the seals can dry out and crack, and the motor can seize up. Run it at least once a week, even if it’s not full. This keeps the seals lubricated and the parts moving.

Leave the Door Slightly Open After Use

After unloading the dishwasher, leave the door slightly open to let the interior dry out. This prevents mold and mildew from growing in the damp environment.

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Common Dishwasher Problems and Solutions

Problem: Dishes Have a White Film

Causes: Hard water deposits, too much detergent, rinse aid needed.

Solutions:

• Clean the dishwasher with vinegar or citric acid
• Use less detergent
• Use a rinse aid
• Check your water hardness and adjust detergent accordingly

Problem: Dishes Are Wet at the End of the Cycle

Causes: Rinse aid is empty, heated dry is off, plastic items are holding water.

Solutions:

• Fill the rinse aid dispenser
• Use the heated dry option
• Unload the bottom rack first (water from the top rack can drip onto the bottom dishes)

Problem: Dishwasher Smells Bad

Causes: Clogged filter, food debris in the bottom, mold in the gasket.

Solutions:

• Clean the filter
• Run a vinegar cycle
• Clean the door gasket
• Check for standing water in the bottom (indicates a drain problem)

Problem: Dishwasher Doesn’t Drain

Causes: Clogged filter, kinked drain hose, clogged garbage disposal (if connected).

Solutions:

• Clean the filter
• Check the drain hose for kinks
• Run the garbage disposal (if the dishwasher drains through it)
• Check the air gap (the small cylinder next to the faucet) for clogs

Problem: Detergent Isn’t Dissolving

Causes: Clogged spray arms, water not getting hot enough, dispenser is stuck closed.

Solutions:

• Clean the spray arms
• Run hot water before starting the dishwasher
• Clean the detergent dispenser
• Make sure nothing is blocking the dispenser door from opening

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When to Call a Professional

Most dishwasher cleaning and maintenance is DIY-friendly. Call a professional if:

• The dishwasher won’t drain even after cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose
• There’s water leaking from under the dishwasher (not from the door)
• The dishwasher makes loud or unusual noises during the cycle
• The dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes even after you’ve cleaned the filter, spray arms, and run a vinegar cycle
• There’s a burning smell when the dishwasher runs

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How Much Does Dishwasher Maintenance Cost?

Regular DIY maintenance costs almost nothing and prevents the need for expensive repairs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

Only if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior. Never use bleach in a dishwasher with a plastic interior — it can damage the plastic. Even in stainless steel models, use bleach sparingly (1/4 cup per cycle) and only for disinfecting, not routine cleaning. Vinegar is a safer, more effective option for regular maintenance.

Why do my glasses come out of the dishwasher cloudy?

This is usually caused by hard water deposits or etching. Hard water deposits look like a white film and can be wiped off with vinegar. Etching is permanent — the glass surface has been corroded by too much detergent or water that’s too hot. If the cloudiness wipes off with vinegar, it’s hard water. If it doesn’t, it’s etching.

Should I use a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh?

Dishwasher cleaners are effective and convenient, but they’re not necessary if you clean your dishwasher regularly with vinegar. If you haven’t cleaned your dishwasher in a long time or have severe hard water buildup, a commercial cleaner can be worth the $5 to $10.

How long should a dishwasher last?

With proper maintenance, 10 to 15 years. Cheaper models may last 7 to 10 years. Regular cleaning, using the right amount of detergent, and not overloading the dishwasher can extend its life.

Why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?

A small amount of water (a few tablespoons) is normal — it keeps the seals moist. If there’s enough water to cover the bottom of the tub, you have a drain problem. Clean the filter, check the drain hose, and make sure the garbage disposal (if connected) is clear.