Ever opened your GE dishwasher only to be hit with a sour smell—or worse, cloudy dishes that feel grimy instead of clean? You’re not the only one. Most people assume dishwashers clean themselves. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Over time, bits of food, grease, and hard water gunk build up in filters, spray arms, and hidden crevices. The good news? You don’t need special tools or a lot of free time to make the repairs. This guide shows you exactly how to clean GE dishwasher easily and clearly, with no confusion or guessing. Let’s bring that old appliance back to life and make it shine in the kitchen again.

Why You Should Regularly Clean Your GE Dishwasher

It’s easy to overlook that dishwashers, especially reliable ones like your GE model, also require regular cleaning. Just like your car or coffee maker, if you don’t take care of things, they don’t work as well. If you’ve noticed bad smells, dirty glasses, or dishes that still have crumbs on them, it’s likely time to clean your dishwasher.

1. Dirty Dishwasher = Dirty Dishes

Even though your GE dishwasher is filled with hot water and soap during every cycle, that doesn’t mean it stays clean. Food scraps, grease, and detergent residue can clog the spray arms, coat the filters, and leave buildup in areas that are not visible. And if it’s dirty on the inside, your dishes won’t come out truly clean, no matter how good your detergent is.

2. Odors Build Up Fast

That funky smell that hits your nose when you open the door? It’s usually rotting food particles stuck in the filter or hidden deep in the drain system. Learning how to clean GE dishwasher the right way helps remove that gunk and brings back that just-cleaned freshness.

3. Hard Water Wreaks Havoc

If you live in an area with hard water (and most of us do), minerals like calcium and lime will coat the inside of your dishwasher over time. These deposits not only look bad, but they also interfere with cleaning and can even shorten the life of your machine. A regular cleaning routine helps prevent that buildup before it becomes serious.

4. Cleaning Saves Money in the Long Run

You paid a lot for your GE dishwasher, and it’s made to last a long time. However, if you ignore it, parts break down more quickly, and the system works less effectively. Regular monthly cleaning can lower repair costs, save water and electricity, and help it function well for many years.

When you know how to clean GE dishwasher the right way, you’re not just tidying up—you’re protecting your investment, saving money, and making sure every plate and glass comes out spotless.

What You’ll Need to Clean It (Supplies)

Let’s not overcomplicate things—you don’t need a toolkit the size of your dishwasher to clean it properly. The beauty of learning how to clean GE dishwasher is that most of the supplies are probably already under your kitchen sink. With a few everyday items and a little patience, you’re all set.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

• White vinegar – It’s the authentic MVP here. Vinegar breaks down grease, soap scum, and hard water stains while eliminating foul odors.
• Baking soda – Mild but mighty, it deodorizes and adds gentle scrubbing power to your final cleaning step.
• Dish soap (non-abrasive) – You’ll use it to clean racks, filters, and removable parts.
• Toothbrush or soft scrub brush – Perfect for getting into the rubber seals, spray arms, and tight corners.
• Toothpick or safety pin – Great for unclogging tiny spray holes that often get overlooked.
• Microfiber cloth or sponge – For wiping down the door, interior walls, and control panel.

Optional but Handy Extras

• Rubber gloves – Keep your hands clean and protected, especially when working with grimy materials.
• Small bowl or basin – Useful for soaking parts, such as filters or spray arms.
• Lemon or essential oils – Add a fresh, natural scent after cleaning for that “wow” factor.
• GE-approved dishwasher cleaner tablets – While vinegar and baking soda work wonders, a monthly boost with a commercial cleaner can help maintain performance.

Safety and Preparation Checklist Before You Start

Before we roll up our sleeves and get to the scrubbing, there are a few essential things to check off your list. Prepping properly doesn’t just make the job easier—it also keeps your dishwasher (and your hands) safe.

Unplug or Cut the Power

Safety first! Dishwashers are electrical appliances, and water plus power never mix well. Unplug it from the wall or flip the breaker switch to be extra cautious, especially if you’ll be working on the inside of the device.

Let It Cool Down

If your dishwasher recently finished a cycle, wait 20–30 minutes before touching anything. The heating element inside can stay hot and may cause burns if you’re not careful.

