Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's

How to clean your dishwasher (including the one step everyone forgets)

Remember to do this one step when cleaning your dishwasher

Amelia Wilson
By

Did you know that it’s recommended to clean your dishwasher once a month? This is because dishwashers are one of the most used appliances in the home, and over time, they gather a lot of grime and funky smells, which can lead to poorly washed dishes.

Moreover, many homeowners forget one of the most vital steps when it comes to cleaning a dishwasher! So, if your machine needs a little TLC, we have a super simple step-by-step guide on how to clean your dishwasher.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

30 minutes

What You Need

  • Warm water

  • White vinegar

  • Baking soda

  • Microfiber cloth or cleaning cloth

  • Cleaning brush

Open dishwasher in kitchen with clean dishes inside
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to clean your dishwasher

Step 1: Remove the filter.

In 2022, a trend floated around on TikTok about cleaning the dishwasher filter. Surprisingly, several homeowners had no idea their dishwashers had filters, let alone that they needed cleaning! This has proven to be the one step nearly everyone forgets when it comes to cleaning their dishwasher.

So, the first thing you need to do is remove the filter from your dishwasher. Most filters are located at the bottom of the appliance. Depending on the manufacturer, it could be elsewhere on the machine. It’s best to look to your dishwasher’s service manual to remove the filter appropriately.

Step 2: Rinse and soak the filter.

Once you remove the filter, rinse and soak it. Run water over the filter to clear away any built-up grime and debris. Then, place the filter in a bowl of warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the filter soak for about 30 minutes.

Related

Step 3: Rinse and soak racks and utensil holders.

Remove the drying racks and utensil holders. Then, rinse and soak these parts to remove any debris. Or, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the racks by hand.

Step 4: Wipe down the inside of the dishwasher to clear away debris.

Using a cleaning cloth, begin wiping down the inside of your dishwasher to clear away any visible food debris. A spray bottle with the warm water and vinegar mixture can be handy for this step as well. Be sure to check all the tiny crevices in the machine and clear away any lodged debris with a cloth or a small cleaning brush.

Step 5: Place white vinegar in a bowl at the bottom of the dishwasher and run on a hot water cycle.

Using a dishwasher-safe bowl, add 1 cup of white vinegar and place the bowl at the bottom of the dishwasher. Your dishwasher should be empty during this step. Then, run the machine on a hot water cycle. The vinegar and hot water will help loosen any stuck-on debris and will give your dishwasher a nice deep clean.

Step 6: Run a short cycle with baking soda.

This step is optional but can provide you with a sparkling and fresh-smelling dishwasher. Remove the bowl with the vinegar. Then, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of your dishwasher and run it again on a short cycle. Don’t add too much baking soda! A little goes a long way, and the baking soda will remove any smelly scents from the dishwasher.

Step 7: Wipe down the door of the dishwasher on the outside portion.

Depending on the material of your dishwasher, find an all-purpose cleaner or use a water and vinegar mixture to wipe down the surface of your machine. Remove any sticky residue or fingerprints, and then use a cloth to towel dry the face of the dishwasher once you’re finished.

Step 8: Put the filter and racks back in place.

Once 30 minutes have passed and your filter and racks have been rinsed and soaked, you can place them back in the dishwasher. Be sure to put the filter back per the instruction manual and ensure that the filter is secure. Then, add your racks.

Cleaning the dishwasher is a simple task, though many homeowners don’t do it nearly enough. Additionally, many people neglect to clean out the dishwasher filter once a month, and some had no clue there was a filter at all! Be sure to use your service manual, and remember to clean out your dishwasher routinely to keep it functioning properly.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson
Contributor
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
How to clean silver flatware so it sparkles
Tips to get your silver looking beautiful
Piles of silverware on a black surface

Silver flatware adds elegance and charm to any dining experience. However, over time, silverware can tarnish and lose its luster. Learning how to clean silver properly can help restore its shine and beauty, ensuring your flatware continues to sparkle for years to come. Let's explore why silver tarnishes, the best hacks for cleaning silver, and how to polish and store your silver flatware properly to prevent tarnishing.

Why does silver tarnish?
Silver tarnishes because of a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur-containing compounds in the air. This reaction forms silver sulfide, a dark layer that dulls the surface of the silverware. Factors such as exposure to air, moisture, and certain chemicals can accelerate tarnishing. Additionally, handling silver with foods containing sulfur compounds, such as eggs or onions, can also contribute to tarnish buildup over time.

Read more
How to use bleach in laundry (because no one likes bleach spots)
You can save your clothes and still use bleach on laundry day
Doing laundry delicates with bleach pen

We put a lot of effort into our wardrobe, so it makes sense that we'd want to ensure our clothes look and feel great. That's why proper care in your laundry room is the key to keeping your fabrics looking bright, clean, and new. But when it comes time to use bleach in laundry, many people have trouble doing it right and end up with bleach stains or otherwise ruined clothes. But learning how to use bleach in laundry isn't all that complicated, so we're here to help you figure it out.

Read more
How to clean a Keurig (Spoiler alert: You’re not cleaning it often enough)
Cleaning your Keurig is super easy and you can do it in under an hour
Single serve coffee maker

Keurigs make mornings easier for many people. You can have a flavorful cup of coffee ready in minutes with a few simple steps. However, while Keurig coffee makers have certainly made mornings easier for many people on the go, they must also be cleaned regularly to maintain their superb performance. The last thing you want is bacteria building up in your coffee maker or poor-quality cups of coffee. So, follow these steps on how to clean a Keurig.

Do Keurig coffee machines need cleaning?
The short answer is yes. Keurig coffee machines may be simpler than traditional drip coffee makers, but that doesn’t mean they’re exempt from cleaning. With frequent usage, Keurigs can become dark, damp homes to all sorts of bacteria, causing grime, slime, and even hard water buildup to stain your machine. Thankfully, Keurig coffee makers are fairly easy to clean.

Read more