Warning

Bleach should not be used for cleaning dishwashers, as it can ruin the appliance.

This is especially true with dishwashers with stainless steel interiors or parts.

To be safe, avoid using bleach in any dishwasher to clean it.

preparing to clean a dishwasher

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Let the appliance do most of the work.

Clean the Filter

Many dishwashers have filters that can be removed; some may not.

Vinegar is sufficient as a cleaning agent.

materials for cleaning a dishwasher

​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Tip

Never mix the vinegar and baking soda in the same cleaning cycle.

Do not add any detergents or cleaning ingredients.

It should be deep cleaned at least every three months.

Clean dishwasher filter replaced in filter housing with orange gloves

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Wipe in the same direction as the grain of the metal.

The vinegar and baking soda method is the best way to clean and deodorize a dishwasher.

When running a cleaning cycle, put some in the detergent dispenser.

running a dishwashing cycle with vinegar

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A white powdery film or residue is hard water mineral scale.

Wipe down these surfaces with a sponge soaked in vinegar.

cleaning with baking soda

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using homemade dishwasher pods

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scrubbing the dishwasher drain

​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

cleaning the control buttons

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cleaning the dishwasher arms

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cleaning the rubber seals

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scrubbing the detergent dispenser

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cleaning a stainless dishwasher door

​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska