Okay, pop quiz: what’s the one appliance in your kitchen that literally has “washing” in its name… but probably needs a wash of its own?
Yep. Your dishwasher.
Sounds crazy, right? Like, how can something that sprays hot water and detergent all day be dirty? But trust me—just because your dishes come out clean doesn’t mean the inside of your dishwasher is sparkling too.
Let’s talk about what’s really lurking in there… and how to kick it out.
Why You Should (Actually) Disinfect Your Dishwasher
Imagine this: you open the dishwasher and instead of that fresh, just-cleaned scent, you get hit with a funky, musty smell. Kind of like your gym shoes forgot to shower. Sound familiar?
That’s bacteria. Mold. Mildew. Food gunk. Maybe even a little soap scum party happening in the corners. Yeah, gross.
And here’s the kicker—if you don’t clean your dishwasher every so often, all that nasty buildup doesn’t just stay there. It can mess with the cleanliness of your dishes. That’s right, your “clean” fork might be getting a side of grime.
So yes, disinfecting your dishwasher isn’t just about fresh smells—it’s about hygiene, performance, and making sure you’re not low-key eating off plates washed in swamp water. (Dramatic? Maybe. But not entirely wrong.)
But Wait—Isn’t Running It Enough?
You’d think so, right? I mean, it blasts hot water, detergent, and steam. Sounds like a self-cleaning miracle machine.
But here’s the reality: dishwashers are great at cleaning dishes—not themselves.
Food particles get stuck in the filter. Grease coats the walls over time. Minerals from hard water build up on the spray arms. And if you’ve got a plastic interior? That stuff loves to hold onto odors.
So, yeah… even your trusty kitchen helper needs a deep clean once in a while.
How to Disinfect Your Dishwasher (Step-by-Step)
Alright, ready to roll up your sleeves and give your dishwasher the TLC it deserves? Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps. No overcomplicated hacks, no weird chemistry sets required—just stuff you probably already have at home.
Step 1: Empty That Bad Boy Out
Sounds obvious, but hey—it’s worth saying. Make sure there are no dishes inside. None. Not even the “oh it’s just a spoon” spoon. You want your dishwasher to be completely bare so you can clean every nook and funky-smelling cranny.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Filter
Ah, the filter. This little piece is often the source of all the drama.
Here’s what to do:
- Twist and lift the filter from the bottom of your dishwasher (usually under the lower spray arm).
- Rinse it under hot water.
- Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works wonders) and a bit of dish soap to scrub off the grime.
- Got stubborn gunk? Let it soak in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.
Pro tip: Do this at least once a month. Yes, every month. Think of it like cleaning your hairbrush—if it gets gross, it stops doing its job properly.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior Walls and Seals
Grab a microfiber cloth or sponge, dampen it with white vinegar, and go to town:
- Clean the walls (especially corners and the bottom edge).
- Pay special attention to the rubber door gasket—that’s a mold magnet.
- Don’t forget the edges of the door, where food particles like to hide and throw parties.
If you see mold or mildew, a little baking soda paste (baking soda + water) and some gentle scrubbing will usually take care of it. Still stubborn? A tiny bit of diluted bleach might be necessary—but only if your dishwasher has a plastic interior. Skip this if it’s stainless steel (trust us on this one).
Step 4: Run a Vinegar Wash
This is the easy part.
- Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup.
- Place it upright on the top rack.
- Run the dishwasher on the hottest, longest cycle (no detergent, no other dishes).
The vinegar helps break down grease, odors, and mineral buildup. It’s like a spa day for your machine.
Step 5: Follow with a Baking Soda Rinse
Let’s give it that final freshen-up:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a short hot water cycle (again, no detergent).
This step deodorizes and polishes things up nicely. Think of it as the mint on your pillow.
Bonus: Keep It Cleaner for Longer
Now that your dishwasher is sparkling clean, how do you keep it that way without turning this into a full-time job?
Here are a few easy habits to make it last:
- Scrape food, don’t rinse. Yep, modern dishwashers actually work better when there’s some grime to sense. Just don’t leave full chunks of lasagna.
- Run hot water before starting your load. It ensures the first cycle gets hot right away.
- Leave the door slightly open after running it to let moisture escape. Mold hates fresh air.
- Do a quick vinegar rinse every couple of weeks—super low effort, big payoff.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Officially Leveled Up Your Dishwashing Game
There you go—your dishwasher is clean, disinfected, and probably smelling better than your fridge right now. Not bad for a little elbow grease and some pantry staples, right?
And hey, even if this wasn’t your idea of a wild Saturday afternoon, it’s one of those small home wins that makes everything feel a little fresher. Plus, you’ll never second-guess that weird smell again.
So what’s next?
Try setting a reminder to do this once a month. Your future self will thank you (especially when the glasses come out looking crystal clear).