Okay, quick question: when’s the last time you cleaned your dishwasher? No, I don’t mean pulling out a rogue spoon from the bottom rack—I mean really cleaned it. If you’re squinting at the screen or trying to remember, you’re definitely not alone.
Most of us assume our dishwasher stays clean just because it’s constantly rinsing water and detergent through itself. But here’s the kicker: it’s actually a bit of a germ magnet. Yup—grease, food gunk, soap scum, and even mold can build up in the nooks and crannies of your machine. Not exactly what you want near your “clean” dishes, right?
That’s where sterilizing comes in. It’s not just about wiping things down; it’s about killing bacteria, banishing odors, and giving your appliance a fresh start. So whether your dishwasher’s been smelling funky, looking grimy, or you’re just trying to stay ahead of the funk, sterilizing it is your move.
Let’s talk about how to actually do that—without turning it into a weekend-long project.
What You’ll Need Before You Get Scrubbing
Before we start playing germ assassin, gather these tools:
- White vinegar (your MVP for natural cleaning)
- Baking soda (because chemistry is cool)
- An old toothbrush or small scrub brush (hello, corners and gaskets!)
- Dish soap (mild is fine)
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Optional: gloves and a toothpick (for next-level detailing)
No fancy chemicals, no hazmat suit. Just a few pantry staples and a little elbow grease.
Step-by-Step: How to Sterilize Your Dishwasher Like a Pro
1. Clear It Out
Obvious, but essential. Take out the racks, utensil holders, and any other removable parts. If you’ve got a manual filter at the bottom (most newer models do), take that out too—it’s probably full of food bits you don’t even want to look at.
2. Scrub the Removable Parts
Soak the racks and holders in hot, soapy water. Give them a quick scrub with your brush or sponge. You’re not polishing silver here—just removing residue and grime.
3. Clean the Filter
If your filter smells like a compost pile, you’re overdue. Rinse it under hot water and use a brush to scrub off stuck-on gunk. A little dish soap helps here too.
4. Wipe Down the Inside
Using a mix of warm water and vinegar (equal parts), wipe down the inside walls, door, and rubber seal. Use your toothbrush to get in all those grimy little crevices, especially around the door and spray arms. Got mystery crud in a corner? This is where the toothpick comes in.
5. Vinegar Rinse Cycle
Pop a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle (empty machine, of course). This helps break down grease, remove odors, and kill some bacteria.
6. Baking Soda Blast
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle about a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub. Run a short hot cycle—this’ll deodorize and leave things sparkling.
A Few Sterilizing Tips You’ll Be Glad You Know
- Skip the bleach if you have a stainless steel interior—it can damage it. Stick with vinegar and baking soda unless your manual says otherwise.
- If your machine still smells funky, check the drain hose—sometimes food bits get stuck there.
- Want to get fancy? Add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or eucalyptus) to your vinegar bowl for a spa-like scent.
How Often Should You Do This?
Think of sterilizing like a deep-clean spa day for your dishwasher. You don’t need to go full Cinderella every week. Once a month is usually enough, especially if you’re good about cleaning the filter and wiping it down occasionally.
If you’ve got hard water, use your dishwasher daily, or notice buildup/smells more frequently—bump it up to every two weeks.
Let’s Wrap It Up: A Fresh Start for Your Dishwasher
There you have it—clean, simple, and surprisingly satisfying. Sterilizing your dishwasher isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about keeping your machine running smoothly and your dishes truly clean. Plus, who doesn’t love a kitchen that smells fresh instead of faintly like last week’s lasagna?
So next time your plates come out smelling… off, you’ll know what to do.
✨ Go give your dishwasher a little TLC. It deserves it. And so do your dishes. ✨