Is your Amana dishwasher starting to smell funky or leaving dishes less than sparkling? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean your machine is broken. Like any hardworking appliance, it needs a little TLC to stay in top shape. Many people are unaware that dishwashers require regular cleaning. If you don’t clean yours, it can get greasy, clogged, and may need expensive repairs. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you. In this guide, you will find simple steps how to clean Amana dishwasher correctly, without any extra information, just the helpful tips you need. Say goodbye to odours, cloudy glasses, and mystery grime—let’s make your dishwasher shine like new again!

Why Clean Your Amana Dishwasher Regularly?

Your Amana dishwasher works hard every day, but like any appliance that handles grime, it requires regular maintenance to continue performing its job effectively. Skipping maintenance might not seem like a big deal—until your dishes come out streaky, the kitchen smells weird, or worse, the machine breaks down. Here’s why cleaning matters more than you think.

How a Dirty Dishwasher Affects Performance

Even the best dishwashers can have problems if their filters, spray arms, and drains are blocked with old food and grease. That buildup can prevent water from flowing and render the detergent ineffective. You will see: .

• Foggy glassware
• Food stuck to the dishes
• Unusual noises during cycles
• Lingering odors

What’s happening? The internal parts are overwhelmed.

Why Odours Build Up Over Time

Ever opened your dishwasher and caught a nasty whiff? That’s bacteria feeding on leftover food particles trapped in filters or gaskets. Warm, damp environments (like a sealed dishwasher) are a paradise for mould and mildew.

Cleaning clears out those hidden corners—especially the door seals and filters—where bad smells love to hide.

You’ll Save Money in the Long Run

Regular deep cleaning helps you avoid expensive service calls. Consider this: clogged filters and blocked drains cause your dishwasher to work harder, using more energy and potentially damaging key components, such as the pump motor. A few minutes of cleaning can prevent hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Amana’s Official Recommendation

Amana’s support site recommends cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month, especially if you use it frequently or have hard water. Regular monthly cleanings help prevent lime buildup and ensure your dishwasher functions properly.

Understanding Amana Dishwasher Parts Before Cleaning

Before learning how to clean Amana dishwasher properly, it’s helpful to understand its internal workings. The better you understand the parts, the easier it is to clean them and avoid damaging anything by mistake. Amana dishwashers are designed to be efficient and user-friendly, but they still require occasional manual attention.

The Filter System

Your Amana dishwasher uses a triple filter system made up of:

• Upper filter – traps larger particles
• Lower filter – captures smaller bits
• Pump screen – protects the motor

When food gets stuck here, it blocks the water flow and causes dirty dishes to accumulate. These filters are easy to remove and rinse, but many users are unaware of their presence.

Spray Arms

These rotating arms spray high-pressure water during cycles. They have tiny holes that can get clogged with debris or hard water minerals over time. When this happens, your top or bottom rack won’t get properly cleaned.

You’ll learn how to remove and unclog these arms later in our guide on how to clean Amana dishwasher step by step.

The Drain and Sump Area

At the very bottom of your dishwasher is the sump, the area where dirty water collects before being drained. It’s also a common spot for food bits, glass shards, and grease to accumulate. A blocked sump is one of the most common reasons for foul smells or poor drainage.

Door Gasket and Seals

The rubber gasket around the door traps water inside during a wash. But it also collects moisture, soap residue, and food splashes. Wiping this seal regularly is one of the most overlooked steps when learning how to clean Amana dishwasher properly.

Rinse Aid Dispenser and Detergent Cup

These small parts might not seem like they need cleaning, but they do. Dried-up detergent or sticky rinse aid can jam these dispensers, affecting how well your dishes get cleaned.

Tools and Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

Before we begin explaining how to clean Amana dishwasher, let’s ensure you have everything you need. You don’t need special tools—just a few everyday household items and some basic tools can clean your dishwasher and make it look new again.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need for a full deep clean:

• White vinegar – for removing grease and mineral deposits
• Baking soda – for deodorising and scrubbing power
• Dish soap – gentle, non-abrasive
• Toothbrush or small scrub brush – for scrubbing seals, filters, and the drain
• Microfiber cloths – for wiping down all surfaces
• Toothpicks or tweezers – to unclog spray arm holes
• Measuring cup – to hold vinegar during a rinse cycle
• Hot water boosts cleaning power naturally

Optional:

• Affresh® or Finish dishwasher tablets – for a deeper chemical clean, recommended monthly
• Rubber gloves – if you’re dealing with heavy grime or buildup

Safety Tip: Unplug or Turn Off the Power

Always unplug your dishwasher or turn off its circuit breaker before doing any deep internal cleaning, especially around the filters and drain area. Safety first!

Optional But Helpful: Flashlight and Screwdriver

If your Amana model has a hidden filter or a hard-to-see sump area, a small flashlight will help you spot any trapped food or debris. Some spray arms may require a screwdriver for removal (usually Phillips-head).

