Wait, You’re Supposed to Clean the Dishwasher?
Yep. I know—it sounds a bit ironic, right?
The thing that cleans your dishes needs to be cleaned itself? Like, doesn’t it get washed every time you run it?
Here’s the thing: dishwashers deal with food particles, grease, detergent buildup, and hard water deposits every single cycle. Over time, all that gunk can pile up in the filter, spray arms, and those hidden corners you probably never look at.
And you know what happens then? Dull glasses. Funky smells. Less-than-sparkling plates. No one wants that.
So the real question is: What’s the best thing to clean it with? Let’s dive into it.
The Simple Essentials: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Okay, let’s start with the holy grail of home cleaning: vinegar and baking soda.
- White vinegar breaks down grease, grime, and hard water stains.
- Baking soda deodorizes and gently scrubs without being abrasive.
Here’s how to use them together like a pro:
- Empty your dishwasher. No dirty dishes allowed in this party.
- Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup and place it on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (no detergent!).
- When that’s done, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short hot cycle.
Boom. Sparkly clean, no chemicals, and it smells like…well, nothing. Which is perfect.
What About Store-Bought Cleaners?
Sometimes, life calls for the heavy hitters. Especially if it’s been a while since your last dishwasher scrub-a-thon.
There are plenty of great dishwasher cleaning products out there—Finish, Affresh, and Cascade make popular ones. They come in tablets or liquids designed to break down greasy buildup, lime scale, and those nasty hidden residues.
When to use them?
- Once a month, if you run the dishwasher daily
- After big family holidays (hello, lasagna overload)
- If you notice cloudy glasses or that “wet dog smell”
And don’t worry, they’re safe for your machine and super easy to use. Just pop it in and run a hot cycle. Done.
Don’t Forget the Filter and Spray Arms!
Okay, time for a slightly less glamorous truth: if your dishwasher has a removable filter (most do), it needs manual cleaning.
Imagine all the tiny food bits caught in a trap—and now imagine them sitting there… getting funky. Ew.
Here’s what to do:
- Take out the bottom rack.
- Twist and lift the filter (check your manual if it resists).
- Rinse it under hot water and scrub with an old toothbrush.
- Check the spray arms, too—poke out any gunk with a toothpick or paperclip.
Yes, it’s a little hands-on. But once you do it, your dishwasher will run smoother, smell better, and clean more efficiently.
Plus, it kind of feels like giving your machine a spa day. Minus the cucumbers.
Bonus Round: Dishwasher Salt & Rinse Aid
Now that you’re in deep-cleaning mode—have you checked your dishwasher salt or rinse aid levels lately?
- Dishwasher salt helps prevent limescale in hard water areas. Keeps things running smooth.
- Rinse aid reduces water spots and boosts drying performance.
Both of these are easy to forget about, but they make a huge difference. Refill as needed and you’ll notice the shine.
(Need help with how often to refill salt? I’ve got a whole article on that too. Just say the word.)
Recap: Best Things to Clean a Dishwasher With
Let’s sum it all up, speed-round style:
✅ White vinegar – degreases and deodorizes
✅ Baking soda – scrubs and freshens
✅ Store-bought cleaners – monthly deep clean heroes
✅ Manual cleaning – don’t skip the filter and spray arms
✅ Dishwasher salt & rinse aid – not cleaning agents, but key for performance
Whether you’re a DIY natural-cleaning fan or prefer quick tablet solutions, the goal is the same: keep your dishwasher clean so it can keep cleaning your dishes like a champ.
Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle
Honestly? Cleaning your dishwasher doesn’t have to be a big deal. Once a month, set a reminder. Toss in the vinegar. Scrub the filter every few weeks. Your future self will thank you every time you unload a rack of sparkling glasses.
And hey—if your dishes have started coming out a little grimy or cloudy lately, now you know exactly what to do.