The Best Ways to Clean a Dishwasher

Leftover food lingering at the bottom of your dishwasher is the root of most odor problems. After each dishwashing cycle, pull out the bottom rack and check for any remaining bits of food, paper or small items that could have gotten stuck in the filter well or screen. Remove it with your fingers or a paper towel to help prevent future buildup.

Expert tip: Wipe excess food from plates, silverware, bowls and other items before loading them into the dishwasher. If you don’t plan to run a cycle immediately, rinse them quickly at the sink or run a rinse-only cycle to prevent unwanted smells. Always remove any labels or stickers from jars you may be reusing before putting the items into the dishwasher.

You may notice greasy residue or splatters settling onto the interior surface of the door, the bottom of the dishwasher, the door edges, the handle or the dishwasher control buttons. Quickly wipe these areas with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.

As for the door gasket and dispenser, gently scrub any gunk from the rubber seal around the door using an old soft toothbrush dipped in either warm, sudsy water or a mild all-purpose cleaner. With a damp cloth or paper towel, wipe the dispensers to remove any debris or traces of undissolved detergent.

The filter is found below the bottom spray arm; you’ll need to pull out the bottom rack to get to it. If you’re not sure how to remove it, check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details.

1. Unlock and remove the filter and rinse it under hot running water.
2. Using a soft toothbrush, scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame to remove any grease or particles stuck in the crevices. Then rinse it clean.
3. Lock the filter back into place.

Expert Tip: Never operate your dishwasher without the filter properly locked, as you can cause severe damage to your machine and possibly void the warranty.

Once a month, it’s important to get down and dirty to remove any trapped particles, mineral buildup or detergent residue hiding in your machine’s internal parts and spray arms. Dishwasher cleaners, like Good Housekeeping Seal Star Cascade, are an easy fix, as they contain surfactants that dissolve and clean away trapped food bits and greasy residue. Use them according to the label’s directions.

Expert Tip: Check the instructions before using any commercial dishwasher cleaner. Most require an empty dishwasher, but some can be used in the same cycle with dishes and detergent for even more convenient cleaning.

Fingerprints make any surface look dull and grimy, but they really stand out — in a bad way — on stainless steel appliances. That’s why we suggest using a stainless steel cleaner made specifically for cleaning appliances, like GH Seal Star Weiman, to shine up your dishwasher door and give it a protective finish. Not only does the cleaner leave behind a streak-free shine, but it also contains ingredients to help repel future dirt and smudges.

Expert Tip: Stay away from abrasive cleaners or pads that can scratch and mar your dishwasher’s exterior. Always clean and wipe stainless steel in the direction of the metal’s grain to avoid streaks.