This post is all about how to clean a dishwasher. Over time minerals food particles, hard water stains and even soap scum buildup inside and prevent it from washing your dishes properly.
Here are 4 indicators it’s time to clean your dishwasher:
- The dishes are still dirty after running a cleaning cycle.
- Dishwasher won’t drain.
- Black mold is present.
- It SMELLS BAD!!
STEP 1: Remove & Clean The Filter
Most dishwashers house the filter inside the appliance on the bottom either in the corners or in the middle underneath the spinner. Refer to photo below:
Cleaning Instructions:
1. Open door, and pull off the spinner. The spinner will pop right off. Along the way, dip an old toothbrush in some undiluted vinegar and use it to clean the nooks and crannies of the spinner while you’re at it. Pay special attention to the spray holes.
2. Secondly, turn the filter counter clockwise or clockwise depending on your particular machine and remove all removable parts. For a demonstration, watch video below starting a minute 1:00.
3. Place all the removable parts in a sink with hot soapy water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes.
NOTE: Be sure to clean out the drain inside the dishwasher while the filters are soaking. Just remove any food or debris with your fingers or a damp cloth.
4. Wash. After soaking for 10 minutes use a sponge to wash the filters. Avoid using abrasive chemicals or scrub brushes as these filters are very delicate.
STEP 2: Clean The Dishwasher Using Vinegar
After you have cleaned the filters and put them back inside it’s time to clean the rest of the dishwasher.
► Pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar inside the dishwasher. The vinegar has disinfecting properties and it should also loosen up the grime.
► Run the dishwasher on it’s longest and hottest cycle. Hot water works much better than cold water!!
STEP 3: Subdue the Smell With Baking Soda
If your dishwasher smells bad or if there are visible stains use baking soda.
► Pour 1 cup of baking soda inside the dishwasher. This will help deodorize and remove stains.
► Run the dishwasher on the longest and hottest cycle. Additionally, for an extremely smelly dishwasher allow the baking soda to sit inside and absorb the odors all night before running the cycle.
STEP 4: Eliminate Black Mold with Bleach
Clorox Bleach is great a killing mold and mildew spores when present.
► Pour 1 cup of Clorox bleach into the base of the dishwasher.
► Run the dishwasher on it’s longest and hottest cycle. WARNING! Make sure you only use bleach by itself. Never mix bleach with vinegar or any other chemical as this can create toxic fumes.
STEP 5: Clean the Dishwasher Door
After cleaning the dishwasher on the inside it’s time to focus on the outside. Whether your dishwasher door is stainless steel or some other material you will clean it the exact same way.
► Pour a small amount of Dawn dish soap into a damp microfiber cloth and give it a good wipe down. If the door is stainless steel be sure to wipe with the grain. Equally important, never use paper towels as they will leave small scratches.
► Lastly, polish the door with your favorite stainless steel polish. I prefer Zep or Sprayway but use whatever works best for you.
BONUS!! If you really want to get detailed you can take a cleaning toothbrush and scrub the detergent dispenser as well.
What if the Dishwasher Won’t Drain?
If you cleaned the filters, ran the vinegar and baking soda cycles and there’s standing water this is an indication you may have an actual dishwasher problem.
Here are my Suggestions:
1. Check the garbage disposal line. There should be a pipe that runs from the dishwasher to the disposal. Make sure it’s not clogged with food as this will cause the dishwasher to not drain properly.
2. Check the chopper blade. Most dishwashers have a small blade close to the filter or drain. If it’s not visible, it may be covered with a removable screwed on cover. Remove the cover by unscrewing the screws and ensure nothing is obstructing the blade and that it moves freely. If it’s not grinding properly the dishwasher will clog FAST!!
3. Have the water pump checked. If step 1 or 2 didn’t work there may be a pump problem. For this I recommend calling a local appliance repair company as this can be a little more complicated.
Dishwasher Cleaning FAQ:
How often should you clean a dishwasher?
Remove and rinse out filters weekly and give it a deep clean monthly.
What is the best way to clean inside the dishwasher?
Pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar inside the appliance and run it on it’s longest and hottest cycle.
How do I deodorize my dishwasher?
Pour 1 cup of baking soda in the base of the dishwasher and run it on it’s longest and hottest cycle. For really stinky dishwashers, let the baking soda sit overnight and run the cycle in the morning.
How do I get rid of standing water in my dishwasher?
If your dishwasher won’t drain make sure the hose running to the garbage disposal isn’t clogged. Secondly, ensure the chopper blade located close to the drain or filter isn’t obstructed and moves freely. Lastly, have the water pump checked.
How do I get rid of mold in my dishwasher?
Pour 1 cup of Clorox bleach inside the base of the dishwasher and run it on it’s longest and hottest cycle. Bleach is great a killing surface mold!!