Empty Everything Inside

Take out all the dishes, utensil holders, and both upper and lower racks if they’re removable. You’ll need full access to clean properly, especially the filter and bottom drain.

Run the Hot Water in Your Sink

Here’s a helpful tip from GE: let the hot water run in your kitchen sink for a minute before you start your dishwasher. This ensures that the first water you use is hot, which helps your vinegar or soap work more effectively.

Keep Your Supplies Close

By now, you’ve gathered your vinegar, baking soda, brushes, and cloths. Lay them out nearby so you’re not running around mid-clean looking for a sponge.

Taking just five minutes to prep makes a world of difference when you’re figuring out how to clean GE dishwasher efficiently and safely.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean GE Dishwasher

Now that you are prepared, let’s talk about how to clean your GE dishwasher from top to bottom. We’ll go through each part, from the removable shelves to the hidden filter—no guessing or skipping—just precise results.

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Racks

Slide out the top and bottom racks completely. Take out the utensil holder as well.

• Wash them in the sink with warm water and a drop of dish soap.
• Use a sponge or soft brush to remove grease or food residue.
• Rinse and let them air dry while you move to the next steps.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms can get clogged with food bits and hard water deposits.

• Remove the spray arms if possible (check your GE model manual).
• Use a toothpick or paper clip to unclog the spray holes.
• Rinse under warm water while scrubbing gently with a toothbrush.

If you can’t remove them, just wipe them down thoroughly while they’re still inside.

Step 3: Tackle the Filter and Drain

GE dishwashers usually have two filters: an ultra-fine and a fine filter.

• Unscrew or lift out the filter at the bottom of the tub.
• Rinse both under warm water. Soak if greasy or smelly.
• Scrub gently with a toothbrush and let them dry completely before reinstalling.
• Wipe the surrounding drain area with a sponge or a damp cloth.

This is the step where most smells and grime hide, so take your time!

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

• Dip your microfiber cloth in white vinegar.
• Wipe the door edges, rubber seals, corners, and walls.
• Pay special attention to the detergent dispenser and door hinges.
• For stuck-on gunk, let the vinegar sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior and Control Panel

• Spray a cloth with a mixture of vinegar and water (or soapy water, if desired), but avoid spraying directly.
• Wipe down the front panel, buttons, and handle.
• Dry with a clean towel to prevent streaks, especially on stainless steel.

Step 6: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

This is your deep-clean rinse.

• Place a cup of white vinegar (in a dishwasher-safe bowl) upright on the top rack of the dishwasher.
• Run a regular hot water cycle—no detergent needed.
• This breaks down buildup and neutralizes odors.

Step 7: Follow with a Baking Soda Rinse

For an extra-fresh boost:

• Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly on the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle (again, no detergent or dishes).
• Baking soda helps deodorize and brighten the interior.

By following this complete guide on how to clean GE dishwasher, you’ll restore its performance, eliminate odors, and keep your dishes sparkling clean every time.

How Often Should You Clean Your GE Dishwasher?

Let’s face it—life gets hectic, and cleaning your dishwasher is probably not something you think about doing on the weekend. To prevent your glasses from smelling bad or looking cloudy, maintaining a regular cleaning routine is beneficial. Once you know how to clean GE dishwasher the right way, it only takes a few minutes now and then to keep it fresh.

Every Week (Quick Clean)

• Wipe the door edges and rubber gasket with a damp cloth.
• Remove any food scraps that have stuck to the bottom after a cycle.
• Check the filter for visible buildup—even a 30-second rinse helps!

👉 Weekly touch-ups prevent grime from building up between deep cleans.

Every Month (Deep Clean)

• Perform the full cleaning cycle: vinegar wash followed by a baking soda rinse.
• Scrub the filters and spray arms.
• Wipe down the inside walls and detergent dispenser.
• Check for any clogs or weird smells.

This is the schedule that keeps things running smoothly, without needing repairs.

Every 3–6 Months (Detailed Maintenance)

• Take out and clean the spray arms more thoroughly.
• Soak the filter in warm, soapy water.
• Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner tablet if desired.
• Run a sanitize cycle (if your GE model is equipped with one).

Seasonal deep cleans protect your machine from mineral deposits, stuck grease, and worn parts.

