How Often to Change Air Filter: A Simple Guide by Home Type
Find out how often to change air filter in your home based on filter type, pets, allergies and household size.
Knowing how to clean a dishwasher keeps your dishes truly clean. Over time, food particles, grease and hard water minerals collect inside the machine. The result is cloudy glasses, a musty smell and weaker cleaning power. The good news is that a deep clean takes about thirty minutes and costs almost nothing.
Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning
- A sour or musty odor when you open the door
- Standing water at the bottom after a cycle
- Gritty or filmy dishes
- Visible residue or mold near the door seal
- White mineral spots on the interior
What You Need
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
- Warm, soapy water
How to Clean a Dishwasher Step by Step
1. Empty the Dishwasher
Remove all dishes and the bottom rack if it slides out easily. Then pick out any visible food or debris from the floor of the tub.
2. Clean the Filter
The filter sits at the bottom of the tub. Twist it out according to your manual. Rinse it under warm water. Then scrub it with a soft brush and soapy water until clear. A clogged filter is the most common cause of odors and poor cleaning.
3. Check the Spray Arms
Look at the small holes in the spray arms. Clear any blockage with a toothpick. Remove hard water scale with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
4. Run a Vinegar Cycle
Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot cycle with the machine empty. Vinegar dissolves grease and mineral buildup.
5. Run a Baking Soda Cycle
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub. Then run a short hot cycle. Baking soda deodorizes and brightens the interior.
6. Wipe the Door and Gasket
Dip a cloth in vinegar and wipe the door edges, gasket and control panel. Use the toothbrush to reach folds in the rubber seal where grime hides.
How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher
Clean the filter every month. Run a full vinegar and baking soda cycle every one to three months. If you have hard water, clean more often. Read our tips on how to remove hard water stains for extra help.
Habits That Keep It Clean
- Scrape plates, but skip heavy pre-rinsing
- Run hot water in the sink before starting a cycle
- Leave the door slightly open after use to dry the interior
- Use the correct amount of detergent
- Run the garbage disposal first if connected
The U.S. Department of Energy shares efficiency tips for dishwashers on its Energy Saver website.
When to Call for Repair
If water still pools after cleaning, the drain hose or pump may have a clog. A related fix is covered in our guide on how to unclog a drain. Call a technician if problems continue.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to clean a dishwasher quickly and cheaply. Clear the filter, run vinegar and baking soda cycles, and wipe the seals. A clean machine saves energy, smells fresh and leaves every dish sparkling.