Clean and disinfect a dishwasher by manually removing debris, scrubbing the filter and spray arms, then running a hot cycle with white vinegar followed by a baking soda cycle.
Your dishwasher works hard, but it only stays clean if you give it the same treatment it gives your dishes. Failing to clean and disinfect a dishwasher lets food particles, grease, and mineral deposits build up, which can leave dishes spotty, trap odors, and shorten the machine’s lifespan. A deep clean every one to three months keeps it running at its best. The process takes about two hours and uses common household ingredients — vinegar and baking soda — or a manufacturer-approved cleaning tablet.
Why Your Dishwasher Needs Regular Cleaning
Dishwashers don’t self-clean. Leftover food collects in the filter, grease coats the interior walls, and hard water deposits clog the spray arm jets. Over time, bacteria and mold can grow inside the warm, humid environment. That faint “musty” smell when you open the door after a cycle is a sign biofilm has formed. Routine cleaning and disinfecting removes these buildup layers so the water and detergent can reach every surface.
Step 1: Remove and Clean the Filter
The filter catches food scraps so they don’t recirculate onto clean dishes, but it needs manual scrubbing to work. Pull out the lower rack and locate the circular filter at the bottom of the tub. Twist it counter-clockwise (check the arrow indicators molded into the plastic), lift it out, and wash it with warm, soapy water using a soft toothbrush to dislodge stuck-on particles. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall by locking it under the rear retaining tabs.
Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms and Seals
Remove the spray arms if your model permits — check your manual for the release method. Use a toothpick or pipe cleaner to clear each nozzle hole; a brush may not reach the smallest openings. Hold the arm under running water to flush out loosened debris. Wipe the door edges, rubber gasket, and detergent dispenser with a damp microfiber cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn grime around the seal, dip a toothbrush in a paste of baking soda and water.
Does Vinegar or Baking Soda Sanitize a Dishwasher?
Yes, both ingredients disinfect and deodorize when used correctly in separate cycles. Vinegar’s acidity breaks down grease, mineral scale, and soap scum. Baking soda neutralizes odors and lifts stains. Plain detergent mixed with either one cancels the effect, so run them in empty loads with no detergent.
Step 3: Run a Disinfecting Vinegar Cycle
Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty. Pour 1–2 cups of standard 5-percent white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe glass or bowl. Place it upright on the top rack, or tip it upside down on the bottom rack so the vinegar drips out during the cycle. Select the hottest water temperature and the longest wash cycle your machine offers. Skip the heated drying cycle — let the interior air dry to avoid trapping vinegar residue.
Step 4: Run a Baking Soda Cycle for Odors
After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the empty tub. Run a short, hot wash cycle with no dishes. When it ends, prop the door open and let the interior air dry completely. This step removes any lingering musty or sour smells.
When to Use a Cleaning Tablet Instead
For heavy mineral buildup, use a dishwasher cleaning tablet such as Affresh, KitchenAid, or Cafe. Place one tablet in the detergent dispenser and, for severe deposits, a second tablet directly on the bottom of the tub. Run a full normal wash cycle without dishes and without adding detergent. Tablets are also the safest choice for models with stainless steel interiors where bleach can cause damage.
Cleaning Methods Compared
| Method | Best For | Key Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar (1–2 cups) | Grease, mineral scale, soap scum | Top rack bowl; hottest cycle; skip drying |
| Baking soda (1 cup) | Musty odors, light stains | Sprinkle on floor; short hot cycle; air dry |
| Cleaning tablet (Affresh, KitchenAid, Cafe) | Heavy mineral buildup | Detergent dispenser + tub floor; normal cycle |
| Citric acid (per manufacturer) | Descaling (LG, Bosch, Cafe) | Dispenser or added partway through cycle |
| Bleach (1 cup, top rack only) | Heavy disinfection | Bleach-safe bowl; not for stainless steel or rubber |
How Often Should You Deep Clean a Dishwasher?
Clean the filter and wipe down the seals every two to four weeks, or whenever visible debris collects. Run the full vinegar-and-baking-soda disinfecting routine every one to three months. If your water is hard, increase the frequency of vinegar cycles or switch to a monthly cleaning tablet to prevent scale from clogging the spray arms. Browse our tested lineup of dishwasher cleaning detergents for products that maintain performance between deep cleans.
Common Mistakes That Ruin a Dishwasher Clean
- Adding detergent with vinegar or baking soda — the acid and alkali cancel the detergent’s cleaning power.
- Skipping the filter — food trapped in the filter recirculates and causes odors.
- Using bleach on stainless steel — bleach pits the surface and degrades rubber gaskets.
- Overloading — packed racks block water from hitting every surface.
- Running heated dry — heat can lock in vinegar smell; air drying is better.
Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scrape food from plates before loading | Every load | Prevents clogging the filter and drain |
| Wipe door seals and edges | Every 2–4 weeks | Use damp cloth plus mild detergent |
| Remove and scrub filter | Every 2–4 weeks | Warm soapy water and soft toothbrush |
| Clear spray arm holes | Every 1–3 months | Toothpick or pipe cleaner; rinse under water |
| Run vinegar + baking soda cycle | Every 1–3 months | Two separate cycles; no detergent |
| Use cleaning tablet for heavy scale | Every 3 months | Or monthly in hard-water areas |
FAQs
Can I put bleach in my dishwasher to clean it?
Avoid bleach entirely if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior or degraded rubber seals, because it causes pitting and corrosion.
Does running an empty cycle with a cleaning tablet damage the dishwasher?
No, manufacturer-approved cleaning tablets like Affresh and KitchenAid are designed for empty-cycle use. They dissolve slowly and contain descaling agents safe for all interior materials. Avoid using dishwashing detergent in place of a cleaning tablet.
Why does my dishwasher smell even after cleaning it?
A persistent smell usually means the filter wasn’t scrubbed clean, food is trapped under the spray arm mount, or the rubber seals have developed mold. Remove the filter and check every crevice; if the smell returns within a week, run a vinegar cycle with baking soda the next day.
Is it safe to use citric acid instead of vinegar?
Yes, citric acid is an effective descaler for hard water deposits. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions — LG and Bosch recommend specific citric acid products for their “Machine Clean” cycles. Using too much can damage seals, so measure carefully.
References & Sources
- Affresh. “How to Sanitize a Dishwasher.” Step-by-step for vinegar and tablet methods.
- KitchenAid. “How to Clean a Dishwasher in 5 Steps.” Filter removal and cleaning instructions.
- Cafe Appliances. “The Ultimate Guide to a Clean Dishwasher.” Machine Clean Cycle and citric acid use.
- Bosch Home. “Dishwasher Cleaning & Maintenance.” Descaling with descaler tablets.
- Cascade. “How To Maintain Your Dishwasher.” Basic maintenance and cleaning practices.