With everything ready to go, you’re fully prepared to tackle the heart of the process—how to clean Amana dishwasher the right way.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Amana Dishwasher Properly

Want to give your dishwasher a thorough clean? Just follow these easy steps to make your Amana dishwasher look and work as good as new. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you think.

Step 1: Empty and Prep the Dishwasher

Start by removing every dish, utensil, and rack. Remove the bottom rack and utensil basket to access the inside easily.

Next:

• Run a quick rinse cycle with hot water only
• This loosens up grime and helps make the deep clean more effective
• Please turn off the dishwasher once the cycle ends and let it cool slightly

Tip: If your dishwasher hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, keep paper towels nearby—you might find standing water or gunk at the bottom.

Step 2: Remove and Clean the Filters

This is one of the most critical steps in cleaning an Amana dishwasher. Filters trap food particles, grease, and soap scum—and when they’re clogged, your dishes suffer.

To clean the filter:

1. Twist the upper filter counterclockwise and pull it out
2. Remove the lower filter by lifting it straight up
3. Rinse both filters under warm water
4. Scrub gently with a toothbrush and dish soap
5. Let them air dry thoroughly before reinstalling

Avoid: Using stiff brushes or metal tools. They can damage the fine mesh in your filter.

Step 3: Check and Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms push water out with force during the wash. If they’re clogged, your dishes won’t get cleaned properly.

Here’s how to clean them:

• Remove the spray arms (they usually snap out or unscrew)
• Hold them under the faucet and look for blocked holes
• Use a toothpick or small wire to unclog holes
• Rinse and reinstall once clear

Pro Tip: Shake them lightly—if you hear debris inside, rinse for an extended period to flush it out.

Step 4: Clean the Drain and Sump Area

At the bottom of your dishwasher is a shallow basin called the sump. It collects water before it drains out, and it can hold a lot of nasty buildup.

What to do:

• Shine a flashlight into the drain area
• Look for food scraps, grease, or even broken glass
• Use a toothbrush or soft cloth to clean around the opening gently
• Wipe up any leftover water with a paper towel

Warning: Always turn off the power before sticking your hand near the drain!

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Wash Cycle

Now that the internal parts are clean, it’s time to clean the interior walls and eliminate odours thoroughly.

Instructions:

1. Place a dishwasher-safe measuring cup filled with 2 cups of white vinegar on the top or bottom rack
2. Run a complete hot water cycle—no detergent, no dishes
3. Let it finish and sit for 10–15 minutes before opening

Vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, grease, and leftover detergent stuck to your dishwasher’s walls and parts.

Step 6: Run a Baking Soda Rinse (Optional but Powerful)

If your dishwasher has a lingering smell or needs extra sparkle, use baking soda.

• Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda directly on the bottom of the dishwasher
• Run a short hot water cycle
• It will neutralise odours and brighten up the interior

Reminder: Don’t mix vinegar and baking soda at the same time—it’ll just foam up and reduce cleaning power.

Step 7: Wipe Down the Door, Gasket, and Exterior

The outside of your dishwasher matters too. Grime, grease, and mould love to hide in the door seals.

To finish:

• Use a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water
• Wipe the door edges, handle, gasket, and control panel
• Scrub stubborn spots around the detergent dispenser
• Buff dry with a clean towel

Bonus Tip: Use a little white vinegar on a cloth to add shine to stainless steel fronts.

Step 8: Optional Monthly Tablet Clean with Affresh®

Once your dishwasher is clean, consider using a cleaning tablet monthly to maintain its cleanliness. Amana recommends Affresh®, but Finish® or Cascade® tablets also work well.

• Drop one tablet into the detergent slot or the bottom of the dishwasher
• Run a normal hot cycle with no dishes inside
• Done!

The complete process of cleaning an Amana dishwasher can take approximately 30–45 minutes, but the results are well worth it. You’ll notice cleaner dishes, better smells, and longer-lasting performance.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Amana Dishwasher Clean Longer

You’ve put in the effort to clean your dishwasher deep—now let’s keep it that way. A little weekly attention can save you from grime, odours, and costly repairs in the future. Here’s how to maintain your Amana dishwasher with simple habits that anyone can follow.

Wipe Down Seals Weekly

The rubber gasket around the door traps steam—and also catches food splashes. Once a week, take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe around:

• The door edges
• The bottom of the door
• The gasket folds

This prevents mildew, bad smells, and helps keep the seal soft and flexible.

Clean the Filter Every 7–10 Days

Don’t wait until your dishwasher smells or clogs. Cleaning your filter only takes 3 minutes, and it keeps water flowing freely.

• Remove the upper and lower filters
• Rinse under warm water
• Scrub lightly with a toothbrush
• Reinstall—it’s that easy!

Doing this regularly supports all the steps in cleaning an Amana dishwasher properly.

Keep the Spray Arms Clear

Every couple of weeks, remove the spray arms and check the holes:

• If clogged, use a toothpick to clear debris
• Run under water to ensure no buildup remains
• Please give them a shake to check for trapped food inside

Clean spray arms = spotless dishes.

