How to Clean your Dishwasher
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Keep your house in tip-top shape. Learn How to Clean a Dishwasher
Last week I shared on Instagram and Facebook that I was cleaning my dishwasher.
Seems cleaning a dishwasher peeks a lot of interest! lol
The days are finally getting longer, the sun is warm and the trees are filled with chirping birds. Signs of Spring always get me in a mood to do some Spring cleaning!
How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar:
It might sound odd to “clean the dishwasher”. After all, you are using it to clean dishes, so you would think the dishwasher would say clean as well, right? Wrong! You need to clean your dishwasher periodically to keep it running efficiently and smelling fresh!
What I do is pretty simple. The directions might look involved, but really, it’s very easy.
What you need to clean a dishwasher:
Distilled White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Old soft toothbrush, q-tips, toothpicks
Soft cloth
Paper towels
Steps to clean a dishwasher:
- Start with an empty dishwasher.
- Fill one side of kitchen sink with distilled white vinegar water (I just dump, but I would say 1-2 cups of vinegar with a half full sink of water)
- Remove the utensil holders and racks. Wipe them down checking for stuck-on food bits and debris in the bottom of washer.
- Remove and disassemble the arm and grate and filter, if you have one, from the floor of the dishwasher (I remove all parts that I can remove by hand). Place in sink to wipe down with damp rag and vinegar water. Make sure the holes that spray the water out on the blades are clear of tiny bits of food, you can use a toothpick to clear them if necessary.
- Using paper towels, remove debris and food gunk (I’ve even found hair??) .
- Use a damp rag that’s been wet with vinegar water to wipe down inside and edges of door, use a toothbrush or q-tip to get in tiny places. *if you are having trouble removing some gunk, try using a soft toothbrush and a baking soda paste.
- Reassemble and replace all parts.
- Clean garbage disposal. Click here to read how I clean my drains with vinegar and baking soda. Then run the garbage disposal and dump a cup of ice cubes down while it’s running, to help remove any debris in the garbage disposal.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and turn it on to Energy or Low Wash. Stop the machine in mid-wash, so the vinegar can set on the bottom and work. Let it stand for about 20 minutes, then turn on to finish cycle. (sometimes I will let it sit over night, and turn it back on to finish when I get up)
- When done, wipe out the inside with dry paper towels.
- Don’t forget to wipe down the outside while you’re at it. Depending on the type of dishwasher you have, spray the front of your dishwasher with a mild spray cleaner or stainless steel cleaner.
- step back and enjoy your clean dishwasher!
I’ve heard you can clean your dishwasher with a packet of Lemonade Kool-Aid . I have not tried this, but would love to hear if anyone has.
Since we have hard water, I use Lemi-Shine in most cycles to help cut down on hard water build up on my dishes and my machine.
As far as detergent goes, I usually buy what ever is on sale or what I have a coupon for, although I’ve heard Finish is supposed to be the best. What dish washing detergent do you use?
I put the instructions on how to clean a dishwasher into a free printable for you. Just click the picture then use your browser print option to print.
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Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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I use old fashioned powder Cascade and I only use white vinegar in the rinse agent dispenser. I have very hard water and my dishwasher does not have any build up. (I also clean it every few months so that probably also helps!)
Oh gosh… I don’t think I’ve ever cleaned my dishwasher. Maybe I need to change that.
i need these types of tutorials
Great reminder! I need to start my spring cleaning!
Spring cleaning has a way of taking me over so I love this! ;D Wish I had this tutorial last time I cleaned my dishwasher, I kinda goofed putting it back together.
Interesting you should post this now. I was just asking my husband how it is that a dishwasher grows mold. I noticed over the past week that I have mold starting to grow. I am baffled! I open the door for drying, don’t leave standing water in it, yet its there, for all to see. I will be cleaning my dishwasher this week! I have never done it. My Gma used to run a scoop of TANG in her dishwasher, claimed it took out rust stains. I use Finish soap. Works well.
I think it’s like the shower……there’s just always moisture in there
The lemonade kool aid works, especially if your interior is stainless. Just remember to get the old fashioned kind – no sugar added! Smells nice, too.
yes! the no sugar added koolaid! thanks for letting me know it does work!
