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How to Clean Your Dishwasher in 9 Easy Steps

Updated on December 16, 2022 by Joseph D. Nielson

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You just finished dinner and it’s time to clean up. You start the dishwasher, but as it’s running you notice there’s a strange smell coming from it. Or, you open it up to put in your dishes and they don’t seem to be getting as clean as they used to. If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning like it used to, it might be time for a good cleaning. Depending on how often you use your dishwasher, it should be cleaned every one to three months. By taking the time to clean it, you can prolong its life and keep it running smoothly. Plus, it’s really not that difficult to do. 

In this Fresh Home Guide article, we’ll show you how to clean your dishwasher in 9 easy steps. By following these simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher clean and prevent common problems. So let’s get started!

1. The importance of turning off the dishwasher and disconnecting it from the power source.

The first step is to turn off the dishwasher and disconnect it from the power source. This step is the same with most kitchen appliances and important for two reasons. First, you don’t want to accidentally start the dishwasher while you’re cleaning it. Second, disconnected the power source will prevent you from getting electrocuted. Once the dishwasher is turned off and disconnected, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Remove everything from the dishwasher, including the racks.

The next step is to remove everything from the dishwasher, including the racks. You want to do this so that you can access all of the interior surfaces. Additionally, it’s important to remove the racks because they can be cleaned separately. Once everything is removed from the dishwasher, you can proceed to the next step.

3. Wash the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge, being sure to clean all surfaces, including the door seal

The next step is to wash the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge. Silicone sponges have proven to be very helpful when cleaning home appliances. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the door seal. This step is important because it will remove any food particles or grease that have built up on the interior surfaces. Once you’ve cleaned the interior of the dishwasher, you can proceed to the next step.

4. Rinse the cloth or sponge and use it to clean the dishwasher racks.

The next step is to rinse the cloth or sponge and use it to clean the dishwasher racks. This step is important because it will remove any food particles or grease that have built up on the racks. Additionally, it’s important to clean the racks because they can be reused. Once you’ve cleaned the racks, you can proceed to the next step.

5. Wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth.

The next step is to wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth. This step is important because it will remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the outside of the dishwasher. Once you’ve wiped down the exterior, you can proceed to the next step.

6. Clean the dishwasher’s filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The next step is to clean the dishwasher’s filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is important because it will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the filters. Additionally, it’s important to clean the filters because they can become clogged. Once you’ve cleaned the filters, you can proceed to the next step.

7. Run a cycle with vinegar: Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle.

The next step is to run a cycle with vinegar. Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle. This step is important because it will remove any build-up that has accumulated on the interior surfaces of the dishwasher. Vinegar is one of the most useful cleaning products because it’s a natural disinfectant. Once you’ve run a cycle with vinegar, you can proceed to the next step.

8. Run a cycle with baking soda: Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.

The next step is to run a cycle with baking soda. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. This step is important because it will remove any odors that have built up in the dishwasher. Additionally, it’s important to use baking soda because it’s a natural deodorizer. Once you’ve run a cycle with baking soda, you can proceed to the next step.

9. Turn on the dishwasher and let it finish the cycle. Inspect the results and repeat any steps as necessary.

The final step is to turn on the dishwasher and let it finish the cycle. Inspect the results and repeat any steps as necessary. This step is important because it will ensure that your dishwasher is clean. Additionally, it’s important to inspect the results because you may need to repeat some of the steps if the dishwasher is not completely clean. Once you’ve inspected the results, you can proceed to the next step.

The steps for cleaning a dishwasher are as follows: 1) clean the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge; 2) rinse the cloth or sponge and use it to clean the dishwasher racks; 3) wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth; 4) clean the dishwasher’s filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions; 5) run a cycle with vinegar; 6) run a cycle with baking soda; 7) turn on the dishwasher and let it finish the cycle; 8) inspect the results and repeat any steps as necessary. Following these steps will ensure that your dishwasher is clean.

FAQ

How do I clean the interior of my dishwasher?

The first step is to clean the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge. This step is important because it will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the interior surfaces of the dishwasher. Once you’ve cleaned the interior, you can proceed to the next step.

How do I clean the dishwasher racks?

The next step is to rinse the cloth or sponge and use it to clean the dishwasher racks. This step is important because it will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the racks. Additionally, it’s important to clean the racks because they can be reused. Once you’ve cleaned the racks, you can proceed to the next step.

How do I clean the exterior of the dishwasher?

The next step is to wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth. This step is important because it will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the exterior surfaces of the dishwasher. Once you’ve cleaned the exterior, you can proceed to the next step.

Check out our stainless steel appliance cleaning guide for more info! 

How do I clean the filters?

The next step is to clean the dishwasher’s filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is important because it will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the filters. Additionally, it’s important to clean the filters because they can become clogged. Once you’ve cleaned the filters, you can proceed to the next step.

How do I disinfect the dishwasher?

The next step is to run a cycle with vinegar. This step is important because it will remove any bacteria or other contaminants that are present in the dishwasher. Additionally, it’s important to use vinegar.

The steps for cleaning a dishwasher are as follows: 1) clean the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge; 2) rinse the cloth or sponge and use it to clean the dishwasher racks; 3) wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth; 4) clean the dishwasher’s filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions; 5) run a cycle with vinegar; 6) run a cycle with baking soda; 7) turn on the dishwasher and let it finish the cycle; 8) inspect the results and repeat any steps as necessary. Following these steps will ensure that your dishwasher is clean.

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!