What to Use to Clean a Dishwasher?

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you actually cleaned your dishwasher? Most of us just assume it cleans itself while it’s cleaning our dishes. Sounds logical, right? But here’s the thing: dishwashers can get pretty gross over time. Think about all that leftover food, soap scum, and hard water buildup. Yuck.

So, if you’ve noticed funky smells or cloudy glasses, your dishwasher is basically screaming, “Help me out here!” Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think. Let’s talk about what you can use to make it sparkle again.

Do you really need to clean it?

Absolutely! Even though it runs hot water and soap every cycle, grime still builds up in hidden spots—like the filter, spray arms, and door seals. That buildup can mess with how well it cleans your dishes, and no one wants to rewash plates.

Plus, cleaning it regularly helps it last longer. Imagine your dishwasher as a teammate—you’ve got to take care of it if you want it to keep doing its job like a champ.

So, what’s the magic stuff to clean it with?

Good news: you probably already have most of what you need sitting in your kitchen. Here are the best things to use:

  • Vinegar – The all-star cleaner. Just put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. It kills odors and cuts through grease.
  • Baking soda – After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup on the bottom and run a short hot wash. Your dishwasher will smell fresh and look brighter.
  • Dishwasher cleaner tablets – If you want something quick, grab a store-bought cleaner like Finish or Affresh. They’re made to dissolve gunk and leave everything shiny.
  • A toothbrush and warm soapy water – For those pesky corners and seals, a little scrubbing does wonders.

See? No fancy chemicals needed—just simple stuff that works.

Don’t forget the filter!

Here’s where people usually go “wait… my dishwasher has a filter?” Yep, and it’s probably hiding bits of food you’d rather not think about. Pull it out (check your manual if you’re not sure where it is), rinse it under hot water, and scrub off any gunk.

Trust me, this step alone can make a huge difference in smell and performance.

How often should you clean it?

If you’re a heavy dishwasher user (daily loads), aim for a deep clean once a month. For lighter use, every two to three months is fine. Wiping down the door and seals weekly keeps it looking fresh in between.

Imagine this…

You open your dishwasher, and instead of getting hit with a weird smell, there’s just… nothing. No gunk, no residue—just a clean machine that’s ready to make your dishes sparkle. That’s what a quick cleaning routine gets you.

So, what should you use to clean a dishwasher? Vinegar, baking soda, maybe a cleaner tablet, and a bit of elbow grease. That’s it! Keep up with it, and your dishwasher will reward you with sparkling dishes and zero funky smells.

Got your own secret cleaning hack? Or maybe a dishwasher horror story? Share it—we’ve all been there, and your tip might save someone else’s day!

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