Use Rinse Aid Regularly

Rinse aid prevents water spots and speeds up drying. Refill it monthly, especially if you notice your glassware has become foggy.

• Locate the rinse aid compartment (usually near the detergent slot)
• Fill it until complete—don’t overfill
• Wipe away any spills

Some Amana models have indicators to tell you when it’s low.

Leave the Door Slightly Open After Use

This simple trick can prevent musty odours and mould growth:

• After a cycle, leave the door open an inch
• It lets moisture escape and speeds up drying
• Reduces the need for frequent deep cleans

Small habit. Big payoff.

Run Hot Water Before Starting a Cycle

If your kitchen sink water is cold, your dishwasher starts with cold water, which is bad for cleaning.

• Run hot water from the tap for 30 seconds
• Then start your dishwasher
• This gives it a strong, hot start every time

It enhances cleaning results and contributes to a fresher-smelling interior.

Use a Dishwasher Cleaner Tablet Monthly

Once a month, drop in a cleaner tablet and run a cycle:

• Brands like Affresh® and Finish® break down hard water minerals
• They reach hidden spots you can’t see
• Keeps the system clean between deep cleans

This step is an ideal follow-up to your complete guide on how to clean an Amana dishwasher effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Amana Dishwasher Problems

Even after you’ve learned how to clean an Amana dishwasher properly, there might still be moments when things go wrong. Don’t panic—many of the most common problems are linked to things you can fix at home with just a little cleaning or a quick check.

Problem: Dishes Aren’t Coming Out Clean

You’ve loaded it right, added detergent, and hit start—but your dishes are still grimy or streaked. Here’s what to do:

• Check the spray arms: Clogged holes reduce water pressure. Remove and rinse them.
• Inspect the filters: A dirty filter blocks water circulation. Clean it under warm water.
• Use a vinegar wash: If you haven’t already, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar.
• Run the sink hot first: If the cycle starts cold, the detergent won’t dissolve properly.

Pro Tip: Switch to a high-quality detergent and always use rinse aid.

Problem: Dishwasher Smells Bad

A foul odour is usually a sign that something is rotting, growing, or stuck.

• Remove and clean filters—this is the #1 source of odours
• Scrub the drain area to remove hidden grime
• Run baking soda + vinegar cycles to freshen up
• Wipe the rubber gasket and seals, where mould loves to grow
• Leave the door cracked open after every cycle to air it out

Regularly following the cleaning process for an Amana dishwasher can help eliminate these odours.

Problem: Water Isn’t Draining Properly

If you open your dishwasher and see standing water, don’t freak out. It could be a simple fix.

• Turn off the power and remove the bottom rack
• Inspect the filter and sump area for food bits, glass, or debris
• Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs
• Listen during the cycle—if it sounds unusually quiet during the drain, your drain pump might be blocked

Still not draining? Try a dishwasher-safe drain cleaner or contact Amana support for assistance.

Problem: Dishwasher Making Weird Noises

Buzzing, grinding, or rattling during cycles? It’s probably not a ghost.

• Check for foreign objects—a popcorn kernel or shard of glass can get stuck in the spray arm
• Inspect the filter area for items like bones, plastic, or metal
• Remove and shake the spray arms to hear if anything’s inside

If noise persists even after cleaning, the issue may be with the motor or pump; however, a deep clean often resolves the issue.

Problem: White Film or Cloudy Dishes

This is a classic problematic water symptom—your dishwasher is clean, but your water isn’t cooperating.

• Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle to dissolve minerals
• Add rinse aid every few weeks to prevent spotting
• Try dishwasher salt if your water is tough
• Run Affresh® tablets monthly to remove mineral buildup inside your machine

Maintaining a clean interior helps the detergent work more effectively, especially in areas with hard water.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to clean Amana dishwasher the right way, keeping it fresh and efficient is easy. Regular maintenance—such as cleaning the filters, spray arms, and drain—can help prevent odours, clogs, and poor performance. A monthly vinegar rinse and weekly wipe-downs go a long way in protecting your appliance. Don’t wait for bad smells or dirty dishes to remind you! Make cleaning part of your routine, and your dishwasher will reward you with spotless results every time. Bookmark this guide, share it with others, and enjoy the peace of mind a clean dishwasher brings!

Resources

https://www.bhg.com/why-does-my-dishwasher-smell-7374793?

https://www.eatingwell.com/maytag-says-there-is-a-right-way-to-load-the-dishwasher-11759996?

https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher.html?

https://producthelp.amana.com/Dishwashers/Product_Info/Dishwasher_Cleaning_and_Care/Cleaning_the_Dishwasher_Interior?

https://www.justanswer.com/appliance/j3gy9-just-joined-amana-dishwasher-will-not-clean-properly.html?

https://producthelp.amana.com/Dishwashers/Product_Info/Dishwasher_Cleaning_and_Care/How_to_Clean_the_Dishwasher_Filters?