How to Clean a Dishwasher, According to Experts

The root of most odor problems is usually leftover food that has turned your dishwasher into a second garbage disposal. Get in the habit of cleaning any remaining bits of foods you see after each dishwashing cycle. Pull out the bottom rack and look for any leftover food that may have fallen into the filter well or gotten stuck to the screen or heating element. Remove it with your fingers or a paper towel to help prevent odors and future buildup.

Expert tip: Wipe — don't prerinse — excess food from plates, silverware, bowls and other items before loading them into the dishwasher. If you don't plan to run a cycle immediately, rinse them quickly at the sink or run a rinse-only cycle to prevent unwanted smells. Also, always remove any labels or stickers from jars you may be reusing before putting the items into the dishwasher to prevent bits of paper from clogging the filter.

To clean the door:

• Wipe away any greasy residue and splatters that may have splashed or settled onto the interior surface of the door, the bottom of the dishwasher under the door, the door edges, the handle and the dishwasher controls with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.

To clean the door gasket and dispenser:

• Gently scrub any icky gunk from the rubber seal around the door using an old soft toothbrush dipped in either warm, sudsy water or a mild all-purpose cleaner. Give the dispensers a once-over too to remove any debris or traces of undissolved detergent.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Expert Tip: Avoid using bleach-based cleaners, especially if the interior of your dishwasher is stainless steel. Check your owner's manual before using hydrogen peroxide to remove mold or mildew.

The filter is found below the bottom spray arm; you'll need to pull out the bottom rack to get to it. If you're not sure how to remove it, check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details. To clean it:

• Unlock and remove the filter and rinse it under hot running water.
• Using a soft toothbrush, scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame to remove any grease or particles stuck in the crevices. Then rinse it clean.
• Lock the filter back into place.

Expert Tip: Do not operate your dishwasher without the filter properly locked, as you can cause severe damage to your machine and possibly void the warranty.

Once a month, it's important to get down and dirty to remove any trapped particles, mineral buildup or detergent residue hiding in your machine's internal parts and spray arms. Dishwasher cleaners, like Good Housekeeping Seal Star Cascade, are an easy fix, as they contain surfactants that dissolve and clean away trapped food bits and greasy residue. Use them according to the label's directions.

Expert Tip: Check the instructions before using any commercial dishwasher cleaner. Most require an empty dishwasher, but some can be used in the same cycle with dishes and detergent for even more convenient cleaning.

Fingerprints make any surface look dull and grimy, but they really stand out — in a bad way — on stainless steel appliances.

Some dishwasher models sport fingerprint-resistant finishes, but not all. That's why we suggest using a stainless steel cleaner made specifically for cleaning appliances, like GH Seal Star Weiman, to shine up your dishwasher door and give it a protective finish. Not only does the cleaner leave behind a streak-free shine, but it also contains ingredients to help repel future dirt and smudges. And the Weiman Stainless Steel Microfiber Cloth, also a GH Seal Star, is double-sided and, in our test, cleaned and polished easily and without streaking.

Expert Tip: Stay away from abrasive cleaners or pads that can scratch and mar your dishwasher's exterior. Always clean and wipe stainless steel in the direction of the metal's grain to avoid streaks.