
The Dirty Truth About Your Dishwasher
Here’s a little dishwasher drama for you.
You toss in your dirty plates, hit start, and forget about it. Easy, right? But then… your dishes start coming out with gunk, weird smells, or a weird chalky film. Suddenly, your trusty machine is less “sparkle wizard” and more “meh.”
So what gives?
Believe it or not, your dishwasher needs cleaning too. And probably more often than you think.
Wait—clean the thing that cleans? Yep. Just like your shower gets dirty from soap scum or your vacuum gets clogged with hair, your dishwasher builds up grime, grease, food bits, and mineral deposits over time.
So let’s answer the big question: how often should you actually clean your dishwasher?
Quick Answer: How Often, Really?
If you’re just here for the fast facts, here’s the general guideline:
Part of Dishwasher | How Often to Clean |
Filter | Every 1–2 weeks |
Spray arms & door seals | Once a month |
Full interior deep clean | Every 1–2 months |
Exterior (handle/buttons) | Weekly |
But don’t bounce yet—because how you clean matters just as much as when you clean. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Clean the Filter (Every 1–2 Weeks)
Imagine this: You’re brushing your teeth, but never rinse out the sink. Eventually, there’s gunk, right? That’s exactly what’s happening inside your dishwasher filter if you ignore it.
Here’s how to clean it:
- Slide out the bottom rack.
- Unscrew or lift out the filter (check your manual if you’re unsure).
- Rinse it under hot water.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub any stubborn bits.
Why it matters: That filter catches food particles—if it clogs, dirty water keeps recirculating during the wash. Ew.
Step 2: Spray Arms & Door Seals (Once a Month)
Think of the spray arms as the heart of the cleaning crew. If their little holes get blocked, they can’t blast away grime effectively.
What to do:
- Check the spray arm holes for clogs (you can use a toothpick or paperclip).
- Wipe down the rubber door seals and around the edges—food, mold, and grime love to hide there.
Bonus points for removing any visible debris from around the bottom of the tub or drain area.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Interior (Every 1–2 Months)
Alright, now we’re talking spa day for your dishwasher.
You can go natural DIY or store-bought here:
DIY Deep Clean:
- Place a bowl with 1 cup white vinegar on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (empty machine, no detergent).
- Then, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short, hot cycle.
Store-Bought Option:
- Use a branded dishwasher cleaner tablet (like Finish or Affresh).
- Follow the instructions—usually it’s as easy as popping it in and pressing ‘Start’.
Why do this? Removes grease, limescale, detergent buildup, and mystery smells.
Step 4: Wipe the Exterior (Weekly)
Even if the inside’s clean, the outside’s doing all the public-facing work. Keep it looking sharp.
- Use a damp cloth and mild soap or vinegar spray.
- Don’t forget the control panel—especially if you have kids with sticky fingers.
If your dishwasher is stainless steel, you can even use a microfiber cloth and a dab of olive oil to buff out fingerprints.
What If You Never Clean It?
Let’s be real—your dishwasher won’t explode. But here’s what might happen:
- Dishes won’t get fully clean
- Glassware starts looking cloudy
- The machine smells… off
- Filters and spray arms can clog
- Over time, it could shorten your dishwasher’s lifespan
In short: dirty dishwasher = underperforming dishwasher.
Pro Tips to Make Cleaning Easier
- Set a recurring calendar reminder—seriously, it works.
- Do a quick filter rinse when unloading dishes on Sundays (or whatever your “reset” day is).
- Don’t rinse dishes too much—modern dishwashers work better with a little grime.
- Use rinse aid and dishwasher salt if you live in a hard water area.
Small habits, big results.
Keep It Clean, Keep It Working
So, how often should you clean your dishwasher?
As often as it needs to keep doing its job like a champ. A little routine maintenance goes a long way—your dishes will sparkle, your machine will smell fresh, and you won’t end up googling “why is my dishwasher suddenly gross?”
So next time you hit “Start,” know that your dishwasher is clean and ready to rock.