Every day, your dishwasher puts forth a lot of effort to clean dishes, glasses, and pots so you don’t have to. However, food particles, oil, and mineral deposits can accumulate inside over time, resulting in offensive smells, hazy glass, or subpar cleaning.
The good news? You can maintain your dishwasher operating like new, get rid of odors, and deep clean it with a few easy steps.
Why Dishwasher Cleaning Matters
Not only does a dirty or clogged dishwasher smell awful, but it also has trouble cleaning. Frequent cleaning is beneficial:
- Avoid microorganisms that cause odors
- Get rid of hard water and limescale accumulation
- Keep the drain and spray arms clear of obstructions.
- Increase the life of your dishwasher
Monthly cleaning is crucial if you live in places like Calgary or Edmonton, where the water tends to be harsher and mineral deposits accumulate much more quickly.
What You’ll Need
Get a few fundamental supplies before you start:
- A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- White vinegar, baking soda, a soft toothbrush, and warm, soapy water
- An optional dishwasher cleaning tablet
- A gentle stainless steel cleanser (for the outside)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Dishwasher
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Remove Food Residue and Debris
Check the bottom of your dishwasher for minute objects, paper fragments, or leftover food particles after every cycle. To avoid obstructions and smells, use a moist cloth to clean the drain region.
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Clean the Filter
The bottom of the majority of dishwashers has a detachable filter.
- Carefully twist and lift it out.
- Use a gentle brush and warm, soapy water to clean it.
- Rinse thoroughly and reinstall.
You can omit this step if your dishwasher includes a self-cleaning filter, but it’s still a good idea to check for trapped material.
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Wipe the Interior and Door Seals
Clean the door’s inside, its edges, and the area surrounding the gasket (rubber seal) using a moist cloth.
Grease and soap scum accumulate in places that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
Avoid using abrasive or strong cleansers on stainless steel interiors; mild soap is sufficient.
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Deep Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar naturally breaks down detergent residue and grime.
How to do it:
- Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup with 2 cups of white vinegar.
- Place it on the lower rack of an empty dishwasher.
- Run a normal cycle with hot water (no detergent).
- Once done, wipe the inside with a soft cloth.
🟡 Note: Vinegar is acidic—use it once a month or less to avoid damaging rubber seals or stainless-steel parts.
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Deodorize with Baking Soda
To remove lingering odors and brighten the interior:
- Dust the dishwasher’s bottom with one cup of baking soda.
2. Perform a brief hot water cycle.
3. Leave the door slightly open and let it air dry.
This simple step leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh and looking spotless.
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Optional: Use a Dishwasher Cleaning Tablet
Use a cleaning pill if you live in a region with hard water or if there is a lot of mineral buildup.
- Put one tablet at the bottom of the tub or in the detergent tray.
- Run a regular cycle.
Make sure the product is safe for your kind of dishwasher before using these tablets to assist in cleaning calcium and limescale from difficult-to-reach places.
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Clean the Exterior
Finish by wiping down the outside door, handle, and control panel.
For stainless steel, use a dedicated stainless-steel cleaner or a soft cloth with mild soap—always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
| Task | Frequency |
| Remove leftover food | After each load |
| Wipe door and gasket | Weekly |
| Deep clean with vinegar or tablet | Monthly |
| Clean exterior | As needed |
If you notice cloudy dishes, musty smells, or residue even after cleaning, your dishwasher may need a professional inspection. Hard water buildup or blocked spray arms are common issues that require expert help.
Tips to Prevent Odors and Buildup
- Before filling dishes, always scrape off big pieces of food.
- To combat hard water stains, keep the rinse aid dispenser full.
- Regularly run hot-water cycles.
- To avoid moisture accumulation, leave the door slightly open following each wash.
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When to Call a Professional
Even after a thorough cleaning, if your dishwasher still smells terrible, drains improperly, or leaves residue on dishes, there may be an underlying problem like:
- A malfunctioning heating element; a clogged drain line;
- A blocked spray arm or pump
The best course of action at that time is to have your dishwasher inspected and serviced by a local appliance repair specialist.
Final Thoughts
Not only does a clean dishwasher make your dishes look great, but it also maintains your kitchen smelling good and saves money on maintenance.
You can maintain your dishwasher’s optimal performance for years by sticking to this monthly cleaning schedule and utilising basic home products like vinegar and baking soda.
If you’re in Edmonton, Calgary, or nearby areas and need expert help with dishwasher cleaning or repair, book a professional service today and let a trusted technician bring your appliance back to peak condition.