Key Points
**Remove and clean the filter monthly to prevent odor and buildup.
**Use white vinegar and baking soda for a natural deep clean.
**Scrub spray arms, gasket, and door edges to eliminate hidden grime.
**Avoid bleach on stainless steel interiors to prevent corrosion.
**Keep the door slightly open after use to reduce moisture and mold.
Have you ever opened your dishwasher and thought you were going to have a shiny clean dish, only to have a smelly buildup, or slimy plates or glasses? It is not your fault. Most of us do not even think that our dishwashers need to be cleaned; however, with time, there will be food particles, grease, and soap scums that accumulate in the nooks and crannies, notably on the inside. Such build-up causes smells, poor cleaning, and even mold.
The good news? You do not need a new device; you simply require the decent steps. In this follow-up, we are going to take you through the process of how to clean inside of dishwasher with ease, naturally, and efficiently. In a matter of minutes, if you use a few tools, your dishwasher will be clean and have fresh odors.
Why You Need to Clean the Inside of Your Dishwasher
It is always easy to forget that the machine that is going to clean our dishes also requires cleaning. But consider this: any amount of leftover food, grease, along with soap will go down in the filter, spray arms, as well as the drain whenever a load is placed in there. The gunk accumulates over time.
Mold and mildew find comfy accommodations even in the cozy little warm, damp place. With a dirty interior, your dishwasher is not in a position to work correctly. You can observe food coming out watery or even still dirty. And to top it all, that funky smell? It is likely to be bacteria. Learning how to clean inside of dishwasher ensures your machine runs better, lasts longer, and keeps your dishes truly clean.
Signs Your Dishwasher Interior Needs a Deep Clean
You are not sure whether you need to clean your dishwasher. These are the typical red flags to be aware of:
Stinky interior
Whenever you put your hand or your nose on the door, a smelly odor will be a huge warning.
Spotted or cloudy dishes: spots on dishes and sedimented hard water make it more difficult to clean.
Ocular dirt
Inspect the rubber gasket, filter, and all the arms of the spray mold, as they can be lurking there.
Standing water
This may be due to blocked pipes or a dirty drain that may lead to poor drainage.
When you have identified one or all of these, there is no time to lose. You need to get your hands on and clean your dishwasher.
Safety Tips Before You Start Cleaning
A couple of basic precautionary measures before one embarks on learning how to clean inside of dishwasher:
- To prevent any electrical problem, unplug the unit or turn off the breaker.
- Rubber gloves will help keep your hands clean of grime and cleaning solutions.
- Wear a mask also, in case there is the presence of black or green mold.
- Stainless steel interiors should not use bleach, as it causes damage and may release fumes.
- Cleaning- keep the atmosphere in the kitchen fresh by opening windows.
Being a bit of a caregiver is good practice, so when handling mold and mildew, or harsh cleaning chemicals, it is.
How to Clean Inside of Dishwasher Step-by-Step
It is not necessary to make cleaning the interior of your dishwasher complex. All that is required is a proper routine, some simple tools, and a little time. This is very simple on how to clean inside of dishwasher and restore it to its fresh sparkling state.
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher and Remove Removable Parts
Start with a blank slate. Take out the bottom rack, top rack (if possible), utensil basket, and any detachable parts.
- Place them in the sink or a basin of hot, soapy water.
- Use a sponge or old toothbrush to scrub away stuck-on grime and mildew.
- Let them air dry while you clean the inside.
Step 2: Clean the Filter Thoroughly
The filter is a common mold and debris magnet, and often the culprit behind bad smells.
- Twist and lift out the filter (check your manual for help).
- Soak it in warm water with a bit of dish soap for 10–15 minutes.
- Sweep it through with a gentle brush to get rid of food stains and grease.
- Rinse and set aside to dry.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior Walls and Door
This is very important in learning how to clean inside of dishwasher.
- Grab a microfiber cloth or a sponge and dip it into a mix of warm water and white vinegar in a one-to-one proportion.
- Wipe the inner walls, door edges, and especially the rubber gasket.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub into the corners, hinges, and under the door lip—these areas hide a lot of gunk.
Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms and Drain Area
The spray arms have tiny holes that can clog with mineral deposits or food.
- Remove the spray arms (check your model), then rinse under water.
- Use a toothpick or paperclip to unclog the holes gently.
- Check the drain area for visible gunk, glass shards, or food scraps and remove them carefully.
Step 5: Run a Hot Vinegar Wash Cycle
Vinegar helps dissolve grease, kill mold, and neutralize odors—naturally.
- Count 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar into a glass, dishwasher-safe bowl, or mug.
- Place it on the top rack of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a complete hot water cycle (without detergent).
This step deep-cleans the inside and deodorizes at the same time.
Step 6: Follow Through with Baking Soda for Freshness
Baking soda eliminates odors and removes any leftover residue.
