So you’ve triggered the cleaning mode. Great start. But if you really want to give your dishwasher that “just came from the factory” sparkle, a little hands-on maintenance goes a long way. Think of cleaning mode as a reset—and this next part as a full-on refresh.
Step One: The Vinegar Rinse (Your Dishwasher’s New Best Friend)
Ever opened your dishwasher and thought, “Why does it smell like wet dog and sadness?” Yeah, it happens. And vinegar is the answer. No, not the apple cider kind you put in salad dressing—we’re talking plain old white vinegar.
Here’s how you do it:
- Grab a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup.
- Fill it with about one cup of white vinegar.
- Place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle—just a normal one, no detergent.
That’s it. The vinegar cuts through grease, neutralizes odors, and loosens up any gunk hiding in the corners.
Now, is it going to smell like a pickle factory in your kitchen for a bit? Probably. But it fades fast, and it’s totally worth it.
Step Two: The Baking Soda Boost
Still not satisfied? Go for the one-two punch.
After the vinegar cycle:
- Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub.
- Run a short hot water cycle.
This helps with stains, boosts freshness, and leaves things looking and smelling way better. Bonus: it’s cheap, safe, and doesn’t mess with your plumbing.
Step Three: Don’t Forget the Filter
Here’s the part no one wants to do, but it matters. Most Amana dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. And trust me, if you’ve never looked at it, it probably looks like it’s been through a war.
Take it out (just twist and lift), rinse it under hot water, and scrub gently with a soft brush. If it’s super gross, let it soak in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes.
Once it’s clean, pop it back in. Easy.
Now you’ve combined the internal cleaning cycle and a deep-clean routine. Your dishwasher should be running smoother, smelling fresher, and honestly? Just vibing.
Next up, we’ll wrap this all together with some simple maintenance tips to keep your Amana running like a champ year-round—and avoid that dreaded dishwasher funk from ever coming back.
How to Keep Your Amana Dishwasher Clean All the Time (Without Babying It)
Let’s be real: nobody has time to deep-clean their dishwasher every week. But if you do a few quick things regularly, you’ll save yourself from weird smells, gross buildup, and dishes that look like they took a mud bath.
1. Rinse Lightly—But Don’t Overdo It
Here’s a little-known fact: most modern dishwashers (Amana included) are actually designed to handle a little grime. A tiny bit of food helps the detergent work better.
That said, don’t just shove in half a lasagna.
Scrape off solids, maybe give things a quick rinse if they’re super saucy—but skip the full-on pre-wash. Not only does it waste water, it can also confuse your dishwasher’s sensors. Yep, it’s that smart.
2. Clean the Door Seal Every So Often
Ever notice that black rubber ring around the door? That’s the gasket. And it loves to trap bits of food, grease, and sometimes… whatever that pink fuzzy stuff is.
Take a damp cloth, a little warm soapy water, and give it a wipe once every week or two. Not only does it prevent mold and mildew, it helps the door seal properly so you don’t get surprise leaks.
3. Leave the Door Open After Cycles
This one’s simple: after a wash cycle, crack the door open just a bit. Why? Because trapped moisture = bacteria’s favorite playground.
Letting the steam escape helps everything dry out, including the filter and corners where water tends to linger. Plus, your dishwasher smells fresher. Win-win.
4. Use a Dishwasher Cleaner Monthly
You’ve got vinegar and baking soda, sure—but every now and then, using a store-bought dishwasher cleaner (like Affresh or Finish) helps bust through stuff you can’t see. Think of it like changing the oil in your car.
Just toss it in, run a normal hot cycle with no dishes, and call it good. Takes zero effort and makes a big difference long-term.
So there you go—cleaning mode, deep-clean tricks, and maintenance hacks that’ll keep your Amana humming along like it’s brand new.
Want a quick cheat sheet of everything we covered? Stick around—next, we’ll wrap this all up with a simple checklist you can print, save, or ignore until something smells weird again.
Your Amana Dishwasher Cleaning & Maintenance Cheat Sheet
Stick this on the fridge, bookmark it, or just try to remember where you saw it last time things got funky.
Weekly To-Do’s
- Wipe the door seal with a damp cloth. Quick swipe, that’s it.
- Check for leftover gunk on the bottom. If you see soggy spinach from last week’s dinner? Scoop it out.
- Leave the door cracked open after runs. Helps dry things out and keeps it from turning into a moldy cave.
Monthly Routine
- Run the vinegar + baking soda clean. One cycle with a cup of vinegar, then a short one with baking soda sprinkled at the bottom.
- Use a dishwasher cleaning tablet for a deeper clean. Let it do the heavy lifting while you scroll your phone.
Every 2–3 Months
- Remove and clean the filter. Yes, it’s kind of gross—but it takes five minutes and makes a big difference.
- Check spray arms. Are the little holes clogged with junk? Poke ’em clean with a toothpick if needed.
When Things Start Acting Weird
- Run the cleaning/diagnostic mode:
Press: Heated Dry → Normal → Heated Dry → Normal.
No dishes, no detergent. Let the dishwasher do its thing. - Smell something off? Try vinegar first. If that doesn’t fix it, clean the filter and check for hidden buildup.
That’s it. No fancy tools. No special products (unless you want them). Just a little regular TLC and your Amana dishwasher will thank you—by, you know, actually cleaning your dishes the right way.
Feeling like a dishwasher whisperer now? You should.
And if you’re still having issues even after all this? Might be time to check the manual, or worse—make the call. (To a tech, not your mom. Though hey, she might know a thing or two.)
Final Thoughts
Look, dishwashers aren’t complicated. But like anything with moving parts and food scraps involved, they need some love now and then. You don’t have to go full clean freak mode—just stay consistent. A little effort here and there means fewer breakdowns, better cleaning, and way less embarrassment when a guest opens your dishwasher and recoils.
So next time your dishes come out cloudy or your kitchen smells like wet socks—you’ll know exactly what to do.
Now go give that Amana a little spa day. It’s earned it.