Let’s be honest—most of us load the dishwasher, hit the start button, and forget about it. Out of sight, out of mind, right? But here’s the thing: your dishwasher does a lot of dirty work, and over time, the bottom can become a graveyard for food bits, grease, and who-knows-what-else.
Think about it—every rinse cycle pushes tiny scraps of pasta, soggy cereal, and the occasional rogue pea down there. And while your dishwasher is tough, it’s not a magician. All that gunk can collect, clog filters, and even leave your dishes coming out… well, less than sparkling.
Now you might be thinking, “Wait, do I really need to mess with the bottom of my dishwasher?” Yep. But here’s the good news: it’s easier than you think. And once you’ve done it, your dishwasher will run smoother, smell fresher, and—bonus—you won’t have to re-wash that “clean” glass that somehow still has water spots.
Next up, let’s talk about what you’ll actually need before you dive into the dishwasher’s depths. No one wants to stop halfway through because they forgot a towel or a screwdriver.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you go full-on dishwasher surgeon, let’s make sure you’ve got the right “tools of the trade.” Don’t worry—you won’t need a toolbox the size of a car trunk. Most of this stuff is already hanging around your kitchen.
Here’s your simple checklist:
- A towel or two – Trust me, there’s always a bit of water hanging around the bottom.
- A sponge or soft cloth – For wiping away that mystery gunk you’ll probably find.
- A soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) – Because some of those crevices are sneaky.
- Mild dish soap – Harsh chemicals? Nope. Your dishwasher deserves gentle care.
- Screwdriver (maybe) – Some models have filters that twist right out; others might need a little help from a Phillips head.
Optional but helpful: a pair of gloves (if you’d rather not come face-to-face with whatever’s been camping out in there).
Once you’ve rounded up your supplies, you’re ready for the slightly more exciting part—actually opening up the bottom of the dishwasher.
How to Open the Bottom of Your Dishwasher Step by Step
Alright—this is where we roll up our sleeves. Opening the bottom of your dishwasher sounds intense, but really, it’s more “puzzle” than “plumbing.” Here’s how to do it without breaking a sweat (or your dishwasher).
Step 1: Empty it out.
Seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this part. Take out all the dishes (yes, even that lone coffee mug hiding in the corner).
Step 2: Remove the bottom rack.
Just slide it out like you would when loading plates—only this time, you’re giving yourself space to work. Set it aside so it’s not rolling into you every two seconds.
Step 3: Find the filter and spray arm.
Look down at the very bottom—you’ll see a spray arm (the thing that spins) and usually a circular filter or cover underneath. That’s your target zone.
Step 4: Twist, pop, or unscrew.
Most dishwashers have a filter that twists off—turn it counterclockwise (lefty-loosey) and it should lift right out. Some models might have a screw holding things in place. That’s where that screwdriver might come in handy.
Step 5: Lift carefully.
Once the filter or cover is off, you’ll have access to the underside—aka the “ew” zone. Expect to see some trapped food bits, maybe a little standing water, and yes, the occasional surprise (hello, lemon seed from 2021).
That’s it—the “hard” part is over. Now you can actually clean the bottom and make your dishwasher happy again.
How to Actually Clean the Bottom Once It’s Open
Alright, now that you’ve got the bottom opened up, it’s time to face what’s been lurking down there. Spoiler: it’s probably not pretty. But hey—that’s exactly why you’re here.
Step 1: Scoop out the big stuff.
Start by grabbing any larger bits of food or debris you see. You might find things like soggy noodles, seeds, or that missing piece of corn that’s been MIA since Thanksgiving. A paper towel works great for this—just scoop and toss.
Step 2: Clean the filter.
Your dishwasher’s filter is like its personal gatekeeper—it catches all the junk before it clogs the drain. Take it over to the sink and rinse it under warm water. Use that old toothbrush (or small brush) to scrub away grease and buildup. If it’s extra gross, a drop of dish soap can help cut through the grime.
Step 3: Wipe down the inside.
Grab your sponge or soft cloth, add a little warm soapy water, and wipe the bottom of the dishwasher where the filter sits. Get into those corners—yes, the ones that feel like a yoga stretch for your arm.
Step 4: Check the spray arm.
While you’re in there, take a peek at the spray arm holes. If they’re clogged with food bits, give them a gentle poke with a toothpick or rinse them in the sink. This step can seriously improve how well your dishwasher cleans.
Step 5: Rinse and reassemble.
Once everything looks clean, rinse off any soapy residue, put the filter back in (make sure it’s locked in place—nobody likes a loose filter), and slide the bottom rack back.
Boom—you just gave your dishwasher a mini spa day.
The Wrap-Up and How Often You Should Do This
Congrats! You’ve made it through the deep-dive dishwasher cleanup—who knew your dishwasher could feel so pampered? Now, before you rush off to brag about your newfound appliance skills, here’s the lowdown on keeping this habit going.
How often should you clean the bottom?
A good rule of thumb: once a month if you run your dishwasher daily or nearly every day. If you’re more of a once-in-a-while user, every two or three months should do the trick. The goal is to stop buildup before it starts causing funky smells or less-than-clean dishes.
Why bother?
Because a clean dishwasher doesn’t just mean cleaner dishes. It also means your machine runs better, lasts longer, and smells way less like a science experiment gone wrong. Plus, fewer clogs = fewer repairs. Win-win, right?
Quick tip: While you’re at it, consider tossing a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar in for a cycle once a month. It helps break down mineral deposits and keeps everything smelling fresh.
So, next time your dishes come out looking less than perfect, don’t immediately blame the soap or your cooking skills—remember the secret lies in that bottom filter.
Ready to show your dishwasher some love? Grab that towel and brush, and give it a go. Your future self (and your sparkling dishes) will thank you.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—a straightforward, no-fuss guide to opening and cleaning the bottom of your dishwasher. It might sound a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a quick and satisfying way to keep your dishwasher running like new.
Remember, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. Think of it as giving your dishwasher a monthly tune-up that saves you time, hassle, and money in the long run. Plus, it means your dishes come out sparkling clean every single time.
Next time your dishwasher starts sounding funny or your dishes don’t look quite right, you’ll know exactly where to start. So grab your towel, brush, and dish soap—and show that appliance some love!