Key Points
**Clean the filter and spray arms monthly to keep dishes spotless.
**Use vinegar and baking soda for a deep, natural clean.
**Wipe seals and rinse plates to prevent buildup and odors.
Ever open your dishwasher and wonder why it smells funky or your dishes still look a little gross? You’re not alone. It happens — even with a name like Whirlpool. The truth is, dishwashers need cleaning, too. Food bits, grease, soap scum — it all builds up.
And if you ignore it, the machine stops working like it used to. The good news? You can fix this yourself in under an hour. In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean Whirlpool dishwasher without fancy products or a repair person. Just simple steps that work.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Let’s keep it easy. You don’t need expensive cleaners — just basic stuff from your kitchen or cleaning cabinet:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- A soft toothbrush or cleaning brush
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- A toothpick or pin (for the spray arms)
- Optional: rubber gloves, paper towels, or an old rag
Grab everything first so you don’t have to stop halfway.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher
Step 1
Start by Clearing Everything Out
Take out all the dishes. Obvious, but essential.
Then, remove the bottom rack to access the filter and the bottom of the tub.
While you’re at it, check for any leftover food chunks or weird gunk at the bottom.
Scoop it out if you see any — no one wants that floating around during cleaning.
Step 2
Pull Out the Filter and Give It a Scrub
Whirlpool dishwashers usually have a round filter under the bottom spray arm.
Turn it counterclockwise and lift it out.
Rinse it under warm water and scrub with a toothbrush.
If it’s super greasy, a little dish soap helps cut through the grime.
Filters catch food particles. If you never clean it, your dishes won’t come out clean either.
Step 3
Don’t Forget the Spray Arms
Spray arms are the real MVPs — they shoot out water to clean your dishes.
But those tiny holes get clogged over time.
Take the arms off if your model allows. If not, clean them in place.
Use a toothpick or a pin to poke out food bits stuck in the holes.
Then rinse them under water and wipe them down. Easy.
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Step 4
Wipe Down the Inside Like You Mean It
Grab your cloth or sponge and a bit of warm, soapy water.
Wipe the inside walls, the door, the rubber gasket, and especially the corners.
These spots collect grease and mold that you may not always notice.
For tight spots, use the toothbrush. It gets in everywhere.
Step 5
Time for a Vinegar Wash
Fill a dishwasher-safe cup (like a glass measuring cup) with plain white vinegar.
Place it on the top rack, right-side up.
Run a complete cycle on hot with no detergent.
This breaks down grease, kills odors, and helps dissolve hard water residue.
Seriously, vinegar is magic.
Step 6
Follow Up With Baking Soda
Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle around one cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher.
Start a short, hot wash cycle—no need to add detergent or dishes.
This helps remove any leftover odors and leaves the interior smelling fresh.
Your dishwasher will look cleaner and feel fresher than before.
Step 7
Wipe Down the Outside Too
As your dishwasher runs its cleaning cycle, use that time to freshen up the outside.
Hold a soft, damp cloth and add a small amount of dish soap.
For stainless steel finishes, wipe in the path of the grain and dry directly to stop watermarks or streaks.
Just a quick wipe-down can make your dishwasher look shiny and brand new.
Step 8 :
Put Everything Back in Place
Once it’s all clean and dry, reinsert the filter and spray arms.
Make sure they’re locked in tight.
Slide your racks back in, close it up — and boom.
Your dishwasher is ready to sparkle again.
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Tips to Keep It Clean Longer
- Rinse plates before loading. Don’t let food chunks sit.
- Clean the filter every couple of weeks — it takes 2 minutes.
- Wipe down the door seal weekly.
- Use a rinse aid if you live in an area with hard water.
- Don’t overload the dishwasher — let water flow freely.
These tiny habits help you avoid big cleanups later.
FAQs About Cleaning Whirlpool Dishwashers
1. How frequently should I clean my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Do a deep clean every month.
Wipe down seals and check the filter weekly if you run it often.
2. Can I utilize bleach instead of vinegar?
Only if your Whirlpool model doesn’t have a stainless steel tub.
Stick with vinegar to be safe — it works and won’t damage anything.
3. Why does my dishwasher smell weird?
Usually, it’s from food buildup in the filter, spray arms, or door seal.
Regular cleaning solves this quickly.
4. What if I can’t take out the spray arms?
That’s okay! You can clean them while they’re still in place. Use a toothpick or pin to clear any clogged holes, then wipe the arms with a soft sponge.
5. Do I have to clean something that washes dishes every day?
Yep. Dishwashers clean dishes, but not themselves.
Grease, soap scum, and food still build up and need to be removed.
Final Thoughts
You made it! That wasn’t so bad, right?
Now you know exactly how to clean Whirlpool dishwasher without needing to call a repair technician or buy expensive cleaners.
Stick to this routine once a month, and your dishwasher will continue to run like new.
More importantly, your dishes will finally come out clean, every single time.
