How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher (and Why You Should)

Your dishwasher works hard for you every single day, quietly tackling grease, grime, and food particles so you don’t have to. But here’s the thing — even the hardest-working appliance needs a little TLC now and then.

Over time, food residue, soap scum, hard water minerals, and even mold can build up inside your dishwasher. This can lead to:

• Funky odors (nobody wants their “clean” dishes smelling bad)

• Cloudy glasses and water spots

• Reduced cleaning performance — dishes come out not-so-clean

• Shorter appliance lifespan due to gunk buildup in moving parts and filters

The good news? A deep clean every few months keeps your dishwasher running efficiently and your dishes sparkling. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning Your Dishwasher

1. Empty the Dishwasher

Start with an empty dishwasher. Remove the racks so you can access every nook and cranny.

2. Clean the Filter

Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. Twist and lift it out, then rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to remove stubborn debris. This step alone can drastically improve performance.

3. Wipe the Door Seals and Edges

Food and grime often hide in the rubber seals and around the door’s edge. Wipe these areas with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water.

4. Clean the Spray Arms

If the spray arms are removable, take them out and rinse under warm water. Use a toothpick to clear any clogged spray holes.

5. Run a Cycle with affresh®

Place an affresh® dishwasher cleaner tablet in the bottom of your machine if you’re running it full of dishes (and your detergent in the detergent dispenser). Put the affresh® tablet in your dishwasher’s detergent dispenser if running it empty. If your dishwasher has a lot of buildup, put one affresh® tablet in the detergent dispenser and a second on the bottom of the dishwasher and run without dishes.

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

• Monthly: Quick wipe-down of seals, filter rinse, run with affresh®

• As needed: When you notice odors, cloudy glasses, or dishes coming out dirty

Why This Matters

Think of your dishwasher like a car — you wouldn’t expect it to run forever without maintenance. A clean dishwasher:

• Cleans dishes more effectively

• Uses less energy and water

• Lasts longer (saving you money in the long run)

• Keeps your kitchen smelling fresh

If you’ve never done a deep clean before, don’t panic — it’s easier than you think. Watch my [TikTok video] for a quick visual guide, then give your hardworking dishwasher the spa day it deserves.