How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher in 5 Steps

Dishwashers are designed to clean dishes, but the machines themselves often go unwashed — and that can lead to clogged filters, bad smells and poor performance.

According to Kadi Dulude, owner of the cleaning company Wizards of Homes, the dishwasher's filter is especially prone to buildup. "When not removed in time, [debris] will clog the filter, food particles will start smelling bad and the machine won't operate properly because it's not draining anymore," she said.

Ryan Knoll, owner of the cleaning company TidyCasa, outlined a five-step process for deep cleaning a dishwasher without special tools:

1. Remove the racks, spray arms and filter. Scrub them with mild dish soap, a scrub brush and warm, soapy water — using a toothbrush on tough spots in the filter, if needed. Rinse and set the parts aside.

2. Wipe out any debris from the bottom of the dishwasher's interior, then scrub the inside with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush.

3. Reinsert the cleaned racks, spray arms and filter.

4. Fill a dishwasher-safe measuring cup with one cup of distilled white vinegar and place it upright on the top rack.

5. Close the dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle available.

Experts also recommend using dishwasher-specific detergents — rather than regular liquid dish soap — for machine-cleaning cycles, since products designed for the interior help break down limescale, grease and odor-causing buildup. A monthly cleaning cycle with a dedicated cleaner, alongside the hand-washing steps above, can help keep a dishwasher running efficiently and smelling fresh.