How to Clean a Dishwasher: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but who cleans the dishwasher? If yours smells musty, leaves cloudy residue on glasses, or just doesn't seem as effective as it used to be — it's time for a deep clean. Here's exactly how to do it.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

• Filter: Every 2–4 weeks
• Spray arms: Every 2–3 months
• Door seals & edges: Every month
• Full deep clean: Every 3 months

What You'll Need

• White vinegar (1 cup)
• Bicarbonate of soda (1 cup)
• Old toothbrush or small brush
• Microfibre cloth
• Warm soapy water
• Toothpick or skewer

Step 1: Clean the Filter

This is the most important step and the most commonly skipped. The dishwasher filter catches food debris and prevents it from recirculating. When it's clogged, your dishwasher smells and doesn't clean properly.

1. Remove the bottom rack to access the filter — usually located in the back corner or centre of the floor of the dishwasher
2. Turn the cylindrical filter anti-clockwise and lift it out
3. Rinse under warm running water
4. Scrub with a soft brush and dish soap to remove any grease or stuck food
5. Inspect the flat mesh filter underneath and clean it too
6. Replace and lock back in place

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms have small holes that can get blocked with mineral deposits or debris, reducing water pressure.

1. Remove the spray arms (usually just twist off or unclip)
2. Rinse under warm water
3. Use a toothpick or skewer to clear any blocked holes
4. Soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes if heavily blocked
5. Reattach firmly

Step 3: Clean the Door Seals

Mould and mildew love the rubber door seal. Wipe it thoroughly with a cloth dampened in a mix of warm water and white vinegar. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any black mould spots.

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle

Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack (don't add any detergent). Run a full hot cycle. The vinegar will cut through grease, deodorise and kill bacteria.

Step 5: Run a Bicarb Cycle

Sprinkle 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda on the floor of the dishwasher. Run a short hot cycle. This removes stains and brightens the interior.

Step 6: Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the control panel, door exterior and handle with a damp cloth. For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain.

Preventing Dishwasher Smells Long-Term

• Always scrape plates before loading (but don't pre-rinse — modern dishwashers need some food residue to activate detergent enzymes)
• Leave the door slightly ajar after a cycle to allow moisture to escape
• Use the right amount of detergent — too much leaves residue
• Run a hot cycle at least once a week if you live in a hard water area
• Use rinse aid every cycle to prevent mineral deposits and improve drying

When Is It Time to Replace Your Dishwasher?

If cleaning doesn't fix poor performance, or if repairs are needed, it may be time to upgrade. At Oceania Appliances, we have quality used dishwashers from $299 with free delivery across Sydney. Browse at oceaniaappliances.com.au.