It may seem counterintuitive, but so do you dishwasher It needs a good cleaning every now and then. Over time, dirt can build up, affecting how well your dishes clean and sometimes causing an unpleasant “wet dog” odor. Regular maintenance not only keeps your dishwasher running smoothly, but also ensures that your dishes are properly washed and kept clean.
The best part? Cleaning the dishwasher is simple and does not require much effort. Here’s a guide to keeping it fresh, effective and odor-free, plus tips on how often you should do it.
For more about dishwashers, visit The correct way to load the dishwasher. For more kitchen cleaning tips, learn How to clean a stand mixer, How to clean the blender and How to clean a cast iron skillet.
How to clean the dishwasher
Step 1: Clean the dishwasher filter
The filter is where food particles are captured. A stopped filter can cause overflow, so it’s important to clean it every week or so. It can be found on the floor of the inside of the dishwasher. Simply loosen the handle and lift out the filter (location and removal will vary by brand, so check your owner’s manual).
Wash the filter by rinsing it with warm water and dish soap, then scrub it well with an old toothbrush. Rinse it with clean water and let the filter air dry before putting it back in place.
Step 2: Clean the dishwasher seal
The seal is what keeps the water inside the dishwasher and not on the floor. To keep it clean, scrub the seal with warm water once a month and wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 3: Unclog the sprinklers
The spray arms on your dishwasher need a little love every six months or so. Use a toothpick to remove any food particles from the spray nozzles. This will increase the amount of water coming out, increasing the cleaning power.
Step 4: Remove the gunk from the silverware basket
A silverware basket can become unsanitary very quickly. Remove it once a week and wash it with warm water, a bottle brush and dish soap. Make sure to remove any food scraps that may be stuck inside the cups to prevent mold.
Keep every part of your dishwasher clean and smelling fresh with our tips.
What to do if your dishwasher smells bad
If your dishwasher is starting to smell a little bad, there’s an easy way to deodorize it. Some people say that you should put one cup of white vinegar in the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a deep cleaning cycle – however, Vinegar can damage the plastic in your dishwasherSo you may want to try this method instead. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the washer, let it sit overnight, then run a regular load while the dishwasher is empty. This should get rid of the unpleasant wet dog odor.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
Experts recommend deep cleaning your dishwasher once a month to keep it running efficiently and smelling fresh. If this seems like a lot of work, aim to do it at least once every three months. Start by removing the filter and rinsing it to remove food residue, then run an empty cycle with dishwasher-safe detergent or baking soda. This simple routine can prevent dirt buildup, improve performance, and prevent those unpleasant odors.
Another tip: remove rust from the bolt
After a few years of diligent use, your dishwasher door latch may begin to rust slightly. To fix this, scrub it with stainless steel cleaner and steel wool. Rinse the bolt and dry it with a cotton cloth. To finish, cover it with clear nail polish to waterproof the metal and prevent further rust growth.
For more, check out How to wash sheets and bedding the right wayand How to wash your pillow without making it lumpy.