Alright, let’s be honest—when was the last time you actually cleaned your dishwasher? Not the outside. I mean the inside. You know, that spot where all the grime, old food bits, and mystery funk build up?
Yeah… thought so.
But hey, no judgment here. We all assume the dishwasher kind of cleans itself, right? I mean, it’s literally washing things inside it all day long. But—plot twist—it doesn’t. Not really. In fact, over time, your dishwasher can start to smell weird, leave spots on your dishes, or just not clean them as well as it used to. That’s your dishwasher crying for help.
So, what’s the magic trick? What’s the best thing to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
Let’s break it down.
First Off, Let’s Talk Gunk
Imagine this: you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is hand-wash dishes, so you toss everything into the dishwasher. Plates with pasta sauce? Check. Spoons with peanut butter still on them? Yep. That bowl with some mysterious dried-on goo? You bet.
Now multiply that by… oh, I don’t know, every time you run it.
That gunk doesn’t just vanish into thin air. It clings. To the walls, to the filter, to the spray arms. So when you start seeing cloudy glasses or smelly odors, don’t freak out—it’s just time for a little TLC.
So, What Should You Use?
Let’s skip the fancy stuff and go straight to what works.
1. White Vinegar – The MVP
Seriously, white vinegar is the Beyoncé of cleaning products. Affordable, natural, and it gets the job done. Just pour a cup into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup, set it on the top rack, and run a hot cycle with nothing else in the dishwasher.
Boom—grease, grime, and odors? Gone.
2. Baking Soda – Your Dishwasher’s Breath Mint
Still got some smells hanging around? Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. This’ll deodorize it and add that extra sparkle to your machine.
Think of it as a spa day for your dishwasher.
3. Lemon Juice – The Fancy Touch
Want that fresh, citrusy smell? Add some lemon juice to the mix. Not only does it help cut grease, but it also makes everything smell amazing. You can even toss in half a lemon on the top rack during a cycle. Feels a bit extra, but your dishwasher will thank you.
But Wait—Check That Filter!
Yup, your dishwasher has a filter. And yeah, it needs to be cleaned too.
It’s usually located at the bottom, under the spray arm. Just twist it out (check your manual if it’s being stubborn), rinse it under hot water, and gently scrub with a toothbrush if it’s looking rough. This step alone can be a game changer if your dishwasher’s been underperforming lately.
Quick Pro Tips (Because We Love a Good Shortcut)
- Run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher. That way, the water going in is already hot, which helps with cleaning.
- Don’t overload it—it might be tempting, but cramped dishes = poor water flow = meh results.
- Use rinse aid if you have hard water. Or even just a splash of vinegar in the rinse compartment.
- Wipe the door seals every now and then. That black stuff? Yeah, not cute.
So, What’s the Verdict?
The best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher? A combo of simple, natural stuff you probably already have:
✅ White vinegar
✅ Baking soda
✅ Lemon juice (if you’re feeling fancy)
✅ A little elbow grease on the filter
It’s low effort, low cost, and totally worth it. Your dishes will sparkle, your kitchen will smell better, and your dishwasher won’t groan in silent protest every time you press “start.”
Final Thought
Think of your dishwasher like a team player. It does a lot for you—at least give it a little love back once a month. You wouldn’t ignore your best friend if they were struggling under the weight of crusty lasagna pans every night, would you?
Exactly.
Now go show that dishwasher some love. Or at least… maybe add vinegar to your shopping list?