How to clean a dishwasher to reduce smells & dirt
Regularly cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is an easy way to help prevent a smelly dishwasher and the build-up of detergent, minerals and dirt that can cause your dishwasher to not clean properly. Whether you use a dishwasher cleaning tablet or clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda, repeat the following steps every 30 days to keep your dishwasher and your family’s dishes sparkling clean.
Step 1: Clear the filter
Clear the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher of any food bits or debris like glass, popcorn kernels or small pieces of paper. If applicable, remove and clean the filter to clear any clogs or other obstructions. Keep in mind that some filters cannot be removed—check your Use & Care guide for specific instructions.
Step 2: Add white vinegar
Pour 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup or other dishwasher-safe container and place upright in the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with the heat dry option turned off to clean the inside of your dishwasher. Do not use detergent.
Step 3: Add baking soda
After the cycle with vinegar is complete, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. That’s all it takes for a clean, fresh-smelling dishwasher!
Cleaning tip: You can use either white or diluted apple cider vinegar. However, distilled white vinegar is preferable since it doesn’t have a coloring agent that could stain surfaces.
Step 1: Clear the filter
Clear the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher of any food bits or debris like glass, popcorn kernels or small pieces of paper. If applicable, remove and clean the filter to clear any clogs or other obstructions. Keep in mind that some filters cannot be removed—check your Use & Care guide for specific instructions.
Step 2: Place dishwasher cleaner tablet
If you’re cleaning without dishes, place 1 tablet in the detergent tray. You can add a second tablet to the bottom of the dishwasher if there’s a lot of build-up.
If you’re cleaning with dishes, put 1 tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher (under the bottom rack) and use your normal detergent in the main detergent tray. Shop affresh® tablets and other cleaners.
Step 3: Run cycle
No matter whether you’re washing with or without dishes, run a normal wash cycle. Learn more about how long dishwashers run based on the cycle you select.
Cleaning tip: Outside of the dishwasher looking dingy? Just wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. To polish stainless steel exteriors, use a cleaner like this affresh® stainless steel cleaning spray.
Keep your appliances working as hard as you do with affresh® products
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
To keep your dishwasher running effectively, follow this simple cleaning schedule. If you have hard water, you may want to do deep cleans more often to remove mineral build-up.
- After each load: Remove any leftover bits of food or debris at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Monthly: Deep clean using the baking soda and vinegar method or use a dishwasher cleaner.
- As needed: Clean and polish the outside of the dishwasher.
- After washing certain items: If you wash non-dishware items in your dishwasher, to avoid cross-contamination you may need to clean the dishwasher.
Dishwashers with 3rd Rack
Load more and run less with the 3rd Rack*
*Compared to Whirlpool® Dishwashers without a 3rd level rack.
Shop affresh® dishwasher cleaner
Helping kids stay in school
Learn how Whirlpool helps end the dropout cycle by giving kids access to clean clothes through the Care Counts™ Laundry Program
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
More guides to care for your dishwasher
home heartbeat
Ready for more tips, home hacks and appliance guides?
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
