Tackle Big Messes Better With a Sparkling-Clean Dishwasher

It may seem redundant to clean a dishwasher, but that’s exactly what housekeeping experts advise to ensure that your hardworking machine stays in tip-top shape. Regular cleaning every four to six weeks will help reduce the buildup of lime scale and soap scum and eliminate food particles that can diminish the machine’s effectiveness and clog the little water spouts that rinse your dishes. Bottom line: A clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes.

Emptying the Filter

Over the years, consumer demand has led manufacturers to design increasingly quiet dishwashers. Good news, right? Until you learn how the machines are being silenced. In the past, dishwashers were equipped with a part called a macerator, a food-grinding component that operated along the same lines as a garbage disposal, and made almost as much noise. The food fell into the macerator and was ground up and disposed of with the wastewater.


Newer models have eliminated the macerator and instead use a detachable cylindrical filter located on the bottom of the machine. When food is washed from dishes, the large particles are captured inside the filter to avoid clogging the drain, a much quieter process. The problem is the large particles remain trapped inside until the filter is cleaned. Forgotten filters can become clogged with large pieces of debris and may even start to smell.

If there is a funky odor coming from your dishwasher, this may be the culprit.


Finding the filter. For most dishwashers, removing the filter requires little more than turning it counter-clockwise and gently pulling it out. However, since there are a variety of models, your best bet is to locate the owner’s manual either in print or online.

If your owner’s manual has gone missing (no judging!) or you never had one in the first place, you can access the information by calling an appliance store for guidance or searching the brand and model online using the keywords owner’s manual.

Once you know where to look and what to do, most manufacturers say emptying and cleaning the filter is a simple task that should take only a few minutes to complete.


Inspect the Interior

Since you will be removing the bottom rack and silverware container to access the filter, it’s a great time to survey the condition of the interior.

Once the rack is out, experts advise a thorough inspection of the floor of the machine, especially the area nearest the drain, where there may be a buildup of debris. Once you’ve cleared the drainage area, follow the cleaning steps below.


1. Pour a cup of vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack of the empty machine.

2. Close the door and run a complete hot-water cycle. This will wash away grease and grime and remove any odors that may have been present.

3. Scatter a cup of baking soda over the floor of the machine and run a short hot-water cycle. This should brighten the appearance of the machine’s interior and remove stains.


Got Mold?

Pour a cup of bleach into the bottom of the machine and then run the empty machine on a full cycle, unless the interior of the dishwasher is stainless steel. If you have stainless steel on the inside of your dishwasher, do not use bleach, as it will damage the finish.


Dirty trick: Since the dishwasher and the garbage disposal usually share the same drain, home renovation expert Bob Vila advises turning on the garbage disposal before running a wash cycle. This will help ensure that the drain is free and clear.

See how to clean: Hardwood Floors | Marble Countertops and Tile | Glass Showers | Refrigerators | Carpet | Stainless Steel | Windows | Garden Tools

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