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How to Clean a Dishwasher

Caylin Harris

By Caylin Harris
Updated September 24, 2026

When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher? If you can’t remember, that means it’s time for a deep clean. After a while mineral build-up and food particles can overwhelm the interior. Cleaning it may seem redundant, but trust us, when you see the grime, you’ll be glad you did.

Key Takeaways

  • Learning how to clean a dishwasher helps remove food particles, grease and mineral buildup that can contribute to odors and poor cleaning performance. 
  • For a thorough dishwasher deep clean, clean the interior, filter, door seal, racks and exterior. 
  • Regularly removing food debris and wiping up spills can help keep a dishwasher clean between deeper cleanings. 
  • A dishwasher cleaner can help clean the interior, but you’ll still need to clean areas the dishwasher cycle may not reach. 
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, especially when cleaning the filter or using products such as dishwasher cleaner, vinegar or bleach.

Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher

No matter how vigilant you are about wiping excess food off your dishes, particles of food make their way into the filter and bottom of your dishwasher. Over time, those pieces of food combine with grease and bits of your dishwasher cleaning tabs to create gunky buildup. Not only does it cause odor, but it also prevents dishes from getting truly clean. The buildup can lead to mold and mildew that damages the rubber door seal resulting in water leaks.

How Often Should I Clean the Dishwasher?

The answer depends. If you wipe down everyday spills and splatters on your dishwasher daily and remove leftover food particles from the bottom weekly, it makes the need for a deep clean less frequent. If regular cleaning slips your mind, do a thorough cleaning seasonally or about every three months.

How to Clean the Dishwasher

As a general cleaning rule, start with the gentlest method. Getting your dishwasher clean requires very few supplies, but what you lack in products, you make up for in sweat equity. Here are some helpful tools to use when cleaning your dishwasher. 

How to Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher

Pull out the dishwasher racks and place them in your sink or on the counter. Using a paper towel or rag, collect any bits of food lingering in the bottom of the dishwasher. Wear a pair of rubber gloves for this step. Locate the dishwasher’s filter in the bottom; remove it and set it aside.

Fill another small container or bucket with hot water and dish soap. Dip a scrub brush into the soapy water mixture and scrub the inside of the dishwasher. Focus on the bottom, the inside of the door (especially where the dishwasher detergent releases) and the inner walls of the dishwasher.

How to Clean the Dishwasher Filter

The filter item is essential to keep your dishwasher in proper working order. It can start to smell when food collects inside it. To clean the filter, place it in a small container or bucket of hot water and dish soap and let it soak in the sink for at least 30 minutes. If needed, gently scrub the filter with a soft-bristle scrub brush. A clogged filter could also be the reason a dishwasher is not draining.

Tip

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning the filter.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Dishwasher Seal

One of the grimiest areas on the dishwasher isn’t the interior. It’s the narrow seal around the door edge. It’s one of the first places to get spills and drips and it’s often missed when cleaning. Use your soap and water mixture and the soft scrub brush to clean the edge of the seal, then wipe it dry with a paper towel or rag.

How to Clean Dishwasher Components

Head back to the sink and scrub down the racks with hot water and dish soap. Rinse and pat them dry. Put the clean dishwasher filter back inside your dishwasher, lock it in place and put the racks back in the dishwasher. Following the package instructions, run a cycle using a dishwasher cleaner.

Clean the Dishwasher's Exterior

Use a damp microfiber cloth with a little bit of soap to wipe down the front of your dishwasher. If recommended by the manufacturer, you can also use a multipurpose cleaner. Avoid using anything abrasive, like scrubbing sponges that might scratch the door’s surface. If you have a stainless-steel dishwasher, consider using a stainless-steel cleaner to remove dirt and fingerprints. Apply it with a microfiber cloth and clean in the direction of the metal grain for best results.

Tips to Keep a Dishwasher Clean Longer

Once you've seen how much effort it takes to deep clean a dishwasher, you’ll want to keep it clean for as long as possible. Here are the best ways to keep a dishwasher clean longer:

  • Regularly wiping and cleaning splashes and spills (at least once a week) helps prevent hard-to-clean, stuck-on messes.
  • Clear large pieces of food off your plates before you load the dishwasher; those pieces can get stuck in the bottom or filter and create clogs and odor.
  • Try to run the dishwasher regularly; it not only prevents a pileup in your sink but also keeps odors and messes from lingering inside the dishwasher.

Clean a Dishwasher FAQs

Using a dishwasher cleaning tablet helps keeps the inside cleaner with the push of a button, but know that it's worth doing a seasonal deep cleaning of your dishwasher to get all the surfaces the dishwashing cycle will miss. Follow the instructions above for detailed help.

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