How To Clean A Dishwasher In 3 Easy Steps (2024)

Learning how to clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda is an important aspect of keeping this important appliance in good working order and you can do it easily. Several of the most common issues people experience with their dishwashers, including unpleasant odors, drainage problems, and poor performance, can result when grease and grime build up in its inner workings.

Lucky for us, there’s a simple and highly effective way to clean a dishwasher, and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this post. After describing how this method works, I’ll walk you through each step of how to clean the dishwasher, and share a few extra tips that can help if you’re dealing with stubborn soap scum or odors.

After that, I’ll finish up by sharing some tips and tricks that can help youkeep your dishwasher in good working order. Ready to learn how to clean the inside of your dishwasher? Let’s get started.

Why Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar And Baking Soda?

The simple cleaning method below utilizes two of my favorite inexpensive cleaning ingredients: distilled white vinegar and baking soda. The vinegar helps break down grease and grime,dissolve mineral deposits from hard water, and eliminate bacteria, while the baking soda eliminates lingering odors and scrubs away food residues and stains.

This method will not only leave your dishwasher squeaky clean and smelling fresh, but it can also help resolve minor drainage issues too. Read on to learn how to deep clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda!

*By the way, if you ever accidentally put dish soap in the dishwasher, vinegar will help you clean up that mess, too!

How To Clean A Dishwasher In 3 Easy Steps

After checking around the drain and removing any foreign material you find, place a bowl of white vinegar on the bottom rack and run a complete wash cycle on the hottest setting. Afterward, sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the bottom of your dishwasher and run another hot wash cycle.

Here’s a step by step guide to walk you through the process:

Step 1 – Clear The Drain

The first thing you should do is inspect the bottom of your dishwasher, paying special attention to the area around the drain. (All sorts of stuff can end up down there, including bones, bits of plastic, glass shards, and other things that shouldn’t be in a dishwasher!)Pull out the bottom rack for easier access, then remove any foreign material you find.

Step 2 – Vinegar Wash

Next, place a shallow dishwasher-safe bowl into the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher, then pour around 1 cup of white vinegar into the bowl. (You could use apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but there’s some risk that a non-clear vinegar could discolor or stain plastic interior surfaces.) Close your dishwasher door, then start a wash cycle on your dishwasher’s hottest setting.

Step 3 – Baking Soda Wash

When the first wash cycle is complete, remove the bowl and sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda into the bottom of your dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on another hot water cycle, and wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp microfiber cloth in the meantime.

In most cases, dishwashers turn out perfectly clean and fresh following the second wash cycle. However, if you’re dealing with tough stains, mold, or mildew issues, a third wash cycle (this time using bleach) can help.

Bleach Wash (Optional)

To eliminate mold and mildew or other tough messes, add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the bottom of the dishwasher and run another full wash cycle.

(Warning: Skip this step if your dishwasher has astainless steel interior, as bleach can permanently damage or discolor stainless steel.)

Still Noticing Unpleasant Odors?

If your dishwasher still smells bad after completing the first three steps above, it could be caused by food particles or mildew hiding the rubber seal around the door. Wipe down the seal thoroughly with a damp microfiber cloth, making sure to get into the folds where gunk liked to hide.

In the future, leaving your dishwasher door partially ajar after unloading clean dishes can help give it a chance to dry out between uses, which will help prevent odor issues down the road.Repeat the cleaning method outlined above once a month or so to keep your dishwasher clean and working effectively.

Cleaning Your Dishwasher’s Sprayer Arms

If your dishwasher is clean and draining properly, but your dishes aren’t coming out clean, the holes in the sprayer arms may be blocked with bits of food or hard water buildup. Depending on your dishwasher and how it’s set up, you may be able to clean them yourself.

Step 1 – Shut Off The Water And Power

Start by shutting off the water supply and power to your dishwasher. The water valve will likely be under your kitchen sink, and the power outlet or switch may be under there as well.

If you aren’t able to shut the power off, don’t try to clean the spray arms and filter assembly.

Step 2 – Remove And Wash The Spray Arms

Pull the bottom rack out of the dishwasher, then remove the spray arms. (They can usually be unscrewed by hand, but you may need a screwdriver.)

Fill one side of your sink with warm water, then add a bit of dish soap and a cup or so of white vinegar. Use a scrub brush or toothbrush to clean the holes along the spray arms — if they’re clogged with stubborn gunk, try unfolding a paper clip and using it to clear the blockage.

Step 3 – Clean The Filter

If you already have your dishwasher disconnected from water and power and the sprayer arms removed, that’s a great time to check the state of the filter that sits over the drain. Your dishwasher filter can collect residue and grime too, so it’s a good idea to remove and clean the filter every once in a while.

For specific instructions on how to remove your dishwasher’s filter, refer to the user manual (or look it up online, if you can’t find the paper copy). A little soapy water should be all you need to clean it!

After cleaning the filter, be sure to replace it properly (along with any parts you may have had to disconnect to get to it). Replace the sprayer arms and bottom rack, then turn the dishwasher’s water and power back on.

Other Dishwasher Cleaning Products

Wondering why I recommend using vinegar and baking soda to clean dishwashers, rather than commercial cleaners you’ve may have seen at the store? Cost is one reason, and convenience is another!

Vinegar and baking soda are not only markedly cheaper than any store-bought dishwasher cleaner, but you’re more likely to already have them on hand too. They’re also cheaper than Tang drink mix, which some people use to clean their dishwashers due to its citric acid content.

Speaking of which, myhomemade dishwasher detergent contains citric acid too, in addition to baking soda, washing soda, borax, and salt, all of which do a great job of cleaning dishes and softening hard water. I also have a recipe for homemade dishwasher soap (not detergent) featuring vinegar, Dawn, and oxygen bleach that can help keep your dishwasher clean, too. (It also makes a great substitute for your usual detergent, should you ever find yourself without it!)

BONUS: 6 Helpful Dishwasher Hacks

1. Run your garbage disposal before starting a load of dishes to ensure it can drain properly.
2. Run hot water through your kitchen faucet until it feels hot to the touch before starting your dishwasher — starting with hot water means a more effective wash cycle.
3. Set your water heater to around 120°F (50°C) to ensure the water is hot enough to clean your dishes effectively (but not so hot that the water could scald someone!)
4. Don’t overfill it. Waiting to run your dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes will help save water and energy, but overfilling it may hinder its ability to clean your dishes properly.
5. Lightly rinse dishes before putting them in your dishwasher, butdon’t rinse them completely clean. Most dishwasher detergents need a certain amount of food residue to latch onto in order to work properly.
6. Put caps on rusty tines. If rusty tines are leaving stains on your dishes, it’s nothing a fewdishwasher tine caps can’t fix!

You can use your dishwasher for much more than just washing dishes, so it’s in your best interest to keep it in tiptop shape. And if you do find yourself in need of dishwasher repairs down the road, check out mydishwashing hacks to make washing your dishes by hand easier!

Did you know how to clean your dishwasher before today?