Learn how to clean dishwasher grime easily. Remove odors, prevent mold, and keep your dishwasher running efficiently with these simple tips!
When we bought our house, it was in great shape, except someone cleaned the stainless steel appliances with a harsh chemical…WHY?
And the dishwasher had a lingering funky smell…ICK!
If you’ve been searching for tips on how to clean dishwasher smells, grime, and mold, you are in the right place! A clean dishwasher smells so much better but also cleans more efficiently, so your dishes can truly be spotless!
The ugly truth is that over time food particles, grease, and mineral deposits all build up inside the dishwasher, causing odors, clogs, and even mold.
An Ounce of Prevention
I’m a believer in rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I would love to hear your take on that.
My sister and I are always at odds: I say RINSE. She says DON’T.
I always think back to a friend who, as a kid, was always reminded by her mom, “It’s a dishwasher, not a disposal!” whenever she attempted to sneak in dirty, unrinsed dishes.
Why Clean Your Dishwasher?
Yes, it’s a place that cleans your dishes but dishwashers still need regular maintenance. Learning how to clean dishwasher grime and mold can prevent clogs, odors and might prevent costly repairs. Plus, a clean dishwasher lasts longer and will keep your dishes shining!
Are you ready for a dishwasher deep clean?
Supplies You Will Need:
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- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A soft brush or toothbrush
- Damp cloth or sponge
- Mild dish soap
I’ll give you a few other options at the end.
Steps to Clean Your Dishwasher
Step 1: Empty Dishwasher and Give It a Once Over
If you are going to do a dishwasher deep clean, go all the way! Start by taking out all the dishes, the racks, and utensil holders.
*TIP: When you take them apart, make note of how they came apart and how they go back together. It can get very frustrating when it takes an hour to reinstall the dishwasher rack.
Look for debris. Inspect the bottom of your dishwasher and around the drain for leftover food particles or other debris.
You might find your missing spoon down there!
Cleaning the debris or the yucky leftover food will help clear blockages and keep the water flowing!
If you can clean the spray arms, by all means, do! Some dishwasher spray arms are removable but be sure to consult your owner’s manual before trying to tackle removing them because some are not.
You can use a toothpick to clean out the spray arm to keep the water flowing properly.
Step 2: Clean Dishwasher Filter
Filters are usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher pan.
I need to ask, how many of us never even knew it was a thing?
If removable, twist it out for easy cleaning.
FYI: Not all dishwashers have filters that need to be cleaned regularly. Be sure to read the owner’s manual for your dishwasher or watch a YouTube video on your specific model.
If your filter comes out…take a moment to be grossed out by what you found…but suck it up and rinse the filter under warm, soapy water. Then, use a soft brush (a toothbrush is good) to scrub away any gunk.
Let’s be honest…if you can get through that, the rest is a cakewalk.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior Walls and Gasket
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior walls of the dishwasher, the door, and the rubber gasket that seals the door.
Give the gasket a little extra time and attention. If you are interested in how to clean dishwasher mold, the gasket is where it’s at!
On a total aside…the fridge and freezer gasket can be more mold-friendly than you would like but that’s a story for another day.
A toothbrush and mild soap are perfect for scrubbing away any build-up and to help prevent odors.
Regularly cleaning the gasket can prevent mold from starting.
Hallelujah to that!
Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle
One of the best ways to keep your dishwasher clean is to use white vinegar.
By the way, did you know vinegar kills mold?
The best way to do it is:
- Place a Cup of Vinegar: Pour a cup of vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or a mug and place it on the top rack. Bowls might not sit well in your upper rack, so I used a mug.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Let the dishwasher run on a hot cycle. If you are not only wondering how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar but also why…because vinegar is an amazing cleaner.
What vinegar does:
- Degreases
- Removes stains
- Neutralizes odors
- Help unclog drains
- Dissolves hard water build-up
Step 5: Follow with a Baking Soda Cycle
Remember, we want to make sure we are tackling how to clean dishwasher smells as well as the grime. For added odor removal and brightening, baking soda is the way to go!
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Be careful not to sprinkle it on the arms because it could clog up the jets.
- Run a Short, Hot Cycle: Run a short cycle with hot water. This step is a key part of learning how to clean dishwasher grime and smells.
That is how to clean dishwasher grime and smells from the inside of your dishwasher and you are left with a dishwasher that is sparkling clean!
How to Clean Dishwasher Exteriors
Finishes
Let us talk for a moment about how to clean dishwasher exteriors. I have had vinyl front dishwashers and stainless steel front dishwashers. Now we have a glass front dishwasher. I LOVE IT! This is the dishwasher we have. I love it because the glass is so easy to clean!
We are planning a kitchen remodel but decided to start with the appliances first.
Whichever exterior dishwasher finish you have, use products that won’t damage the surface. I used glass cleaner on my plastic front dishwasher and special stainless steel cleaner on my stainless steel dishwasher. Now I use this glass cleaner and this special rag, for a spotless shine on my glass front dishwasher.
Handles
Many dishwashers have handles be sure to keep those clean, as they can get sticky.
I used to hang my dishtowel on the dishwasher handle. My dishwasher ALWAYS had water streaks down it from when I dried my hands. That’s why I made a conscious decision that our current dishwasher would NOT have a handle.
Other Helpful Ways How to Clean Dishwasher Grime, Mold, and Smells
These products are also great for cleaning between your dishwasher deep clean sessions.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean Dishwasher Grime, Smells, and Mold
Learning how to clean your dishwasher is easy with these simple steps. By following these steps, you’ll not only keep it fresh but also improve its performance. Regular cleaning can prevent buildup, mold, and funky mystery smells.
It’ll keep you from wandering around the kitchen wondering, “Where is that smell coming from?”
How to Clean
Since we are talking about cleaning, if you want to know the Best Way to Clean Windows and Mirrors, I’ve got you covered!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram!
Fun Projects
Once you have everything cleaned, you’ll have time to tackle some fun projects!
- Bee Honeycomb Resin Coaster DIY
- 5 Amazing DIYs for Your Art Garden Using Recycled Materials
- Recycled Artichoke Garden Art Craft Tutorial
- Glass Christmas Tree Craft for the Holidays
Thanks for stopping by! Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!
Mona