Here’s Exactly How To Clean Your Dishwasher
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If you know, you know, cleaning the dishwasher can be awkward. We use our dishwasher so much (sometimes 3 times a day!) that it’s due for a deep cleaning about once a month. I have the best tips on how to clean your dishwasher easily and a lot less awkwardly.
In this post, I will show you how to clean dishwasher.
SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED:
All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate/Dish Soap:
You’ll only need a concentrate if you have a removable filter. My favorite is Branch Basics! But I have also used Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap, which works just as well! I haven’t tried my method with dish soap, but I believe it could work.
All-Purpose Spray:
Again! Branch Basics is my favorite! I love that it is non-toxic plus multi-purpose! It’s also a mild disinfectant when left to sit for 10 minutes. The key here is to use an all-purpose cleaner in a spray bottle for easy application.
Bottle Brush/Rag/Sponge:
I exclusively use a bottle brush to clean the inside of the dishwasher and the removable filter! I love it! I highly recommend snagging one. It makes cleaning the dishwasher a breeze. Whatever you have on hand will work, though!
Miscellaneous:
I like to have a few paper towels on hand to wipe away anything nasty that I might find in the dishwasher and then a little bit of white vinegar and a shallow bowl/cup to run an empty cycle with and give the dishwasher a good rinse.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER
1) Check to see if you have a removable dishwasher filter
It's important to note that not all dishwashers have a removable filter. To find out if your dishwasher has one, you can do a quick Google search of the make and model or refer to the owner's manual. If your dishwasher has no removable filter, you can skip this step.
Remove the dishwasher filter and add all-purpose concentrate to hot, soapy water (use the sink).
Let the filter soak in the hot, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. The key is in a long soak! Let the soap do the won’t have to scrub as much!
After soaking the dishwasher filter, gently scrub it with a bottle brush or rag until clean, then rinse it off thoroughly.
Replace your dishwasher filter.
Homemaking Tips: I swear by a bottle brush! You don’t have to have one to clean your dishwasher, but it makes it so much easier and less awkward. And it’s excellent for cleaning the filter. I have a bottle brush that is solely dedicated to cleaning the dishwasher.
2) Spray down the inside of the dishwasher with an all-purpose spray
Liberally spray the inside of the dishwasher with your all-purpose spray and let it set for 10 minutes. This gives the cleaner time to break down any gunk, making it easier for you to clean.
Use a rag, sponge, or a bottle brush to scrub the inside. I cannot stress enough how valuable a bottle brush can be for this task! Its small and soft bristles can reach all the tight spaces and corners, while the long handle makes it easier to clean the bottom, sides, and back of the dishwasher.
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! The bottle brush and a rag quickly get into those crevices! (see photo below).
3) White vinegar rinse:
Simply place a small shallow bowl or cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a short, empty cycle.
You can put a tablespoon of citric acid in the soap dispenser if you have a hard water buildup that helps remove any white cast the hard water leaves behind.
4) Spray + wipe the outside of the dishwasher:
Give the outside a spray or two of your all-purpose cleaner and wipe down the outside. Take care to get the sides and edges.
If the outside of your dishwasher is stainless steel, gently clean it with a damp cloth and all-purpose spray. Then, follow up with this stainless steel cleaning cloth! It does not contain nasty chemicals or icky residue, and it works great!
5) Order dishwashing supplies:
This is a great time to check your dishwashing supplies. If needed, make an order or add them to your grocery list.
How To Clean Your Dishwasher Q&A
1. Do dishwasher cleaning tablets work?
Although dishwasher cleaning tablets may seem like a quick and easy solution to cleaning your dishwasher, they are not always effective. Your dishwasher works hard and needs to be scrubbed every once in a while. A dishwasher cleaning tablet alone may not be able to thoroughly clean your dishwasher the way a good old-fashioned scrubbing with some elbow grease can.
Not to mention they are usually loaded with really harsh chemicals you don’t want on your dishes!
2. How often to clean your dishwasher?
If your dishwasher has a removable filter, it's recommended to clean it once a month, and if not, once every quarter.
I have been using the Flylady cleaning system for almost seven years now. During zone 2, which is the kitchen, I make sure to clean the dishwasher each month.
3. How to clean your dishwasher without vinegar?
Don't have vinegar? No worries. Simply follow the steps and skip the vinegar when running an empty cycle to rinse.
Our main task is to rinse out the all-purpose spray/dish soap that we used to clean inside the dishwasher. Adding vinegar is optional.
4. How to remove dishwasher filter?
A dishwasher filter is typically removed by slightly twisting it to unlock and then pulling it up.
It is recommended to consult your dishwasher's owner manual. If you don't have one, you can easily find it online by searching for your dishwasher's make and model.
Not all dishwashers have removable filters. If you are having trouble finding or removing the filter, it's possible that your dishwasher filter is not removable.
5. How do you get rid of bad smell in dishwasher?
As mentioned earlier, the most effective way to get rid of unpleasant odors from your dishwasher is to clean it at least once a month. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy task that requires minimal effort, especially if you use a bottle brush and allow everything to soak.
Using white vinegar as a rinse aid is a great way to deodorize and refresh your dishwasher after every cycle.
This post was about how to clean your dishwasher.
Great job cleaning your dishwasher! Just a friendly reminder to set a monthly reminder on your phone to keep it sparkling clean!
The more you clean your dishwasher, the easier it becomes over time. Happy cleaning, my friend! Hugs.
Updated on: 2/26/2024
