“Wait—You Have to Clean the Thing That Cleans?”
Let’s be real. Most of us assume dishwashers are these magical, self-scrubbing boxes. You toss in dirty dishes, close the door, hit a button—and boom—clean plates! But here’s the kicker: dishwashers need cleaning too.
Yeah, I know. It sounds like cleaning your soap or washing your raincoat. But over time, grease, food bits, soap scum, and hard water minerals love to throw a little party inside your dishwasher—and if you don’t crash it? You’ll start noticing funky smells, cloudy glasses, and underwhelming wash results.
So… how often should you clean your dishwasher?
Let’s break it down based on what parts need love—and how often they need it.
The Real Answer (and It’s Not Just “Once in a Blue Moon”)
There’s no single magic number, but here’s a super-easy schedule that keeps your dishwasher sparkling without turning you into a full-time appliance janitor:
| Part of Dishwasher | How Often to Clean It |
| Filter | Once a month |
| Spray Arms | Every 2–3 months |
| Interior Walls | Monthly |
| Drain/Trap | Every 1–2 months |
| Exterior/Seal | Weekly (quick wipe) |
| Deep Clean (Full cycle with cleaner) | Every 1–2 months |
Try thinking of it like brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t do it once a year and expect sparkly results, right?
Signs Your Dishwasher Is Screaming for a Scrub
Still not sure if your dishwasher needs cleaning right now? Here are some dead giveaways:
- A weird, musty smell every time you open the door (yep, food buildup).
- Cloudy glasses, even when you use rinse aid.
- Grit or grime left behind on dishes.
- Visible gunk around the filter or bottom.
- Longer cycles or dishes coming out still dirty.
If any of those sound familiar… It’s time to give your dishwasher a little TLC.
Quick Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning (Know the Difference)
Let’s be clear—not every “clean” is an all-out deep dive. Sometimes a 2-minute filter rinse is all it takes. Here’s how to break it up:
Weekly Quick Clean:
- Wipe the door seals.
- Check for food bits in the drain.
- Give the exterior a fast polish.
Monthly Deep Clean:
- Take out and rinse the filter.
- Use dishwasher cleaner or a vinegar/baking soda cycle.
- Unclog spray arms if needed.
Every 2–3 Months:
- Remove racks and inspect the inner corners.
- Check drain trap, gaskets, and rubber seals for buildup.
Bonus: If you live in an area with hard water, you may want to clean more frequently. Mineral deposits don’t mess around.
What Should You Clean It With?
Skip the harsh chemicals—your dishwasher doesn’t need a detox cleanse. Just stick to these tried-and-true options:
- White vinegar: Run a cycle with a bowl of vinegar on the top rack.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle on the bottom, run a short hot cycle.
- Lemon juice: Helps with odor and shine.
- Dishwasher cleaning tablets: Super convenient and effective.
Imagine this: your dishwasher smells like lemons, not last night’s fish curry. That’s the dream, right?
A Little Cleaning Goes a Long Way
So how many times should you clean your dishwasher? The answer: more often than you probably are—but not so often it becomes a chore.
Stick to a simple routine (monthly filter, bi-monthly deep clean, weekly wipe-down), and you’ll keep your dishwasher happy, your dishes sparkling, and your kitchen free from mystery odors.
Plus, your appliance will likely live longer—and run better.
So hey, grab a sponge and give your unsung kitchen hero a little appreciation. It’s been washing your forks without complaining… the least we can do is return the favor.