Alright, let’s talk about something that’s probably not on your to-do list but absolutely should be—cleaning your dishwasher.
Be honest—when was the last time you actually cleaned it? If your answer is “never” or “wait… I have to do that?” then you’re not alone. It’s one of those things that most people don’t think about. I mean, it’s a dishwasher—it literally washes things all day. Shouldn’t it just… clean itself?
Well, not exactly. Over time, food particles, grease, and hard water deposits build up inside, making your dishwasher less effective. You might notice your glasses looking cloudy, your plates coming out with spots, or—worst case scenario—a weird smell hitting you every time you open the door.
That’s your dishwasher crying out for help. But don’t worry, giving it a good clean is easier than you think. Let’s go through it step by step, and I promise, no complicated chemicals or weird hacks—just simple, effective ways to keep your dishwasher fresh and running like new.
Step 1: Start with a Hot Water Rinse
Before we get into the real cleaning, let’s start with the simplest thing you can do: run an empty cycle with hot water.
Just set your dishwasher to the hottest setting and let it run—no dishes, no detergent, nothing. This helps loosen up grease and food residue, making the deep cleaning steps more effective.
Think of it like soaking a dirty pan before scrubbing—it just makes everything easier.
Step 2: White Vinegar to the Rescue
If your dishwasher had a best friend, it would be white vinegar. This stuff is amazing at cutting through grease, breaking down limescale, and neutralizing odors. Here’s how to use it:
- Pour about a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup.
- Place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle (again, no detergent).
That’s it! The vinegar spreads throughout the dishwasher, dissolving buildup and leaving everything fresh.
Bonus tip: If you don’t have vinegar, lemon juice works too! It smells great and has similar grease-cutting power.
Step 3: Baking Soda for the Finishing Touch
Vinegar does a great job, but if you want that extra shine and fresh scent, baking soda is your best bet.
Once the vinegar cycle is done:
- Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short, hot water cycle to help scrub away any leftover grime.
This not only cleans but also gets rid of any lingering odors. Because let’s be real—nobody wants a dishwasher that smells like last week’s lasagna.
Step 4: Don’t Ignore the Filter & Spray Arms
Here’s where most people mess up—they forget about the filter and spray arms. If these are clogged, your dishwasher can’t do its job properly, no matter how much vinegar or baking soda you use.
- Check the filter (it’s usually at the bottom of the dishwasher). If it looks gross, rinse it under warm water and scrub off any trapped food bits.
- Look at the spray arms—if the holes are clogged, use a toothpick or small brush to clean them out.
This small step makes a huge difference in how well your dishwasher cleans.
Step 5: Keep It Fresh with Regular Maintenance
Now that your dishwasher is sparkling clean, the trick is keeping it that way. Instead of waiting for the smell (or dirty dishes) to remind you, try this simple routine:
✅ Once a month – Run a vinegar or baking soda cycle to prevent buildup.
✅ Once a week – Check the filter. It takes literally a minute but keeps everything running smoothly.
✅ After every wash – Leave the door slightly open to let air circulate and prevent mold.
Give Your Dishwasher Some Love!
And that’s it! Super easy, right? A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your dishwasher running like new—and making sure your dishes actually come out clean.
So, be honest… are you about to go check your dishwasher right now? (Go ahead—I won’t judge.)