A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are like me, I used to think that since my dishwasher was washing dishes it had to also be washing itself at the same time. Not exactly. Over time, grease, soap scum, and food particles build up inside, leaving your dishwasher stinky, streaky, and less effective. The good news? With just a few easy steps, you can deep clean your dishwasher, banish odors, and make sure it keeps running like new. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Remove & Soak the Removable Parts
Take out the bottom rack, filter (usually a twist-out cylinder on the bottom), utensil holder, and any other removable pieces. Soak them in your sink with warm water, a cup of white vinegar, and a squirt of dish soap.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Interior
Mix a DIY cleaner with:
Spray the inside walls, door gasket, and edges, then wipe with a microfiber towel. These spots are grime magnets and often missed in regular cycles.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Rinse and replace the filter and parts. Then:
💡 Pro Tip: Run your kitchen sink’s hot water for 30 seconds before starting. This ensures the dishwasher starts with hot water for maximum cleaning power. Use a normal cycle with high-temp, and skip heated dry.
Step 4: Final Detail Work
After the cycle, let the dishwasher air out. Remove the bottom rack and check the heating coils for buildup. Wipe gently with your vinegar mix if needed. Touch up any missed areas.
Step 5: Shine the Exterior
For stainless steel, spray cleaner onto a microfiber towel (not directly onto the surface) and wipe with the grain. Buff with a dry section for that streak-free shine.
Why Bother?
Because nothing’s worse than pulling a supposedly “clean” glass out of the dishwasher only to see cloudy film or smell something funky. A deep-cleaned dishwasher means sparkling dishes, fresher air in your kitchen, and a machine that lasts longer.
👉 Ready to give your dishwasher some extra TLC? Check out these top-rated dishwasher cleaning tools and supplies on Amazon. Trust me: your dishes (and your nose) will thank you.
