Deep Dishwasher Cleaning (The Simple Monthly Routine I Swear By)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here.
Let’s be honest, it’s easy to forget about cleaning the thing that does the cleaning. But regular dishwasher cleaning at least once a month can make a huge difference! No weird smells, better performance, and actually clean dishes.
During FlyLady Zone 2 (the kitchen), I follow a simple, non-toxic cleaning routine that keeps our hardworking dishwasher in top shape.
If your dishwasher needs a little refresh, this method might be just what you need and maybe even give you some cleaning motivation while you’re at it.
♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡
Start With The Filter
First, I pull out the filter and let it soak in hot, soapy water. Since we use a non-toxic dishwasher detergent, it works well but doesn’t break down food and grease like harsher stuff does. So soaking helps loosen all that gunk and saves me from scrubbing forever.
Scrub The Inside
While the filter’s soaking, I mix a quick paste of baking soda and dish soap right inside the dishwasher. It’s easy to make, and it really gets in there.
If dish soap in the dishwasher makes you nervous (I’ve never had a bubble incident, but I get it), you’ve got a few other options:
Just use baking soda by itself.
Or spray the inside with an all-purpose cleaner and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. I love Branch Basics for this. It cuts through the grime and feels like a safer swap.
Still, I usually go with baking soda and dish soap—it’s simple and really works.
Then I grab my trusty bottle brush (seriously a must-have) and scrub around, especially the folds and door hinge area where gunk hides. That spot gets ignored way too often!
Let the paste or cleaner sit for about 10 minutes before moving on.
Cleaning Tip: Don’t forget to clean the inside lip of where the dishwasher door closes! This spot can really build up a lot of gunk!
Run A Short Cycle
Once everything’s scrubbed, I run the hour cycle to rinse it out. It helps loosen anything left behind and clears the suds or spray. Kind of like a little dishwasher reset!
P.S. It’s okay to run the dishwasher without the filter in it!
Clean The Filter
By now, the filter’s had a good soak. I give it a quick scrub with more dish soap, rinse it, and pop it back in once the dishwasher has finished it’s cycle.
Do A Vinegar Rinse
Next, I place a couple of small cups filled with white vinegar in the top rack and run another hour cycle.
The vinegar helps with any lingering smells and breaks down mineral buildup. Totally optional, but I always include this step. It makes everything feel extra fresh.
♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡
Final Wipe Down
Once the cleaning cycles are done, I wipe down the inside edges of the door and those little hidden creases near the hinges using all-purpose spray and a washcloth. That area gets gross fast if you skip it!
If your dishwasher has a stainless steel front, I recommend using E-cloths. Just water and the cloth, and it gets the job done—no streaks, no harsh stuff.
Non-Toxic Dishwasher Cleaning Essentials
How to Clean Your Dishwasher: Q&A
Do dishwasher cleaning tablets work?
They can help, but they’re definitely not a one-and-done solution. Tablets don’t replace a good old-fashioned scrub, especially if your dishwasher works overtime like mine does. And a lot of them are packed with harsh chemicals—not my vibe.
How often should you clean your dishwasher?
If your dishwasher has a removable filter, once a month is ideal. If not, aim for at least once a quarter.
I’ve followed the FlyLady cleaning system for almost seven years now, and during Zone 2 (kitchen week), I always clean the dishwasher. It keeps me on track and gives me a little cleaning motivation to stay ahead of the mess.
How do you clean your dishwasher without vinegar?
No vinegar? No big deal. Just skip it during the rinse step. The goal is to rinse out the dish soap or all-purpose cleaner you used earlier. Vinegar is great, but optional.
How do you remove a dishwasher filter?
Most filters twist out and lift up, but if yours won’t budge, it might not be removable. Check your owner’s manual or look up your model online—there are tons of videos and guides out there to help.
How do you get rid of bad smells in the dishwasher?
A regular dishwasher cleaning routine is your best defense. Monthly scrubs with soaking and a good vinegar rinse will keep odors away. That bottle brush? Total hero in this situation.
Keeping up with regular dishwasher cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated or chemical-heavy. With just a few tools and a little time each month, you can keep your dishwasher running like new and avoid those mystery smells nobody wants.
Whether you're just getting started or need a little cleaning motivation, this method is simple, non-toxic, and actually works. Try it out and let me know how it goes! Hugs!
For more cleaning motivation, follow me on Pinterest!
Updated on: 4/22/2025
