“Over time, food particles can accumulate in the drain filter, drain hose, spray arm, or elsewhere in the dishwasher,” notes Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “Standing water [or stagnant moisture] can also cause mold to grow inside the dishwasher.” Deep-cleaning a dishwasher requires some elbow grease, but streaming an upbeat playlist or your favorite podcast can make the task more enjoyable. Keep scrolling for the full rundown on how to clean a dishwasher, even if it’s moldy, smelly, or simply isn’t cleaning dishes as well as it should.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
How often you should clean your dishwasher depends on how much use it’s getting. Generally speaking, Peterson recommends cleaning your dishwasher every two to four months. Cleaning guru Jelina Saliu, the chief innovation officer at Safely, says her dishwasher is in constant use so she cleans it once a month. It’s time to clean your dishwasher when one or more of the following is present:
A mildew-y or funky odorDishes aren’t getting as cleanDishes have white/yellow mineral deposits Dishes smell There’s a film on the interior surfaceYou see mold
What You’ll Need
Vinegar Baking sodaSoap Brush or spongeWashcloth Bottle brushCleaning cloth Store-bought mold cleaner (optional)
How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar and Baking Soda
How to Clean a Moldy Dishwasher
Our cleaning pros say you can follow the same steps as above to clean a moldy dishwasher. However, you’ll want to wear gloves and a mask for safety as you work. If the mold is pervasive, use a store-bought, mold-targeting cleaner instead of vinegar, baking soda, and soap. Also, let your dishwasher air-dry by keeping it open after the cycle runs. This further discourages mold and mildew growth.
How to Prevent a Smelly Dishwasher
Smells are bound to happen when you combine water and food particles. However, the following can keep odors at bay and help your dishwasher stay clean for longer:
Thoroughly rinse dishes and silverware before placing them in the dishwasher Deep-clean your dishwasher once every one to four months Clean the dishwasher drain and filter at least once a monthRun vinegar and baking soda cycles every two weeksDouble-check that the water used in the dishwasher is running hotDon’t run other hot water appliances while the washer runs to avoid diverting resources Keep your dishwasher cracked open when not in use to prevent mildew and mold Place newspaper and/or a bowl of baking soda in the dishwasher when it’s not used for an extended period of time (like when you’re on vacation)
