Okay, real talk—when’s the last time you cleaned your dishwasher?
Wait, what?
Yeah, the thing that’s supposed to clean your dishes also needs cleaning. Mind-blowing, right? It’s kind of like realizing your shower gets dirty… even though you literally use it to get clean.
Anyway, let’s get into how to give your dishwasher a deep scrub using good ol’ bleach. But don’t worry—we’re not about to throw a bunch of science jargon at you or make you wear a hazmat suit.
First Things First: Should You Even Use Bleach?
Good question. Bleach is one of those things that feels a little intense. Like, you smell it and immediately feel like you’re in a hospital or cleaning up a crime scene.
But it can be a solid option when your dishwasher is looking (and smelling) rough—like moldy gasket gross, or just has that funky “what died in here?” odor.
👉 BUT—and this is big—do NOT use bleach if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior.
It can mess it up. Like, damage-the-finish kind of mess. In that case, stick with vinegar or baking soda (we’ll get to that another day).
Still with me? Cool. Let’s clean.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Dishwasher With Bleach (The Chill Way)
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher
Sounds obvious, but yeah—make sure there’s nothing in there. Not even a rogue spoon hiding in the top rack.
While you’re at it, pull out the bottom rack and check the drain area. If there’s old food, glass shards, or mysterious gunk… fish it out. You can use a paper towel or even an old toothbrush if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Rubber Seals
This is where mildew loves to party. Grab a rag or sponge, dip it in some diluted bleach (we’re talking a teaspoon of bleach in a cup of water), and wipe around the door gasket and rubber seals.
No need to go full scrub mode—just a quick wipe to get rid of any gunk.
Try thinking of it like this: You’re not scrubbing the floor of a gas station. You’re just giving your dishwasher a little spa treatment.
Step 3: Add the Bleach
Now comes the main event.
Pour 1 cup of liquid bleach into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack.
Do not pour it into the detergent dispenser. That’s not where it goes. That’s just asking for problems.
Step 4: Run a Full Cycle—Hot Water, Please
Shut the door, set your machine to run on a full, hot-water cycle, and hit start.
Now, step away. Don’t open it mid-cycle. Let the bleach do its thing. Go make yourself a snack. Watch a reel. Hydrate. Whatever.
When the cycle’s done, the inside of your dishwasher should look a whole lot better—and that weird smell? Gone.
But What If My Dishwasher Still Smells… Weird?
Okay, so if you’ve run bleach and it still smells like a swamp, there might be something funky in the filter or drain.
Pull out the filter (usually under the bottom rack—twists out with a little turn), rinse it under hot water, and give it a scrub with dish soap and an old toothbrush.
Still no luck? You might need a deeper clean with baking soda and vinegar (but let’s not mix those with bleach—never mix bleach with anything acidic, seriously).
Quick FAQs (a.k.a. “Stuff People Always Ask”)
Can I use bleach tablets instead of liquid bleach?
Ehh, not ideal. Stick with liquid bleach for this one. Tablets can be unpredictable and might not dissolve evenly.
How often should I do this?
Only when needed! If your dishwasher is stinky, has visible mold, or hasn’t been cleaned in… ever, go for it. Otherwise, monthly cleanings with vinegar or baking soda are enough.
Is it safe for my dishes afterward?
Totally. Once the bleach rinse is done, you’re good. Just don’t load anything during the bleach cycle (obviously).
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. “You Did It, Yay You!”)
See? Not too scary. Bleach can be your best friend when it comes to banishing nasty dishwasher smells and mystery slime. Just use it wisely, don’t go overboard, and—again—avoid it if you’ve got stainless steel inside.
So next time your dishes come out smelling worse than they went in? Now you know exactly what to do.
And hey, now that you’re already in cleaning mode… maybe tackle the microwave next? Or not. You deserve a break. 🍪