Easy Maintenance Tips to Prevent Buildup

Once you’ve gone through the effort of deep cleaning your GE dishwasher, the last thing you want is to end up back at square one in just a few days. Luckily, with a few simple habits, you can keep things running like new without having to do a full clean every week.

These real-life tips will save you time, energy, and even some money on future repairs.

Scrape (Don’t Rinse) Your Dishes

You don’t need to pre-wash everything, but scraping off large chunks of food makes a big difference. Leftover pasta sauce, rice, or even coffee grounds can clog up your filter faster than you think.

Use the Right Dishwasher Detergent

Stick with high-quality detergent that works well with your water type. Too much or too little soap can lead to buildup and cloudy dishes. Bonus tip: A rinse aid helps water slide off dishes and prevents spots.

Run Hot Water Before Starting a Cycle

Let your kitchen sink’s hot water run for about 30 seconds before hitting the start button. That way, your dishwasher starts with hot water from the beginning, giving it a stronger clean and helping you maintain that fresh sparkle longer.

Don’t Overload the Racks

It’s tempting to stuff in one more plate, but overcrowding blocks spray arms and reduces efficiency. Ensure that everything is positioned correctly and nothing obstructs the water jets from performing their job.

Run a Vinegar Rinse Monthly

Even if you’ve already learned how to clean a GE dishwasher inside and out, a quick vinegar rinse each month helps cut grease and eliminate odors before they become a problem.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you’ll make your monthly deep cleans easier and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Problems Before Cleaning

Sometimes, even after you’ve done a good cleaning job, your GE dishwasher may still act up. Before assuming it’s broken or needs a technician, let’s walk through a few common issues that are usually easy to fix at home. Many of these problems are directly tied to how often—and how thoroughly—you clean your machine.

Knowing how to clean GE dishwasher is just one part of the bigger maintenance picture.

Not Draining Properly?

You open the door and—bam!—You’re staring at a pool of water. It’s gross, but it’s also common.

What to check:

• Is the filter blocked with food particles?
• Is there trash or junk around the drain at the bottom?
• Is the drain hose bent or blocked?

What to do:

• Take out the filter and wash it with warm water.  
• Remove any visible dirt or debris from the drain area.  
• Ensure the drain hose is straight and not obstructed behind the machine.

Cloudy Glasses or White Film

You rode your bike, but your glasses are all dusty. Not a good appearance.

What causes it?

• Hard water deposits
• Too much detergent
• Skipping rinse aid

Fix it by:

• Running a vinegar cycle to dissolve minerals
• Using less detergent
• Always adding rinse aid—it helps!

Smelly Dishwasher?

A clean machine should never smell like a dirty sink. If yours does, something’s lurking.

Most common causes:

• Food trapped in the filter or door seals
• Spray arms clogged with grime
• Not cleaning it regularly

Your move:

• Take 10 minutes to clean the filter and spray arms
• Wipe the door seals and the drain area
• Leave the door open after a cycle to let it dry and air out

Spray Arms Not Spinning or Working

Your dishes are still dirty, and it appears that the water isn’t reaching all of them.

What might be wrong:

• Spray arm holes are blocked with food
• Racks are overloaded
• Water pressure is low

How to fix it:

• Remove the spray arms and poke out debris with a toothpick
• Don’t overload the dishwasher (less is more!)
• Make sure nothing is blocking the spray arms from rotating

Buttons Not Working or Display Frozen

You press Start, and nothing happens. That’s frustrating.

Check for:

• Control Lock turned on by accident
• Power issues or glitches
• Moisture behind the control panel

Try this:

• Hold the Control Lock button for 3–5 seconds to unlock
• Turn off the breaker or unplug for a few minutes
• Let the panel dry if there’s condensation

Most of these issues don’t require a repair guy—just a little attention and care. And with a routine of learning how to clean GE dishwasher, you’ll catch these problems before they ever start.

Deep Cleaning the GE Dishwasher Filter and Spray Arms

If your dishwasher still smells funky or your dishes come out less than spotless, it’s time to zero in on the two most neglected parts: the filter and spray arms. These are the behind-the-scenes workhorses of your GE dishwasher. When they’re dirty or clogged, your machine can’t do its job correctly—no matter how fancy your detergent is.

Deep cleaning these areas is a core part of knowing how to clean GE dishwasher the right way.

