How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your dishwasher clean is essential for ensuring it effectively cleans your dishes. Over time, grime, mold, and bacteria can build up inside, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing unpleasant odors. In this guide, brought to you by Apartment Maintenance Pro, we’ll walk you through a thorough deep cleaning process that will restore your dishwasher’s performance using simple household items like white vinegar and baking soda.

Preparing for the Deep Clean

Start by removing the bottom rack of your dishwasher for easy access to the interior components. Most dishwasher racks roll out smoothly, making this step straightforward.

Next, locate the removable filter, which is typically found at the bottom of the dishwasher. Many filters twist to the left and lift out. This part often accumulates a lot of grime and is frequently neglected—sometimes for years, as I’ve seen with dishwashers that haven’t been cleaned in over three years.

Alongside the filter, many dishwashers feature a screen that catches debris. This screen usually pulls out easily. Removing these parts is crucial for a thorough clean.

Scrubbing Away Mold and Mildew

Using an old toothbrush, focus on scrubbing areas where grime tends to build up, such as seals and the soap dispenser area. These spots can harbor bacteria and mold if left unattended.

For heavy mold and mildew, I recommend using a bleach-based cleaner like Clorox. If the sprayer is broken or you prefer a gentler solution, distilled white vinegar with about 4% acidity works very well. I fill a cup with vinegar and use the toothbrush to scrub all affected areas, paying special attention to the seals where bacteria often accumulate. Just be sure to use one or the other, dont mix vinegar and bleach!

Don’t forget to clean the hidden vent inside the dishwasher, which many people overlook. This vent should pop out easily and can be cleaned separately in the sink. It often harbors grime that’s important to remove to prevent odors and improve air circulation.

Reassembling and Starting the First Cleaning Cycle

After scrubbing, wipe down any remaining grime, even if it still looks a bit gunky, before sliding the screen and filter back into place. Lock the filter by twisting it to the right until it feels secure and cannot be lifted.

Place the cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and then close the rack. Run your kitchen water until it’s as hot as possible before reinserting the bottom rack.

Select a normal wash cycle with high temperature but skip the heat dry option for this first run. Modern dishwashers often activate the drain pump immediately upon starting, so placing the vinegar in a cup on the top rack allows it to slowly disperse throughout the cycle, maximizing its cleaning power.

Wiping Away Residual Grime

Once the first cycle finishes, remove the bottom rack again. The interior will still be wet, and you’ll likely notice grime that has been loosened but not fully washed away. Using a clean microfiber cloth, gently wipe away the residue. This step is usually only necessary for extremely dirty dishwashers.

Applying Baking Soda for a Final Deep Clean

With the filter and screen removed again, sprinkle about one cup of pure baking soda evenly around the bottom of the dishwasher. This natural deodorizer and mild abrasive will help break down remaining grime and neutralize odors.

Before starting this second cleaning cycle, run your kitchen water to get it as hot as possible again. For heavily soiled dishwashers, use a normal cycle with heat dry and high temperature settings. This cycle can take two to three hours, but it’s well worth the effort for a fresh, clean dishwasher.

Finishing Up

After the baking soda cycle completes, reinstall the screen and filter securely. At this point, your dishwasher should be significantly cleaner, fresher, and ready to tackle your dirty dishes more effectively.

Summary

• Remove racks, filter, and screen for easy access.

• Scrub mold, mildew, and grime with a toothbrush using bleach cleaner or distilled white vinegar.

• Clean hidden vents (top of door usually) and seals thoroughly.

• Run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack.

• Wipe loosened grime with a microfiber cloth if necessary.

• Sprinkle baking soda inside and run a second hot cycle with heat dry.

• Reinstall all parts and enjoy a fresh, efficient dishwasher.

Taking the time to deep clean your dishwasher not only improves its cleaning performance but also extends its lifespan and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. Try this simple, effective process to give your dishwasher the attention it deserves.

Thanks for reading, and happy cleaning!