You may wonder why cleaning machines get dirty when they are constantly washing dishes. But, like most kitchen appliances, dishwashers need regular TLC to function well.

Have you noticed your ‘clean’ dishes coming out a little dirty? Is water collecting in the base of the dishwasher? Perhaps there’s a bad smell in the dishwasher or grubby fingerprint marks on and around the door. These are all signs that your dishwasher needs cleaning - and with a few simple steps, you can clean your dishwasher

Cleaning a dishwasher is easy. Here are tips on how to clean dishwashers:

1. Clean the dishwasher’s exterior and parts

Fingerprints build up on the dishwasher door and the inner corners can accumulate food, debris, grease, and soap scum and be a breeding ground for bacteria.

If your dishwasher door is made from plastic, you can wipe the door with warm, sudsy water to remove fingerprints. Alternatively, you can use a cleaning product like FamilyGuard™ Disinfectant Cleaner.

For stainless steel dishwashers, a glass cleaner works well - just be careful not to spray it directly on the controls, as this could seep into the crevices and damage them. Avoid using a harsh chemical cleaner or bleach. Consider FamilyGuard™ Disinfectant Cleaner. It’s best to use a cloth to wipe the door as a rough scouring pad may scratch the finish.

You should also use a cloth to clean the dishwasher door seal, as well as the inner corners as this is typically where food particles and residue collects.

Give the dishwasher rack and cutlery tray a wipe down to make sure all the parts are clean.

2. Clean the dishwasher drain filter

The dishwasher filter keeps bits of food and debris out of the drain. As a result, there can be lots of buildup in the filter.

Here’s how to clean your dishwasher drain filter easily:

1. Remove the lower rack of the dishwasher to access the filter. The filter is usually found on the base of the dishwasher or in a back corner.
2. Twist the filter to remove it from the dishwasher.
3. Rinse the filter under hot running water and wash away food buildup or debris.

4. Remove any bits of food from underneath the filter inside the dishwasher, and wipe it clean using a damp cloth or sponge.
5. Put the clean filter back into place.

Every dishwasher is different, and some drain filters may require a different technique to remove. Read the appliance manual or check the website to find out how to properly clean your dishwasher filter.

For a more thorough clean, check the spray arm holes to make sure they’re not clogged. Clean the spray arm in the sink with hot water and use a cloth or an old toothbrush with a cleaning agent to scrub away buildup on the jets. You can even use a toothpick to unblock the holes.

3. Clean the dishwasher drain hose

To ensure that the dishwasher is fully clean, you can use a mild cleaner to fight through any additional buildup. For this step, you can use baking soda and white vinegar. These household ingredients clean the inside of the dishwasher and can help clean the dishwasher drain hose without removing it!

How to clean a dishwasher drain with baking soda and vinegar:

1. Make sure that you have a clean filter and all food debris has been removed from the dishwasher.
2. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or jug with 1 cup of white vinegar and place it on the bottom rack.
3. Put the dishwasher on a hot water cycle and let it run.

4. Next, take out the bowl and sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the base of the dishwasher (over the drain area).

5. Run the dishwasher on a short cycle, then voila!

Vinegar helps to remove buildup, dissolve mineral deposits, and sanitize the dishwasher. Baking soda acts on residue, stains, and lingering odors. This method works to clean a dishwasher drain without harsh-smelling chemicals.

Tip: Keeping your kitchen drains clean may help your drain system to run smoothly. If you’re having trouble with a clogged drain, see our How to Unclog a Drain guide for more advice.

Cleaning a dishwasher regularly is important for preventing buildup. For most dishwasher models, a monthly deep clean is sufficient.

Keeping on top of cleaning your dishwasher as and when it’s needed is definitely the best approach. Removing accumulated food or debris from the filter and wiping the door down weekly will help keep your dishwasher clean.

Cleaning a dishwasher doesn’t take long, but it may make a difference to the longevity and function of the appliance. We hope you’ve found our dishwasher cleaning advice helpful. To learn more about everyday cleaning and unclogging solutions, check out the Clog Basics blog, or browse our range of products to see how Drano^® products can help you.