The Ultimate Guide to Deep Clean Dishwasher Like a Pro

Dishwashers are among the most hardworking appliances in your kitchen but tend to be overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Ironically, a device designed for cleaning can be a haven for mold, food debris, and soap scum if not properly cleaned. In this guide, we’ll demonstrate step by step on how to deep clean dishwasher to ensure it remains fresh, efficient, and durable. Whether you’ve caught a funky odor or your dishes aren’t sparkling like they once were, this guide has you covered.

Why You Need to Deep Clean Dishwasher

Like any other household appliance, dishwashers also need to be cleaned from time to time in order to function effectively. Grease, limescale, and food particles can accumulate in different parts of the appliance over time, for example, the filter, spray arms, and door seals. Such deposits can cause:

Poor performance while cleaning

Bad smells

Drainage problems

Reduced lifespan of the appliance

Deep cleaning periodically will avoid such problems and save you money in the long term.

In addition, a clean dishwasher not only performs more efficiently but also helps you maintain improved hygiene for your dishes. The process eliminates bacteria and mildew that may hinder cleanliness from within.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Dishwasher?

While weekly light cleaning is necessary, a good deep clean is suggested once monthly. If your family makes heavy use of the dishwasher or if you regularly see residue or odors, though, you may want to deep clean it more frequently.

Having a regular routine for keeping your deep clean dishwasher maintained is important for keeping your appliance powerful and odor-free, keeping your kitchen humming every day.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, collect the following materials:

White vinegar

Baking soda

Soft brush or toothbrush

Microfiber cloths

Dish soap

Toothpicks or small cleaning brushes

Screwdriver (if necessary for spray arms)

Step 1: Drain the Dishwasher Completely

Begin with an empty dishwasher. Take out all dishes, utensils, and racks if you can. This provides you with easier access to all interior parts.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

Your dishwasher filter catches food particles and debris. If it is clogged, your dishwasher won’t clean properly.

Find the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Twist and pull it out.

Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Rinse well and put it back.

Tip: Clean your filter every week to avoid buildup.

Step 3: Wipe Down Door Seals and Exterior

Use a damp cloth and dish soap to clean around the door edges, seals, and handle. These areas can accumulate grime and bacteria. For stubborn buildup, use a toothbrush to scrub gently.

Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms distribute water during cycles. Clogged holes can affect performance.

Remove the spray arms (check your manual if unsure).

Rinse them under warm water.

Use a toothpick or small brush to clear clogged holes.

Reattach them after they’ve been cleaned. 

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Wash Cycle

White vinegar assists in eliminating odors, mineral deposit, and grease. 

Position a white vinegar-filled dishwasher-safe cup on the upper rack. 

Run a hot water cycle with no detergent. 

This will clean and refresh the inside. 

Step 6: Run a Baking Soda Rinse Cycle

Baking soda assists in deodorizing and whitening the inside. 

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Run a quick hot water cycle.

Your dishwasher should be fresh-smelling and sparkling-looking now.

Step 7: Drain Area Cleaning

Food bits can accumulate by the drain, creating odors and clogs.

Inspect the bottom of the dishwasher for trash.

Clear any visible grunge.

Scrub the area clean using a brush if necessary.

Step 8: Clean the Interior

Wipe down the interior.

After the cleaning cycles, clean the walls, door, and racks with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue and wetness.

Step 9: Optional: Clean Your Dishwasher with a Dishwasher Cleaner

To give your dishwasher some extra shine and deep clean it every few months, you can use a commercial dishwasher cleaner. Use as directed on the label.

Tips to Maintain Your deep clean dishwasher for Longer

Scrape food off plates before loading.

Clean the filter once a week.

Drain open after every cycle to avoid moss growth

Run hot water in the sink prior to activating the dishwasher

Use salt and rinse if the dishwasher has the requirement

When to seek an expert for deep clean dishwasher

If your dishwasher smelt, leakages or performs poorly even after complete cleaning, then it is time to seek a professional technician. Long-term problems can be an indication of:

Damaged seals

Faulty pump and motor

 Drainage System blockages

Electrical Malfunctions

To explore additional expert advice on deep clean dishwasher, check out this trusted guide from Good Housekeeping.

Conclusion about deep clean dishwasher

A clean, deep clean dishwasher equals cleaner dishes, reduced repairs, and a longer life for the appliance. By doing precisely as laid out in this guide, you’re not just enhancing the performance of your dishwasher but also maintaining a healthier kitchen environment. Make monthly deep cleaning a routine habit and get your appliance to stay as good as new. In case the problems continue, do not hesitate to contact an expert to get professional assistance.Explore essential maintenance routines in our detailed dishwasher maintenance guide.

FAQs About deep clean dishwasher

Q1: Is bleach safe to use when deep cleaning my dishwasher?

A1: Only if your dishwasher is not stainless steel-lined. Bleach damages stainless steel and rubber seals.

Q2: What is the simplest way to get rid of dishwasher smells?

A2: Doing a vinegar wash and then rinsing with baking soda is very effective in eliminating unpleasant odors.

Q3: How do I get mold out of my dishwasher?

A3: Apply a combination of white vinegar and baking soda, and brush the contaminated sections with a toothbrush. Provide good ventilation afterwards.

Q4: Why does my dishwasher not do its job properly despite having cleaned it?

A4: It could be because of blocked spray arms, a grubby filter, or wrong loading methods. Ensure all parts are spotless and dishes are loaded in the right manner.