Have you ever used your Maytag dishwasher, hoping for clean dishes, but found it had a strange smell, leftover dirt, or cloudy glassware? You’re not the only one. Dishwashers are powerful machines, but even the most dependable ones, such as your Maytag, require regular maintenance to continue functioning correctly. If your appliance, which used to work well, is now smelling bad, not working correctly, or leaving marks, it probably needs a thorough cleaning. However, don’t worry—cleaning it is easy, and you don’t need special tools or harsh chemicals to achieve good results. In this friendly, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll show you how to clean Maytag dishwasher from top to bottom—so it stays fresh, spotless, and runs like new every single cycle.

Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Maytag Dishwasher

1. Dishwashers Don’t Clean Themselves

It might seem like your Maytag dishwasher stays clean with all that hot water and detergent running through it, but that’s not the case. Over time, food particles, soap residue, and grease accumulate inside filters, spray arms, and along door seals—places that water doesn’t always reach effectively.

2. Performance Begins to Drop

When buildup blocks the spray arms or clogs the filter, your dishwasher’s cleaning power drops fast. That means dishes come out looking foggy, still dirty, or smelling odd. If you’ve been dealing with streaky glasses or crusty silverware, this is a big red flag.

3. Foul Odors Can Develop

Have you ever opened your Maytag dishwasher to a sour or musty smell? That’s often due to trapped food and moisture in areas like the drain or door gasket. Without regular cleaning, those odors worsen, not improve.

4. Hard Water Can Cause Real Damage

If your home has hard water, mineral deposits (like calcium and lime) slowly build up on the internal components of your dishwasher. These not only interfere with performance but can shorten the life of your appliance if left untreated.

5. Cleaning Protects Your Investment

You spent a lot on your Maytag dishwasher, so it needs some simple care. Regular monthly cleaning helps prevent costly repairs, improves overall performance, and keeps equipment running smoothly for an extended period. When you learn to clean Maytag dishwasher the right way, you’ll also save money over time.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Maytag Dishwasher

Before we begin the step-by-step guide, let’s ensure you have everything prepared—the good news is that you have everything you need. You probably have most of what you need to clean your Maytag dishwasher right in your kitchen.

1. Basic Cleaning Supplies

White vinegar 

A powerful natural cleaner that dissolves grease and hard water deposits.

Baking soda 

Helps with deodorizing and scrubbing without being abrasive.

Dish soap (non-abrasive) 

Soft enough to clean without hurting the parts.  

An old toothbrush or a soft brush

 It is suitable for cleaning small spots, corners, and spray holes.  

Toothpick or safety pin 

Great for cleaning blocked spray arms.  

Microfiber cloth or sponge 

Use it to clean surfaces without scratching them.

2. Optional but Helpful Extras

Rubber gloves 

Protect your hands from dirt and hot water.  

Bowl or basin 

Useful for soaking parts that can be removed, such as filters or utensil holders.  

Lemon or essential oil 

Gives a pleasant smell after cleaning.  

Maytag-approved cleaner tablet 

Great for monthly upkeep.

3. Safety First: Quick Prep Tips

Turn off the power 

Always unplug or shut off power at the breaker before cleaning inside.

Wait for the unit to cool 

Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes if it has been recently used.

Empty the dishwasher 

Remove dishes, racks, and utensil holders for full access.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Maytag Dishwasher Thoroughly

Knowing how to clean Maytag dishwasher properly is more than just wiping the door. You need to inspect the filter, spray arms, and even the drain area more closely. Here’s the exact step-by-step guide you can follow at home.

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Racks

• Pull out both the top and bottom shelves.  
• Take out the utensil holder as well.  
• Soak them in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes.  
• Scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry.

Step 2: Unclog and Rinse the Spray Arms

• Remove the spray arms if you can.  
• Use a toothpick or a pin to remove food bits from the spray holes.  
• Wash well with hot water.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Filter and Drain

• Locate the filter at the bottom.
• Twist and pull to remove it.
• Rinse under warm water.
• Scrub gently with a toothbrush if the area is greasy or has a strong odor.
• Wipe the drain area with a cloth.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

• Use a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar.
• Clean the inner walls, door edges, rubber seals, and detergent compartment.
• Let vinegar sit on stuck grime for 5–10 minutes, then scrub.

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

• Place a bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack.
• Run a complete hot water cycle without using any dishes or detergent.
• This breaks down grease, soap scum, and smells.

Step 6: Finish With Baking Soda

• Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle.
• This will brighten the interior and neutralize odors.

By following these exact steps on how to clean Maytag dishwasher, your appliance will look and perform like it’s brand new.

How Often Should You Clean a Maytag Dishwasher for Best Results

After you learn how to clean your Maytag dishwasher well, the next question is: how often should you do it? It depends on how you usually use it and the type of water you have access to where you live. Here’s an easy cleaning plan that works for many homes: .

Weekly Quick Wipe-Down

• Wipe the door seals, edges, and visible grime with a damp cloth.
• Check for food debris at the bottom and remove it.
• Rinse the filter under warm water for 30 seconds.

Monthly Deep Clean

• Perform the full vinegar + baking soda cleaning cycle.
• Clean the spray arms, racks, and interior walls.
• Scrub the filters and check for clogs or mineral buildup.

Every 3–6 Months

• Remove and soak the spray arms and filter.
• Use a GE- or Maytag-approved dishwasher cleaner tablet.
• Run the hottest cycle available or the sanitize option if your model has it.

Following this cleaning schedule will help you avoid repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your dishes spotless. And it only takes a little effort now and then.

Easy Maintenance Tips After You Clean a Maytag Dishwasher

So, you’ve gone through the effort of deep cleaning—but how do you keep that fresh, like-new feeling going for weeks? The answer lies in a few simple habits that make a big difference. Once you understand how to clean a Maytag dishwasher properly, maintaining it becomes second nature.

Scrape, Don’t Rinse

You don’t need to pre-wash your dishes—just scrape off excess food. It reduces the chances of clogging your filter with pasta bits or cereal flakes.

Run Hot Water Before Starting

Let the hot water run in your sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher. This ensures your appliance begins with hot water, improving overall cleaning.

Use the Right Detergent

Always choose a high-quality detergent that matches your local water type (especially if you have hard water). Don’t overload detergent, and use rinse aid regularly.

Leave the Door Ajar

After a cycle, crack the door open slightly to let moisture escape. This helps prevent musty odors and mold growth.

Monthly Vinegar Rinse

Even when it looks clean, a quick vinegar rinse can freshen and descale your dishwasher.

Keep these habits going, and you’ll barely need to deep clean again—your Maytag will stay in peak condition with half the effort.

Troubleshooting Common Issues Before You Clean a Maytag Dishwasher

Even after a thorough cleaning, your Maytag dishwasher may still experience issues from time to time. The good news? Most problems don’t require a technician—just a few tweaks and regular care. Knowing how to clean a Maytag dishwasher properly also helps you address these minor issues early, before they become major headaches.

1. Water Not Draining?

• Check the filter and drain area for food debris or grease.
• Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked or clogged.
• Try running a rinse cycle after cleaning the filter—often, that’s all it takes.

2. Dishes Still Dirty After a Cycle?

• Look at the spray arms—are they clogged or blocked?
• Don’t overload the racks; water can’t reach every item that way.
• Double-check the quality of your detergent and the water temperature to ensure optimal cleaning results.

3. Cloudy Glasses or Film on Dishes?

• This usually means hard water buildup.
• Run a vinegar cleaning cycle and start using a rinse aid.
• You can also try a detergent specifically designed for use in areas with hard water.

4. Dishwasher Smells Bad?

• Clean the rubber seals and door edges—gunk tends to collect there.
• Wipe down the filter and drain area every week to keep them clean.
• Leave the door open after each cycle to allow any lingering moisture to dry out.