- Scatter 1 cup of baking soda on the base of the dishwasher.
- Make one or two short hot cycles (no dishes, no detergent).
- Your dishwasher will come out looking—and smelling—like new.
Optional Step: Use Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets
For an extra deep clean, think of using a commercial cleaner like Affresh or Finish Dishwasher Cleaner.
- Simply place the tablet in the detergent tray or the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a normal or cleaning cycle as instructed on the packaging.
With these steps, you now know exactly how to clean inside of dishwasher—from racks to filter, door to drain. Cleaning monthly will keep your machine running efficiently, prolong its life, and keep your dishes sparkling clean.
How to Keep the Inside of Your Dishwasher Clean Longer
You’ve done the work – now let’s keep it up. These easy habits stop grout, grime, and mould from coming back:
- Leave the door open a crack after the cycle finishes – stops the water from getting stuck in the door seals, stops the risk of mold.
- Wipe down the rubber gasket weekly – Use a cloth dipped in vinegar to remove slime.
- Clean the filter every 2–4 weeks, especially if you don’t pre-rinse your dishes.
- Use a dishwasher cleaning tablet once a month – These dissolve hard water minerals and residue.
- Scrape off food before loading – Don’t overload or block the spray arms.
- Run hot water before starting a cycle – This ensures the dishwasher begins with hot water immediately.
With regular monthly in-depth cleaning and quick weekly wipe-downs, you will be able to keep the interior of your dishwasher clean and odor-free.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning the Inside of Your Dishwasher
Even with good intentions, some cleaning habits can do more harm than good. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Never mix vinegar and bleach – This creates toxic fumes.
- Don’t use bleach on stainless steel interiors – It can permanently damage the surface.
- Avoid scrubbing with abrasive pads – They can scratch the interior and reduce performance.
- Skipping the filter – The filter traps everything. If it’s dirty, your whole dishwasher suffers.
- Using too much detergent – This leads to soap scum buildup over time.
Understanding how to clean inside of dishwasher means knowing what not to do, just as much as knowing what to do.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to clean inside of dishwasher without stress, confusion, or harsh chemicals. From soaking the parts and cleaning the seals to doing a vinegar and baking soda cycle, this little procedure makes a significant impact on what your machine smells, does, and endures. Don’t let it get stinky or your dishes don’t become gross—make this a regular ritual, every month! Your dishwasher will be grateful. Your dishes will shine. And you’ll never again be perplexed, “What is that odor?”
Ready to get started? Try it today and share this guide with a friend who needs it too.
Related: How to Clean a Moldy Dishwasher: Safe & Easy Steps That Work
FAQs
1. Is it possible to clean the inside of the dishwasher with bleach?
Answer:
Sure, but only when your dishwasher inside is made of plastic, not stainless steel. Bleach will eat stainless steel and rubber seals. It is always best to consult your manual first before using bleach, and also, it should never be combined with vinegar or other cleaners.
Source
2. How often should I clean the inside of my dishwasher?
Answer:
Based on the views of Redditors and cleaning experts, every 4-6 weeks, a deep clean is necessary. On the contrary, light maintenance, which involves wiping the gasket and rinsing the filter, is to be done after every 12 weeks.
Source
3. Which is better: cleaning tablets or vinegar for dishwasher cleaning?
Answer:
Indeed, both methods are helpful, and they are used depending on the needs. Vinegar is a fabulous, clean alternative to housekeeping while, at the same time, eliminating food detritus and scents without any danger. Cleaning tablets (such as Affresh) are a more potent offense against hard water scum and tough dirt. Some switches between the two, vinegar to carry out daily maintenance, and tablets to perform heavy cleans every month.
Source
4. Why does my dishwasher still smell even after cleaning it?
Answer:
The complaints about the presence of bad smells even after cleaning include the fact that there are hidden places where food or buildup can be trapped, such as the drain line, the spray arms, or the door gasket. One Redditor wrote, The dishwasher still has an odor despite me cleaning out the dishwasher and opening the door immediately after doing so on a routine basis … The filter itself would seem to be in order.”
Source
5. How often should I clean my dishwasher to prevent buildup?
Answer:
According to home maintenance forums and experts, one should clean the dishwasher between 1 and 3 months, depending on usage. Duration of clean-up: A monthly clean-up should be used by daily users. Cleanliness can also be maintained by regularly wiping down (such as gasket and filter washing) every 2 weeks or so.
Source
Source
https://theproperkitchen.com/how-do-i-clean-the-inside-of-my-dishwasher
https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-out-the-inside-of-a-dishwasher
https://hometechbuddy.com/how-to-clean-your-dishwasher-inside
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7944384/how-to-clean-dishwasher-with-vinegar
https://www.womanandhome.com/homes/cleaning–decluttering/how-often-should-you-clean-a-dishwasher
