Between Thanksgiving dinners, seasonal baking, and holiday entertaining, there are a lot of extra dishes that come with end-of-year festivities. Your dishwasher is about to get a serious workout.
You’ll likely be running more loads than usual as you prep holiday meals and clean up after them, which makes fall a smart time to give your dishwasher a deep clean so it’s ready to handle the extra work.
Even though your dishwasher is constantly exposed to hot water and detergent, food particles, grease, soap residue, and mineral deposits can still accumulate in the filter, around the door gasket, and in other parts of the machine. That buildup can cause unpleasant odors and, if the filter or spray arms become clogged, interfere with the dishwasher’s ability to effectively clean.
“Many dishwasher cleaning problems can be prevented with a few minutes of routine maintenance,” says Noah Pinsonnault, a reviews analyst in Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “Keeping the filter, door gasket, and other key components clean helps your dishwasher perform more effectively and can extend the life of the appliance.”
How to Deep-Clean Your Dishwasher
Getting rid of visible food debris daily, cleaning the filter weekly, and wiping the door gasket routinely can help keep your dishwasher working well. But Pinsonnault also recommends deep-cleaning the appliance every month, especially before periods of heavy use.
1. Start with the filter. Remove the bottom rack and locate the filter, which is typically positioned beneath the bottom spray arm. (Check your owner's manual if you're not sure how to remove it.) Rinse the filter under running water, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any grease and food particles trapped in the mesh or crevices. Rinse it thoroughly before locking it back into place.
2. Check the spray arms. Look closely at the holes in the spray arms for food particles or mineral deposits that could be blocking the water jets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how best to wipe away any visible debris and gently clear any clogs.
3. Wipe the door and gasket. Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to clean the inside of the door, paying particular attention to the edges, door gasket, detergent dispenser, and any areas where food or grime may have accumulated. For stubborn buildup around the rubber gasket, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and warm, soapy water.
4. Run a cleaning cycle. Once you've removed the visible grime, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner designed to break down trapped food particles, grease, mineral deposits, and detergent residue. Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label, since some require an empty machine while others can be used with dishes.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