5. Buttons or Display Not Working?

• Hold the Control Lock for a few seconds—sometimes it’s just enabled accidentally.
• Reset your dishwasher by unplugging it or flipping the breaker for 5 minutes.

Once you know how to clean Maytag dishwasher correctly, you’ll find these problems become rare—or disappear altogether.

How to Remove Hard Water Buildup from Your Maytag Dishwasher

If you see a chalky coating on your dishes, cloudy glasses, or a white film inside your dishwasher, it’s probably due to hard water buildup. This is a common problem, especially in areas where the water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. To clean your Maytag dishwasher thoroughly, you need to address this hidden issue directly.

Step 1: Run a Vinegar Wash Cycle

• Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with white vinegar and place it upright on the top rack of the dishwasher.
• Run a complete cycle with the dishwasher empty—no detergent, just hot water.
• The vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and breaks down grime.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

• After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle.
• This step helps neutralize odors and gives the interior a fresh, new finish.

Step 3: Clean Spray Arms and Filter Again

Hard water can block the spray holes and the filter mesh. After cleaning, recheck these spots and rinse thoroughly if necessary.

Ongoing Prevention Tips:

• Use a rinse aid with every wash, especially one designed to combat hard water spots.
• Consider a dishwasher detergent specifically formulated for use with hard water.
• If you have tough water in your area, a water softener system can save you time and protect your dishwasher in the long term.

Hard water can sneak up slowly, but once you understand how to clean Maytag dishwasher buildup effectively, your appliance will not only look better—it’ll clean better too.

Deep Cleaning the Filter and Spray Arms in a Maytag Dishwasher

When your Maytag dishwasher leaves crumbs or cloudy dishes, the problem is usually with the filter and spray arms. These unseen helpers are crucial for effective cleaning, but they can accumulate grease, food particles, and mineral deposits over time. It’s essential to know how to clean specific parts of a Maytag dishwasher to keep it functioning correctly.

Step 1: Remove and Rinse the Filter

• Find the filter in the center bottom of the tub.  
• Gently twist or lift it out (refer to your manual for assistance if needed). Wash it with warm water to help remove dirt and oil.  
• Use a toothbrush and gentle dish soap to clean off tough dirt.  
• Let it dry completely before putting it back on.

Step 2: Unclog the Spray Arms

• Carefully detach the upper and lower spray arms.
• Rinse them under hot water.
• Use a toothpick or a straightened paper clip to clear out the tiny spray holes.
• For calcium deposits, soak the affected areas in vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 3: Reassemble and Test

• Reinsert the spray arms and filter, locking them in place.
• Run an empty short cycle to ensure everything works smoothly.

You should perform this thorough cleaning every 1 to 2 months, especially if you use your dishwasher daily. Cleaning the filters and spray arms of your Maytag dishwasher regularly will help it function optimally and ensure your dishes come out clean every time.

FAQs

Related: How to Clean KitchenAid Dishwasher in 6 Easy Steps

The Bottom Line

Now that you know how to clean Maytag dishwasher properly, it’s clear that a little routine care goes a long way. Taking care of your appliance helps eliminate foul smells and makes washing more effective, keeping your dishes shiny and clean. Don’t wait for dirt or bad smells to build up—spend a few minutes each month to rinse the filters, clean the seals, and run a vinegar or Affresh cycle. It’s easy, not expensive, and you can see the results. Take care of your dishwasher, and it will clean your dishes thoroughly every time. Share this guide, save it, and return for more home care advice.

Sources

https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-my-maytag-dishwasher/

https://producthelp.maytag.com/Dishwashers/Dishwasher/Other/Cleaning_and_Odor/Odors/Cleaning_the_Dishwasher?

https://www.maytag.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-deep-clean-dishwasher

https://homegeargeek.com/how-do-you-clean-a-maytag-dishwasher/

https://cookupexperts.com/how-to-deep-clean-maytag-dishwasher

https://www.searshomeservices.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-maytag-dishwasher-guide

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-with-vinegar

https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-dishwasher-maytag/