How to Clean a Dishwasher Properly

If your dishwasher smells musty, leaves residue on dishes, or doesn't seem to clean as well as it used to, it needs a proper cleaning. Most people never think to clean it — here's how.

How Often to Clean It

• Filter: once a month
• Interior wipe-down: monthly
• Full deep clean: every 3–6 months

Step 1: Clean the Filter

The filter is the most neglected part. It sits at the bottom of the dishwasher under the bottom spray arm and catches food debris. If it's clogged, nothing drains properly and smells build up.

1. Remove the bottom rack
2. Twist the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and lift it out
3. Remove the flat mesh filter beneath it
4. Rinse both under warm running water
5. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) and dish soap to scrub away grease and debris
6. Rinse thoroughly and replace

If you've never cleaned the filter, expect it to be gunky. This one step often fixes poor cleaning performance immediately.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms have small holes that can clog with mineral deposits and food particles.

1. Remove the spray arms (usually just a twist or unscrew motion)
2. Hold them under running water and use a toothpick to poke out any blocked holes
3. Rinse and replace

Step 3: Wipe Down the Door and Seals

The rubber seal around the door collects mold, food particles, and grime. Wipe it with a damp cloth and a small amount of white vinegar or dish soap. Get into the crevices along the bottom of the door — this is where most mold hides.

Wipe down the inside of the door, the edges of the tub, and the control panel.

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle

White vinegar is a natural descaler and deodoriser.

1. Place a cup or bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack (not in the detergent dispenser)
2. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle
3. The vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and kills odour-causing bacteria

Step 5: Run a Baking Soda Cycle

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. This deodorises and brightens the interior.

Don't mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle — they neutralise each other.

Step 6: Commercial Dishwasher Cleaner (Optional)

Products like Affresh or Finish dishwasher cleaner tablets are formulated specifically for this and work well, especially if you have hard water and significant lime scale buildup. Run one once a month as part of your routine.

Fixing Bad Smells

If your dishwasher smells even after cleaning, check:

• The drain: a clogged drain at the bottom of the tub holds dirty water. Clean the filter and check the drain area for debris.
• The garbage disposal connection: if your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal before starting the dishwasher so the drain line is clear.
• Standing water: a small amount of water in the bottom of the tub is normal, but more than a cup suggests a drainage problem.

Tips for Keeping It Cleaner Longer

• Scrape (don't rinse) dishes before loading — leaving some food particles helps activate the detergent enzymes, but large scraps clog the filter
• Use rinse aid — it prevents water spots and helps dishes dry better
• Leave the door cracked open after a cycle — lets moisture escape and prevents mildew