My spring break starts this week and I have two objectives: spring cleaning and doing taxes. Would love to win some new appliances, my dishwasher quit last week and a family of seven needs one LOL. Family is getting tired of sandwiches and meals that only take one pot ;D
Thank you for the great article. I shared on our facebook page. My client love tips like this.
Love the spring clean community idea … I AM IN!!!
I love to use Baking powder to clean.
Tweeted too
@AnnsTipToes
baking powder? or did you mean baking soda?
My Spring Cleaning as already started. I have been tackling my pantry. It is large and tends to collect more then just food. LOL! I look forward to being a part of a big Spring Cleaning group effort. It will be great to keep me focused in the mess that ALWAYS gets worse before it gets better. 🙂
*piqued
I noticed that too 🙂
Great reminder! I hate cleaning, but it has to be done. I actually bought a cleaner for the dishwasher that you place in the silverware holder, worked great. I didnt even think of removing the bottom part to clean it though! Hair???? Lets hope I dont find that.
lol……..my 15 year old has long hair, and she does a lot of loading and unloading of the dishwasher, so it must be falling off of her.
I have used lemonade cool aid to clean my dishwasher and I worked so well that I won’t let my kids drink it!! We rented out our house and when we moved back in the dishwasher had this brown grime on the inside and I was nearly nine months prego. I tried vinegar, but never let it stop to soak as you did, scrubbing it with barkeepers friend worked well, but didn’t get the sides- and I was a whale and not able to get in there to scrub!. The lemonade cool aid as I said, did the trick with just one cycle!
Thanks for sharing this, I too need to start some spring cleaning projects!
lol thanks Heidi! – and I LOVE barkeepers friend – I was going to share about it during my spring cleaning post
I have just made my own dishwasher detergent (thanks for Pinterest) which is made with Lemi-Shine…I have to say I LOVE IT!!! my son did a load the other day with a left over Finish gel-pac and the difference is amazing!!! I will never go back and Finish has always been my go-to!!! I use white vinegar as my rinse aid too!!!
My sister in law has made home made, I was thinking of giving it a try some time.
My dishwasher is old, so I wouldn’t mind trying it. But I know with my new HE washer and dryer, Whirlpool told me if I used homemade detergent or non he detergent, it would void the warranty. – so it’s something you may want to look into if you have a new one, or get a new one some time!
Now I’m wondering what I might find in my dishwasher! I’ve never cleaned anything except the sides of the doors that get so gunked up, and the outside. (Yikes!!) Great idea to include a printable with the steps for cleaning, thanks!
After 40 years I finally have a built-in dishwasher…….other than me……….& I love it! I never heard of anyone cleaning theirs so I’ll keep this post in mind. Thanks –
I’m on vacay this week and I’ve been doing some major spring cleaning. The weather is awesome here in Indiana! Got all my windows opened..absolutely beautiful 😉 !! I’ve cleaned my dishwasher out before and have found hair. I was absolutely grossed out by it! lol That is one thing I cannot stand..wet hair in a drain. I know it’s mine b/c my husband has a shaved head but still it grosses me out. Plus it’s very odd to find hair there..who knew!!? I’ve tried different detergents for my dishwasher plus I use the “spot” cleaners but I’ve noticed lately that I’m getting really bad white spots on my dishes. What would that be from?? I just cleaned my dishwasher recently. Maybe should I try that Lemi-Shine?? or perhaps the Lemon Kool-Aid??
I have an he dishwasher and the technician who came out to check on it told me how to clean it best. I had called the company because the glasses were coming out of the dishwasher looking dirtier than when they went inside it!
I explained to the technician that I use vinegar to clean my dishwasher about once a month. He told me that with an he model the vinegar wouldn’t do a thing. He said I need to use VEGETABLE OIL. “Vegetable oil?????” I asked. Yes. Vegetable oil. Any kind will do. Just pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup down the front of the door and set it on the longest and hottest setting.
He programmed it (by pushing buttons in a certain order…who knew?!?) to run for a long time because it was full of built up gunk.