Step 1: Remove the Filter (Don’t Skip This!)

At the bottom of your GE dishwasher, you’ll find a round filter. It might be a twist-to-remove type or a simple lift-out model.

• Twist it counterclockwise to unlock and lift it out.
• If your model has a second lower filter beneath, remove that too.
• Rinse both parts under warm water.

Use a soft toothbrush and dish soap to scrub away grease, gunk, and trapped food bits. Let them air dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Pro tip: If your dishwasher smells bad, this filter is likely the cause.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms are what blast water onto your dishes, so any blockages seriously reduce cleaning power.

• Remove the lower spray arm by gently pulling it up or unscrewing it from the base.
• Upper arms may need to be unscrewed or simply popped off.
• Rinse them under hot water to flush out food debris.
• Use a toothpick or pin to unclog the tiny spray holes.

If the arms are greasy or have a calcium buildup, soak them in a mixture of hot water and vinegar for 15–30 minutes.

Step 3: Reinstall and Test

Once everything is squeaky clean:

• Slide the spray arms back into place until they click into position or screw in securely.
• Securely lock the filter(s) back in position.
• Give them a spin to make sure they move freely.

You’re now ready for a cleaning cycle. This deep clean step makes a huge difference in performance, and it’s something many people overlook when learning how to clean GE dishwasher thoroughly.

How to Remove Hard Water Buildup Inside Your Dishwasher

If you’ve noticed a chalky white film on your dishwasher walls, cloudy glasses, or dull silverware, hard water is likely to blame. It’s not your dishwasher’s fault—it’s minerals like calcium and magnesium left behind after each wash. The good news? With a bit of know-how and consistency, you can eliminate that crusty residue and prevent it from returning.

Another reason why learning how to clean a GE dishwasher properly is more than just a cosmetic fix—it’s about keeping your appliance running strong.

Signs You Have Hard Water Build-Up

• Cloudy or filmy glassware after every cycle
• White or gray residue on the walls or door
• Poor rinsing, even after using rinse aid
• Spray arms or filters are getting clogged more often

If these sound familiar, your dishwasher’s crying out for a deep mineral cleanse.

Step-by-Step Hard Water Cleaning Guide

1. Use Vinegar as a Natural Descaler

• Place a bowl of white vinegar upright on the top rack
• Run the dishwasher on the hottest, most extended cycle (empty, no detergent)
• Vinegar cuts through mineral deposits without damaging parts

2. Clean Spray Arms and Filter (Again!)

Minerals like to hide here. Remove both and soak in a mix of equal parts vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush, then rinse well.

3. Sprinkle Baking Soda After the Vinegar Cycle

After your vinegar rinse, sprinkle a half cup of baking soda on the bottom of the tub.

• Run a short, hot wash cycle.
• This helps deodorize and brighten the interior.

Preventing Future Hard Water Buildup

• Always use rinse aid – It helps water slide off and prevents spotting.
• Switch to a detergent specifically designed for hard water – Look for formulas that contain citric acid.
• Use a water softener if your area has tough water—your dishes and appliances will thank you.
• Repeat the vinegar cycle monthly to prevent buildup.

Hard water is sneaky, but now that you know how to clean GE dishwasher properly, it doesn’t stand a chance. Maintain these habits, and you’ll have a sparkling machine and crystal-clear dishes every time.

Must read: How to Clean Frigidaire Dishwasher Like a Pro (Step-by-Step)

FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you know exactly how to clean GE dishwasher, keeping it fresh and functional doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you put in a little work each month, you can stop bad smells, blockages, and dishes that aren’t clear. Cleaning your machine regularly helps it work more efficiently, requires fewer repairs, and lasts longer. Don’t wait for things to smell bad—add cleaning to your regular habits.  

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Sources

https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=21552

https://homeappliancehero.com/large-home-appliances/dishwashers/how-to-clean-ge-dishwasher-filter-everything-you-need-to-know

https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-to-clean-dishwasher-filter-8558060?

https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-dishwasher-filter-6525700

https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-the-filter-in-a-ge-dishwasher/

https://www.funktionalhome.com/how-to-clean-ge-dishwasher-filter/

https://repair.geappliances.com/resources/faq/article/dishwasher-maintenance-tips