Blog

How to clean a dishwasher with bleach — a quick, safe method to remove stubborn mold, mildew, and deep grime when done correctly.

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and can brighten and sanitize an empty dishwasher, but it’s not always appropriate for every machine or situation. This guide shows exactly when to use bleach, the safest step-by-step method, video guidance, alternatives, and community Q&A so you don’t damage your appliance or create harmful chemical reactions.

Safety first — check these before you proceed.

Read the manual

Many dishwasher manufacturers explicitly say don’t use liquid bleach in stainless steel tubs or on specific gaskets and finishes. If your manual forbids bleach, use alternatives.

Never mix bleach and vinegar (or anything acidic)

Mixing produces chlorine gas, which is dangerous even at low concentrations. Rinse thoroughly if you’ve used vinegar previously.

Ventilate the area

Open kitchen windows and turn on exhaust fans before running a bleach cycle. Wear gloves and avoid breathing fumes.

Use a dishwasher-safe bowl

Never pour bleach directly into the dispenser or onto the dishwasher floor near sensitive metal. A bowl keeps the bleach contained and reduces contact with metal surfaces.

What you’ll need

• Unscented household bleach (regular 5–8% sodium hypochlorite).
• A dishwasher-safe, bleach-safe, heatproof bowl or cup.
• Rubber gloves and eye protection if you’re sensitive.
• Old towels for any accidental spills.
• A clean toothbrush or soft scrub brush for seals and edges.
• Optional: paper mask or open windows for ventilation.

Step-by-step: How to clean a dishwasher with bleach (safe method)

These steps are the conservative, widely recommended approach used by appliance care sites and cleaning pros: place diluted bleach in a bowl on the top rack and run a complete hot cycle — but only if your dishwasher manual allows it and the interior is not stainless steel.

Empty the dishwasher

Remove dishes, racks, if you want, and any obvious food debris. Running bleach with plates inside is dangerous and unnecessary.

Clean the filter and remove visible gunk

Pull the filter and rinse with hot water; scrape out stuck food. This helps bleach reach all surfaces instead of sitting on grime.

Place bleach in a safe container

Pour 1 cup of unscented bleach into a dishwasher-safe, bleach-safe bowl or cup and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Do not pour bleach in the detergent slot. (Many appliance-care sources use 1 cup; check your manual.)

Choose a complete, hot cycle

Run the most extended hot-water cycle available; skip heated dry if you’re concerned about fumes concentrating during drying. Hot water helps disinfect effectively.

Ventilate and wait

After the cycle completes, keep the door open and allow the dishwasher to air out for 15–30 minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe the inside if needed.

Rinse if you detect odor or residue

If any bleach smell remains or you see residue, run a second plain hot-water cycle (no bleach) to rinse. Never use vinegar after bleach — only run plain water.

Alternatives to bleach (safer for stainless tubs, seals, and sensitive parts)

White vinegar + baking soda:

Run a wash cycle with nothing inside, using 1 cup of vinegar on the top shelf. Then put 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom and run a short hot wash. This gets rid of mineral buildup and bad smells. Good Housekeeping and appliance experts suggest this option when bleach isn’t a good choice.

Commercial dishwasher sanitizers:

Brands like Affresh make dishwasher-safe sanitizing tablets/pods designed for appliance use — a good option if the manual cautions against bleach.

Hydrogen peroxide:

A disinfectant alternative to bleach for spot treating seals (but do not mix with vinegar). Use sparingly and test surfaces.

Deep-clean checklist (don’t miss these spots)

Filter:

Remove, scrub with hot soapy water, and replace. A clean filter increases bleach effectiveness.

Spray arms:

Remove and clear jets with a toothpick if clogged. Bleach won’t penetrate blockages.

Door gasket:

Wipe with a cloth and bleach solution on rubber if mold is visible — but only if the manufacturer permits bleach on seals. Otherwise, use soap and vinegar (then rinse).

Drain and sump:

Inspect and clear debris to avoid recurring odors and blockages.

Prevention: quick maintenance schedule

Weekly:

Wipe door edges and run a hot rinse for heavily used kitchens.

Monthly:

Clean filter and run a cleaning cycle (vinegar or sanitizer).

Every 3–6 months:

Deep clean with bleach only if safe for your model — otherwise use Affresh or vinegar/baking soda combo. Regular minor maintenance prevents mold from requiring bleach.

Troubleshooting — common problems and fixes

Bleach smell after cycle:

Run one empty hot-water rinse; ventilate. If smell persists, wipe seals with clean water.

White film or residue:

Often from hard water + bleach; run a rinsing cycle and use a water-softening detergent next time.

Rust or pitting:

May indicate bleach damage to metal — stop bleach use and consult a technician. Some stainless steel finishes are more vulnerable.

Conclusion

Cleaning a dishwasher with bleach is effective for killing mold and sanitizing non-stainless tubs — but only when used carefully, in the correct container, and after checking your dishwasher’s manual. If your model warns against bleach or uses stainless steel, use vinegar/baking soda or a commercial dishwasher sanitizer instead. When used correctly, bleach is a powerful tool; used wrongly, it can damage your appliance or create hazards.

Must read: How to Clean Hats in the Dishwasher for Brilliant Results

FAQs