How to Clean Inside of a Dishwasher

Clean regularly for proper functioning

Cleaning the inside of a dishwasher may sound counterintuitive at first. After all, isn't that what the dishwasher is doing, cleaning the items inside? Even though a dishwasher is constantly being pounded with water and soap, it needs an occasional cleaning. Food particles, hard water deposits, mildew, mold and bacteria can and do build up along the surfaces and in the crevices of a dishwasher. Cleaning a dishwasher regularly will keep it functioning properly and keep your dishes coming out sparkling clean.

Things You'll Need

• Mild abrasive cleaner Small scrub brush White vinegar or dishwasher cleaner Baking soda Sponge or clean cloth

Instructions

1. Turn off the power switch or unplug the dishwasher.

2. Scrub the interior seal and interior door of the dishwasher with a mild abrasive cleaner and a scrub brush. Pay close attention to the hinge area, of the door as particles may build up and get trapped in this region.

3. Rinse the interior seal and door with a damp cloth or sponge to remove debris loosened during scrubbing.

4. Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher.

5. Wipe the bottom interior portion of the dishwasher, removing any debris that may be lodged in the drain area. Scrub the drain area, interior walls and racks with a soft brush if needed.

6. Run the dishwasher using a dishwasher cleaning solution per the label's instructions. If a cleaning solution is not available place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and run the dishwasher on the hottest cleaning cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Between cleanings, sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run the empty washer on a short wash cycle. For households with hard water, use a rinsing agent when running a normal cycle to prevent mineral deposit buildup. Keep the water temperature of your dishwasher between 120 and 140 degrees in order to effectively clean dishes and kill bacteria. If the temperature is too low or too high it will impact the performance of the dishwasher. This temperature can be verified by measuring the temperature of the water at the bottom of the dishwasher during a normal wash cycle.

• Do not use bleach to clean a dishwasher as it can quickly destroy the rubber seals in and around the dishwasher. If particles are visible inside the dishwasher drain and cannot be removed easily call a professional for assistance. Never attempt to disassemble the drain and clean inside the mechanism.

Resources

• More information on cleaning inside a dishwasher