No kidding…it worked. My glasses are coming out shiny clean and the plates and dishes do not feel as if there is a residue on them. I know it sounds kinda crazy…but if you have an HE dishwasher and can’t seem to find a good way to clean it…try it.
He also said NOT to use the “extra,” “premium,” “advanced,” “super,” (other grandeur words) dishwasher soaps or ones that contain the rinse agent in the soap. He explained that there is just not enough water used in the cycle to properly dilute the detergents. He has literally seen dishes that had the ceramic glaze taken off of them by a “super” soap with rinse agent included. He said just use the regular “cheap” stuff.
I have since started making my own. Here is the recipe I am currently liking:
2 c. Borax
2 c. Super Soda (made by Arm and Hammer but not regular baking soda)
1 c. Lemi Shine (hard water rinse agent)
1 c. Epsom Salts
Use one tablespoon per load. Also make sure you put it in an AIRTIGHT container – I noticed it likes to clump up fast.
I find the Borax and Super Soda in the laundry detergent aisle. The Lemi Shine was near the dishwasher soaps and Epsom salts are usually in the pharmacy area.
I hope this advice helps someone out there!
I am going to try cleaning my dishwasher. We have hard water and my glasses have clouded up. contacted Cascade and they only sent me coupons and a free sample. Of course my glasses are still clouded. I will stick them in the dishwasher too and maybe switch to Finish. Will let you know.
Hey Margie, I was just reading through these comments. My dishwasher is about 8 years old, and they sure don’t build them like they used to. I’m hoping to nurse this one along until our planned kitchen remodel in a couple of years. Anyhow, I have used Cascade for years. I was always getting sandy grit in the bottom of my glasses. Then they started clouding up horribly. They would clear up after I rewashed them using vinegar. I tried gels and that made it worse. I started searching the internet and learned that the best thing to use is Finish Quantum Powerball. Much cleaner dishes and no cloudiness. They get really shiny if I put a couple of glugs of white vinegar in the bottom along with my powerball in the soap dispenser and run it as usual.
I just love this!! Two months ago I cleaned out my dishwasher, but just cleaned all the parts (I didn’t do a wash with vinegar). I will have to do that. About this kool -aid, do you put it in the soap dispenser and let it run? Can’t wait to take part in spring cleaning (I did a major clean for my daughter’s birthday – why is it why company is coming I get my house more clean than when it’s just us. I love a super clean house!)
I have used the lemonade kool aid to clean my washing machine. The citric acid gets rid of any rust stains in there that can transfer to clothing.
So excited to participate! Not only for the chance to win, but you all will help motivate me to get started cleaning! And blogging about it is just MORE fun! 🙂
A lot of people have also had problems with toxic dust in their houses, which can cause a lot of problems around the house. I put together some more tips on cleaning it up along with some other spring cleaning tips!
So helpful!… mostly because I didn’t know you were suppose to clean out your dishwasher. And now I’m grossed out at myself. Guess who is scrubbing that thing this weekend!
Thanks so much for the tutorial! After 9 years, it might be time for a good cleaning!
My dishwasher is so gross! I will definitely be doing this ASAP!! Thanks for the tips on how to get it extra clean!
I love Lemishine. It does a great job.
Be careful using Lemi Shine with any collectible glasses. I recently had the print off some antique glasses etch off during a wash. Other than that I have used Lemi Shine for the last 8 years with the same amazing results every time!!
Seriously glad I follow your blog and read this today because this can be my motivation to get the house cleaned just in time for my sons first birthday party!!! Now if I could just find a time where I don’t have dirty dishes so I can get to the dishwasher 🙂
I was just wondering how to clean my dishwasher last week, so this is perfect timing. Thank you!
Can I hire you to clean mine?? : girl you are amazing!! Certainly Tidy 😉
I recently cleaned mine (first time ever) and it had tons of dog hair in it. Gross!
We just did an internal clean/tune up to our dishwasher BUT there is brown stain on it…it does not scratch off. Any thoughts on the brown stain?
This is great info on cleaning my dishwasher. I just looked really closely at the bottom, and wow, it really needs some major cleaning. I’m ready to tackle it with this info! Thanks again!
I think I might want to pass this tip onto my mom! This is the first time I’ve seen this on a Spring cleaning list.
Thank you so much for the hot to guide for cleaning your dishwasher! I never would have thought I needed to do that. I am going to add it to my to-do list for sure.
I am also very excited about the spring cleaning challenge coming up in a couple days! I have already started my plan of attack and can’t wait to start blogging about my cleaning adventures this year.
I just dump a couple of cups of vinegar into the dishwasher after it starts running and let it go thru the full cycle. No scum , hard water stains, or smells and when it’s done with a full load of dishes, no need for spot free products everything comes out sparkling …and if your child ever puts the wrong soap in the dishwasher and you get bubble heaven…a simple shot of vinegar in the dishwasher will kill the bubbles and spray alcohol from a bottle on the rest of the house covered in bubbles to make them disappear immediately also!
We just bought a new dishwasher about six months ago, so I didn’t think it would be that dirty. Just out of curiosity this past weekend, I snapped off the sprayer on the bottom and lifted out the garbage disposal thingy. Oh. My. GOD. Let me begin by saying that I’m one of those freaks who pretty much hand washes the dishes before I load them into the dishwasher. Seriously. The *stuff* (and I say that with a big shudder) that came out from the bottom of the dishwasher made me nauseous. Pink, slimy, greasy SLUDGE is what it was. I don’t know how this is possible. Of course there are always crumbs or **teeny** bits of food or whatever left on the plates, but this was just disgusting. I always use the heated water cycle, so wouldn’t that melt the gunk? Ugh, I’m disgusted!
My dishwasher is 5 years old – so not a HE model. On my older one, the reapir man told me to add 1/2 cup of vinegar to every load of dishes that I run. It helps to keep it clean, keeps the glasses shiny – but what was amazing when he took it apart and all of the water crystals built up on the parts – that was the main reason he told me to use vinegar with every wash. I can tell if I skip a week in putting vinegar in every load as the glasses start to cloud up again – the way to get rid of the cloudiness is soak them in vinegar water in the sink and then put in the dishwasher. I have a huge problem with cloudiness when I use the Cascade gel – does anyone else have that problem? If I use the powdered or the little packets no problems.
I, too, have to use vinegar with every load of dishes… If I don’t, I have a white film over the dishes & silverware.. Now, it seems that the dishes don’t get clean at all.. I never knew that you should clean the dishwasher.. So, today, I will be cleaning the inside.. I don’t know what I will find, but here goes…………….. 🙂
Great tips Cheryl, thank you!
i was wondering if you could use apple cider vinegar instead of white?
No, I think it needs to be distilled white vinegar
Have to try this!! Let’s just hope I can put it back together once I take it apart 😉
it is funny, it took me like 3 days to read all the other comments and now I dont know if there is still a giveaway on. Anyways, your blog is amazingly helpful. God bless you.
the giveaways are over on this post https://tidymom.net/2012/spring-cleaning-the-kitchen/
I found your spring cleaning tips on Pintrest. Most of the other tutorials say just set the vinegar in the bottom rack and run the load. Well I am on a mission this week to clean the dishwasher. I have had my portable dishwasher for years and have never disassembled it completely. It is not cleaning as well as it use too. So I am hoping a good cleaning will revive some life to it. Thanks for the wonderful tips and oh what suprises I may fine…lol!!
These are really great tips!! From my experience it is absolutely necessary to run dishwasher at least twice a month to maintain it in good shape
Great reminder! I This is great info on cleaning my dishwasher. I just looked really closely at the bottom, and wow, it really needs some major cleaning. I’m ready to tackle it with this info! Thanks again!
Unsweetened lemon-flavored Kool-Aid works great, and I can usually get it for free using a coupon. But I noticed you didn’t include a reminder that the inside bottom of a dishwasher is kind of a dead spot where water never reaches, so be sure to open the door wide and clean down there. You may be shocked by what you find.
thanks so much Katie
Thank you for writing this how-to article! You wrote it when I needed it the most and I will definitely be cleaning my dishwasher later tonight.
I got geared up to do this today and then found my dishwasher to be a bit complicated to disassemble. =( Mine looks very clean inside, but my dishes aren’t always coming clean. Any ideas?