Cleaning Your Dishwasher (Step by Step)

Step 1

Pull the bottom rack out and examine the drain area and make sure there are no hard chunks that can plug the drain, cause damage to the pump or scratch dishes. You’d be surprised at what dishwasher repairmen find – bones, crab shells, glass shards, and even small pieces of gravel!

Step 2

Inspect the holes in the spray arm. If they look grimy, dip an old toothbrush into some vinegar and use it to scrub any food particles out the the spray holes. Replace the bottom rack when you’re done.

Step 3

Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with plain white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher. The vinegar will help to wash away the loose, greasy grime, sanitize, and help remove the musty odor. Using the hottest water setting, run the dishwasher through a cycle. The dishwasher should be empty except for the cup of vinegar.

Step 4

After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle a handful of baking soda around the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a short cycle using the hottest water. The baking soda will help further deodorize your dishwasher and help in removing any stains.

Step 5

If you have problems with mold and mildew, add ½-1 cup bleach in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a full cycle. Do not use bleach in your dishwasher if it has a stainless steel interior. Bleach can corrode and stain stainless steel!