How often should I clean my dishwasher?

If your dishwasher runs every day, a deep clean once a month is a good rule to follow. Food particles, soap residue and mineral deposits build up quietly over time, which can cause odors and make the machine work less well. A light check of the filter and door gasket between monthly cleans helps keep it running like it did on the first day.

Can I clean my dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?

Yes. Put a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle to break down grease and mineral deposits. When the cycle ends, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom and run a short rinse cycle. The post says this helps neutralize odors and brighten the interior without a store-bought cleaner.

Where is the dishwasher filter and how do I clean it?

On most dishwashers the filter sits at the bottom of the tub and twists off. Remove it, rinse it under warm water to clear debris, and use a soft brush like an old toothbrush to scrub away stuck gunk. Put it back in place before you add a cleaning agent and run the hot cycle.

How to Clean a Dishwasher: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Eco Mama Green Clean Green House Cleaning in Scottsdale & Phoenix

April 17, 2025 2 min read

Originally published April 17, 2025. Updated September 2026 with a quick summary, how it applies to your home, and answers to common questions.

Your dishwasher is a kitchen workhorse, washing dirty dishes day in and day out. But like any hardworking appliance, it needs a little TLC to keep on running its best. Regular cleaning prevents grease from accumulating, odors from lingering, and filters from clogging, so your dishes sparkle clean every time. Here’s a simple-to-follow guide to keep your dishwasher in tip-top condition!

How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher

If your dishwasher runs each day, having a deep monthly cleaning is an excellent rule to follow. Food particles, soap residue, and mineral deposits can quietly accumulate over time and reduce the function of your dishwasher or even cause odors. Regular maintenance in moderation will see it running as well as the first day, and leaving your dishes gleaming.

Easy Steps to a Clean Dishwasher

Cleaning your dishwasher is quicker and simpler than you can possibly think! Whether you prefer to do it the all-natural method using white vinegar or with a commercial product, both are wonderful at removing grease, limescale, and smells. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Despite having a food disposal system installed in your dishwasher, there are always tiny pieces of food that can get stuck in corners or at the bottom of your dishwasher. Start by:

Scanning the racks, spray arms, and filter area for any lingering food.
Cleaning the door gasket, where dirt accumulates over time.
Wiping the surface with a damp sponge or cloth to remove any loose debris.

Step 2: Filter Cleaning

Your filter traps food particles to prevent clogs, but it can get dirty in a hurry. Cleaning it is simple:

Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher (most simply twist off).
Rinse it under warm water to remove debris.
Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub away any stuck gunk.
Reinstall the filter before continuing.

Step 3: Add a Cleaning Agent

Now that your dishwasher is free of food residue, it’s time to break down grease and mineral deposits. Choose one of the following:

White vinegar: Place a dishwasher-safe cup of vinegar on the top rack.
Commercial dishwasher cleaner: Follow package instructions for optimal use.

Both types dissolve grime and eliminate odors, giving your dishwasher a clean and working state.

Step 4: Run a Hot Wash Cycle

Once your cleaning agent is in place:

Select a hot water cycle to maximize the removal of grease and residue.
If you’re using vinegar, take it a step further—after the cycle ends, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short rinse cycle.

This helps neutralize odors and brighten the interior.

Keep Your Kitchen Fresh and Clean

A clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes and a cleaner kitchen. But don’t leave it there! If you need a deeper, whole-house clean, we can help. From kitchens to living rooms, we do the grime so you can enjoy a sparkling home with none of the effort.

Call us today to schedule a professional cleaning appointment.

Fitting dishwasher care into your kitchen routine

The easiest way to keep up with this guide is to tie it to something you already do. Pick one day a month, pull the filter while the dishwasher is empty, and run the vinegar cycle while you wipe down counters or clean out the fridge. The whole reset fits into an ordinary kitchen session.

Between deep cleans, a quick wipe of the door gasket and a glance at the filter area keeps food from settling in the corners. If a smell comes back sooner than a month, that is usually the filter asking for a rinse.

When the dishwasher is just one item on a long list, our team can take the rest of the kitchen off your plate. A deep cleaning gives the whole kitchen and the rest of the house a top-to-bottom refresh with non-toxic products that are safe around kids and pets. Get a price online whenever you are ready.

Keep Your Dishwasher Spotless With This Easy Cleaning Guide