The Best Ways to Clean a Dishwasher
Say goodbye to spots, stains and odors with these expert tips.
As with any appliance, regular cleaning and maintenance will make a dishwasher more effective. Over time, bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent and water minerals can build up on the dishwasher's filter and interior walls — and even clog the spray arms. Not to mention, a dirty dishwasher can harbor bacteria and mold. So, not only are your dishes not being cleaned, they might be getting even dirtier after a cycle in a gunky dishwasher — likely in the form of spots and film on glassware, dinnerware and flatware.
The first step is correctly loading your dishwasher (we actually don't suggest pre-rinsing your dishes), but running regular cleaning cycles and keeping your dishwasher sanitary is essential, too. If you're stressing that your dishwasher desperately needs a refresh, you've come to the right place. The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab has six full-size dishwashers, and the team has personally tested hundreds of dishwashers, dishwasher detergents and dishwasher cleaners.
Below, our cleaning experts share the best methods for how to clean a dishwasher, whether you're dealing with unpleasant odors, residue buildup or something as simple as greasy fingerprints on the exterior door. From removing and cleaning the filter to running a cycle with vinegar, we've got the answers to all your questions — plus, why you should never use bleach.
How often to clean your dishwasher
Most people run a cleaning cycle once per day, but the frequency of cleaning your dishwasher may vary if you run a cycle more or less often. Assuming you run a load every day, here are the things to do daily, weekly and monthly:
- Daily or after every load: Remove visible bits of food from inside the filter well and the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Weekly: Wipe down the door edges and gasket to get rid of any debris, and remove and clean the filter.
- Monthly: Deep-clean the interior with a cleaning cycle.
- As needed: Wipe the exterior, edges and interior of drips, spots and film.
How to clean your dishwasher the right way:
Follow these steps to keep your dishwasher working its best, whether it needs a quick freshening or thorough cleaning.
Clean out bits of food daily.
Leftover food lingering at the bottom of your dishwasher is the root of most odor problems. After each dishwashing cycle, pull out the bottom rack and check for any remaining bits of food, paper or small items that could have gotten stuck in the filter well or screen. Remove it with your fingers or a paper towel to help prevent future buildup.
Expert tip: Wipe excess food from plates, silverware, bowls and other items before loading them into the dishwasher. If you don't plan to run a cycle immediately, rinse them quickly at the sink or run a rinse-only cycle to prevent unwanted smells. Always remove any labels or stickers from jars you may be reusing before putting the items into the dishwasher.
Wipe door and door gasket weekly.
You may notice greasy residue or splatters settling onto the interior surface of the door, the bottom of the dishwasher, the door edges, the handle or the dishwasher control buttons. Quickly wipe these areas with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
As for the door gasket and dispenser, gently scrub any gunk from the rubber seal around the door using an old soft toothbrush dipped in either warm, sudsy water or a mild all-purpose cleaner. With a damp cloth or paper towel, wipe the dispensers to remove any debris or traces of undissolved detergent.
Clean the dishwasher filter weekly.
The filter is found below the bottom spray arm; you'll need to pull out the bottom rack to get to it. If you're not sure how to remove it, check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details.
- Unlock and remove the filter and rinse it under hot running water.
- Using a soft toothbrush, scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame to remove any grease or particles stuck in the crevices. Then rinse it clean.
- Lock the filter back into place.
Expert Tip: Never operate your dishwasher without the filter properly locked, as you can cause severe damage to your machine and possibly void the warranty.
Run a cleaning cycle monthly.
Once a month, it's important to get down and dirty to remove any trapped particles, mineral buildup or detergent residue hiding in your machine's internal parts and spray arms. Dishwasher cleaners, like Good Housekeeping Seal Star Cascade, are an easy fix, as they contain surfactants that dissolve and clean away trapped food bits and greasy residue. Use them according to the label's directions.
Expert Tip: Check the instructions before using any commercial dishwasher cleaner. Most require an empty dishwasher, but some can be used in the same cycle with dishes and detergent for even more convenient cleaning.
Polish your dishwasher's exterior as needed.
Fingerprints make any surface look dull and grimy, but they really stand out — in a bad way — on stainless steel appliances. That's why we suggest using a stainless steel cleaner made specifically for cleaning appliances, like GH Seal Star Weiman, to shine up your dishwasher door and give it a protective finish. Not only does the cleaner leave behind a streak-free shine, but it also contains ingredients to help repel future dirt and smudges.
Expert Tip: Stay away from abrasive cleaners or pads that can scratch and mar your dishwasher's exterior. Always clean and wipe stainless steel in the direction of the metal's grain to avoid streaks.
Can you deep-clean your dishwasher with vinegar?
If you opt to take the DIY route to fight residue and buildup, go with vinegar in an empty dishwasher.
- To clean your dishwasher with vinegar, place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with one cup of distilled white vinegar on the top rack and run a pots-and-pans or heavy (hot) cycle without detergent or dishes.
- To clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda for extra freshening, after running the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a short or quick cycle.
Can you clean your dishwasher with bleach?
No, bleach and bleach-containing cleaners are not recommended, especially if the dishwasher has a stainless steel interior. Some dishwasher detergents contain bleach, but that's to remove tea and coffee stains from cups and other dinnerware. And do not use bleach with vinegar — the combination of the two can create potentially lethal chlorine gas.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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