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A dishwasher deals with grease, food bits, and moisture every day, so it’s common for residue to build up over time. Many people don’t think about cleaning the dishwasher until dishes start coming out cloudy or the machine begins to smell. But knowing how to clean a dishwasher before problems start can save time and frustration later.
In this article, we’ll share practical ways to keep your dishwasher fresh and running well. The steps are simple, the tools are easy to find, and everything can slot into your normal routine without adding much hassle.
Why Is Cleaning a Dishwasher Important?
Dishwashers clean better when the inside is clean too. Over time, food bits, grease, detergent residue, and mineral deposits can collect in the filter, spray arms, and corners. That buildup can cause bad smells, cloudy glasses, and weaker water flow. Learning how to clean a dishwasher helps the machine run the way it’s supposed to, so dishes come out properly clean instead of just “rinsed-looking.”
How To Clean Your Dishwasher?
Cleaning your dishwasher helps it run better and keeps smells and buildup from affecting your dishes. But do you know how to clean a dishwasher the right way? Let’s walk through simple steps to keep it fresh and working the way it should.
Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar and Baking Soda
For a simple at-home clean, vinegar and baking soda are a popular choice. Vinegar helps break down grease and mineral buildup, while baking soda helps remove lingering odours. They work best when used in separate cycles, not at the same time. When you use them in the right order, many people find this is one of the best ways to clean a dishwasher interiors naturally without relying on harsh chemicals.
1. First, clean the dishwasher filter. Pull out the lower rack, remove the filter from the bottom, and rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush for stuck bits, then put it back in securely so water can flow freely.
2. Then, use vinegar to clean the dishwasher. Pour about 500 mL (2 cups) of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup or another dishwasher-safe container. Place it upright on the lower rack, then run a normal wash cycle with the heat dry option turned off to clean the interior thoroughly.
3. Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot water cycle to neutralize odours and leave the interior feeling fresh.
Clean a Dishwasher Using Dishwasher Cleaner
If natural ingredients don’t work, you can use dishwasher cleaners that are formulated to tackle limescale and mineral buildup that regular cycles may miss. If you are aiming to deep clean dishwasher interiors without extra effort, this method fits easily into your routine and can even be done while running a regular dishwashing load.
1. The first step is to remove the filter (if applicable) and clean it thoroughly. You can check the user manual to learn how to remove the dishwasher filter correctly based on your model.
2. If you are cleaning without dishes, place one cleaning tablet in the detergent tray. For heavy buildup, add a second tablet to the bottom of the dishwasher. However, if you are cleaning with dishes inside, place one tablet at the bottom of the dishwasher under the lower rack, then add your regular detergent to the main tray.
3. Then run a normal wash cycle and let the cleaner do its job, breaking down buildup and refreshing the interior as the dishwasher runs.
4. To disinfect dishwasher interiors, run one more hot cycle after cleaning. If your model has a sanitize or high-temp option, turn it on so heat can kill germs and leave the inside fresher.
How to Clean the Exterior of a Dishwasher?
While the interior handles most of the mess, the exterior also needs attention to keep the dishwasher looking clean and well cared for.
- Use the Right Cleaner for the Surface
- Avoid Harsh Products
- Wipe Stainless Steel Properly
- Clean the Door Seal Area
- Wipe Door Accessories
Clean plastic exteriors with hot, soapy water and a sponge, but for stainless steel, use a non-ammonia or stainless-specific cleaner.
Skip bleach-based wipes, abrasive pads, or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch surfaces and dull the finish.
Spray cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, not directly on the door, then wipe gently to keep the finish clean and even.
Wipe the seal between the door and tub with a damp rag to remove trapped grime and moisture.
If you use a clean dirty dishwasher magnet, wipe it regularly so grease and fingerprints don’t transfer back onto the dishwasher door.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
To keep your dishwasher running smoothly, it helps to clear out any leftover food bits or debris at the bottom after each load. For a deeper clean, try to do a quick routine once a month using baking soda and vinegar, or a dishwasher cleaner. Keeping up with this stops the buildup, helps prevent odours, and keeps your dishwasher cleaning properly over time.
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips to Keep It Clean
You don't have to spend all your time scrubbing to keep your dishwasher clean. Here are a few maintenance tips to help keep your dishwasher running smoothly:
- Don’t Overload Dishes: Overloading blocks water from reaching all surfaces. Always arrange dishes so the spray arms can circulate water freely.
- Rinse Dishes Before Loading: Rinsing off large food scraps reduces residue and helps maintain a cleaner interior.
- Leave Door Ajar After Use: After emptying, leave the door slightly open to allow air circulation and full drying.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean a dishwasher helps stop bad odours and buildup before they become a real problem. Small habits, like rinsing the filter and running a vinegar cycle or a dishwasher cleaner now and then, keep things running smoothly. If you use a Midea dishwasher, upkeep can feel easier, since its stainless steel tub is designed to handle daily wear and resist stains and lingering smells.
FAQs
How to clean a dishwasher filter?
To clean the dishwasher filter, first remove it from the bottom of the appliance. Rinse it under warm running water and use a soft brush to remove trapped food particles, grease, and debris. Regularly cleaning the filter improves water flow, prevents odours, and ensures dishes come out cleaner.
How to remove dishwasher filter?
Removing a dishwasher filter is usually simple once you know where the filter is in the dishwasher. It’s usually found at the bottom, under the lower rack, close to the spray arm. Most models use a twist-and-lift design, but checking the manual is still a good idea. Gently unlock the filter, lift it out, and rinse it under warm water to remove trapped food. Cleaning it once a month helps prevent clogs and keeps the dishwasher running smoothly.
How to clean a dishwasher drain?
First, remove any visible food bits or debris around the drain area. Wipe the opening with a damp cloth, then use a soft brush if residue is stuck. Cleaning a dishwasher drain helps prevent standing water, bad smells, and slow drainage, so your dishwasher keeps working properly. Avoid pouring harsh chemicals directly into the drain, as they can damage internal components.
Why does my dishwasher smell even after a wash?
Persistent dishwasher smells often come from trapped food, grease buildup, or a dirty filter. Even if dishes look clean, hidden debris can cause odours. Regularly cleaning filters, drains, and running a vinegar or commercial dishwasher cleaner cycle eliminates bacteria and smells.
Can you put vinegar and baking soda in the dishwasher at the same time?
It’s better to use vinegar and baking soda in separate cycles. Vinegar helps break down grease and limescale, while baking soda freshens the interior and tackles odours. Using them together at the same time can cancel out their effects. Running them in two steps gives better cleaning results.