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

A dishwasher is one of those appliances you rely on daily but rarely think about maintaining—until it starts smelling, leaving residue on glasses, or not cleaning properly. The good news is that cleaning a dishwasher is simple, inexpensive, and can dramatically improve performance. Whether you own a Bosch, Whirlpool, or Samsung Electronics model, the cleaning process follows the same core principles.

This guide walks you through how to clean your dishwasher properly, from quick maintenance to deep cleaning.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Matters

Even though dishwashers are designed to clean, they still accumulate grease, food particles, soap scum, and limescale over time. These build-ups can lead to:

• Bad odours inside the machine
• Cloudy or greasy dishes
• Reduced cleaning efficiency
• Blocked spray arms or filters
• Shorter appliance lifespan

Hard water areas, like much of London, can also cause mineral deposits that reduce performance. Regular maintenance keeps your dishwasher running efficiently and saves you from costly repairs.

Step 1: Clean the Filter

The filter is the most important (and most neglected) part of a dishwasher. It traps food debris and prevents it from recirculating onto your dishes.

How to do it:

1. Remove the bottom rack.
2. Twist and lift out the filter (check your manual if unsure).
3. Rinse it under warm water.
4. Use a soft toothbrush to remove grease or stuck particles.
5. Reinstall once fully clean.

Aim to clean the filter once a week if you use your dishwasher frequently.

Step 2: Wipe the Door Seals and Edges

Food particles and grease often collect around rubber seals and door edges, leading to unpleasant smells.

• Use a damp cloth with mild dish soap.
• Pay attention to folds in the rubber gasket.
• Dry with a clean cloth to prevent mould growth.

This small step makes a big difference in keeping odours away.

Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms distribute water during the wash cycle, and blocked holes reduce cleaning power.

Steps:

• Remove the spray arms (usually they click or unscrew).
• Rinse under warm water.
• Use a toothpick or pin to clear blocked holes.
• Shake out any trapped debris before reattaching.

If water isn’t reaching all dishes properly, clogged spray arms are often the cause.

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

A natural deep-clean method uses white vinegar to break down grease and limescale.

How:

• Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack.
• Run a hot water cycle (empty dishwasher).

The vinegar helps dissolve buildup and neutralise odours. This method is especially useful in hard water areas.

Step 5: Baking Soda Refresh (Optional but Effective)

After the vinegar cycle, you can enhance freshness:

• Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle.

This removes lingering smells and leaves the interior cleaner and brighter.

Step 6: Use a Commercial Cleaner for Deep Maintenance

For stubborn grease or limescale, commercial products can be more effective than home remedies. Popular options include:

• Finish Dishwasher Cleaner – known for cutting through grease and mineral deposits
• Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner – widely used for removing odours and buildup in internal components

These cleaners are designed to reach internal pipes, jets, and hidden areas you cannot clean manually. Run them on an empty hot cycle every 1–2 months.

Step 7: Clean the Exterior and Controls

Don’t forget the outside:

• Wipe stainless steel surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
• Use a gentle cleaner to avoid streaks.
• Clean buttons or touch panels carefully with a damp cloth.

A clean exterior keeps your kitchen looking fresh and prevents grease from building up around handles.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean Longer

A few simple habits can reduce how often deep cleaning is needed:

• Scrape (don’t rinse) plates before loading
• Run hot cycles occasionally to dissolve grease
• Leave the door slightly open after cycles to prevent mould
• Clean the filter regularly
• Use rinse aid to prevent water spots

Modern dishwashers from brands like Bosch and Whirlpool often include self-cleaning cycles, but they still benefit from manual maintenance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people unintentionally make their dishwasher dirtier by:

• Using too much detergent (causes residue buildup)
• Ignoring the filter for months
• Blocking spray arms with oversized dishes
• Running only cold or eco cycles (can lead to grease buildup)

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly extend your dishwasher’s efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a dishwasher doesn’t require special skills or expensive tools—just consistency. A combination of weekly filter cleaning, monthly vinegar cycles, and occasional deep cleaning with products like Finish or Affresh will keep your appliance in top condition.

Whether you use a high-end Samsung Electronics model or a reliable Bosch or Whirlpool unit, the principles remain the same: remove buildup, prevent blockages, and maintain airflow and cleanliness.

A clean dishwasher doesn’t just smell better—it cleans your dishes better, uses less energy, and lasts longer.