Is Your Dishwasher Actually Cleaning or Just Spreading Grime?
Let’s be honest—when was the last time you gave your dishwasher a deep clean? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably never (or maybe once, when you first got it). But here’s the thing: your dishwasher might look clean, yet over time, food debris, grease, and soap scum build up, making it less effective.
Ever noticed a funky smell? Cloudy glasses? A pool of water at the bottom that just won’t go away? Those are all signs that your dishwasher needs a proper draining and cleaning routine. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Start with a Manual Check (No, You Don’t Need a Toolbox)
Before jumping into cleaning mode, take a moment to inspect your dishwasher.
- Check the drain – Is there standing water? Food bits? Gunky residue?
- Look at the filter – Many dishwashers have a removable filter that traps food debris.
- Sniff test – If it smells like last week’s spaghetti sauce, it’s definitely time for a deep clean.
If you find standing water, we’ll deal with that first before moving on to the scrubbing part.
Step 2: Drain That Stagnant Water
If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, there could be a simple fix. Try this:
- Run the garbage disposal – Your dishwasher and sink often share the same drain, so a clogged disposal can block water flow.
- Check the drain hose – If it’s kinked or clogged, water won’t drain properly.
- Clean out the filter – This little guy can get packed with food gunk, causing slow drainage.
Step 3: Give the Filter a Deep Clean
Now that you’ve drained any standing water, it’s time to tackle one of the dirtiest parts of your dishwasher—the filter. If your dishwasher has a removable filter (most modern models do), follow these steps:
- Remove the filter – It’s usually at the bottom of the dishwasher. Twist or lift it out (check your manual if you’re unsure).
- Rinse under warm water – Use your sink’s spray function or run it under the tap to remove loose debris.
- Scrub with a soft brush – An old toothbrush works great! Use warm, soapy water or a bit of vinegar to break down grease and residue.
- Check for blockages – Look inside the filter compartment for trapped food or grime. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Pro Tip: Clean your filter at least once a month—more often if you don’t rinse dishes before loading them.
Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms (Yes, They Can Get Clogged Too!)
Your dishwasher’s spray arms are responsible for blasting water onto your dishes, but over time, their tiny holes can get clogged with mineral buildup or food particles.
- Remove the spray arms (if possible) – Most can be twisted or unscrewed.
- Inspect the holes – Use a toothpick or small wire to clear out any blockages.
- Soak in vinegar – If there’s heavy buildup, soak the arms in a bowl of vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Rinse and reinstall – Give them a good rinse and place them back in the dishwasher.
If your dishes aren’t getting clean, clogged spray arms could be the culprit!
Step 5: Run a Cleaning Cycle (The Magic Trick!)
Now that the major parts are clean, it’s time to refresh the entire dishwasher. Here’s how:
Option 1: Vinegar + Baking Soda Method
- Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle – Vinegar helps dissolve grease, soap scum, and odors.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle. This freshens and removes lingering grime.
Option 2: Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
If you prefer a store-bought solution, grab a dishwasher cleaner tablet (like Affresh or Finish) and run a cleaning cycle according to the instructions.
Important: NEVER mix vinegar and baking soda in the same wash cycle—they neutralize each other!
Step 6: Wipe Down the Door & Seals
While the dishwasher runs, take a moment to clean the exterior and rubber door seals:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe the edges of the door.
- Check the door gasket (the rubber seal) for grime buildup—gently clean it with vinegar.
- Wipe the control panel (if touch-sensitive, use a glass cleaner or mild soap).
You’d be surprised how much hidden gunk accumulates around the door edges!
Step 7: Keep It Fresh & Maintain Regularly
Now that your dishwasher is sparkling clean, here’s how to keep it that way:
- Scrape plates before loading – Avoid large food particles clogging the filter.
- Run hot water before starting a cycle – Ensures proper cleaning from the start.
- Use rinse aid – Helps prevent water spots and improves drying.
- Clean the filter & spray arms monthly – Keeps things running smoothly.
- Run a vinegar wash every few weeks – Helps break down grease and hard water deposits.
Enjoy Your Like-New Dishwasher!
And that’s it! A properly cleaned dishwasher means cleaner dishes, no weird smells, and fewer maintenance issues. If you’ve never cleaned yours before, you’ll likely notice a huge difference after following these steps.
Have you tried deep cleaning your dishwasher before? Let me know how it went or if you have any dishwasher cleaning hacks!