How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar

2. Clean the Interior

• Spray down interior surfaces, including the door gasket and edges, with the water-vinegar spray bottle, then wipe off with a dry cloth for a thorough clean.
• Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container. Put the cup of vinegar upright on the top rack. I like using a coffee mug, because you can usually position it so it won't tip over.
• Run the cycle with hot water—the hottest cycle you can. The vinegar in the container will steam and circulate to disinfect and deodorize the interior. You can skip the dry cycle.
• While the wash cycle is running, wash other components. Use mild soapy water to clean removable parts such as the filter and utensil racks. Mix together a small amount of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste to use on dirty areas to act as a mild abrasive, then rinse the parts clean. Use a toothbrush to get in tight spots.
• Use the water-vinegar solution in the spray bottle to treat stains and buildup.
• Bonus: If you sprinkle baking soda on a surface then spray it with the vinegar solution from your spray bottle, the vinegar will give the mixture a little extra cleaning power.

3. Clean the Exterior

• Spray the water-vinegar solution or use a mild soapy water solution on the stainless steel exterior. Vinegar is safe to use on stainless steel.
• Wipe it down with a soft cloth, following the grain of the steel for best results.
• Then, use mild soapy water to clean the control panel and buttons, handles, and other high-touch areas to remove any grease, fingerprints, or drips. Avoid getting the control panel excessively wet—moisture behind the buttons can cause damage.

4. Final Steps

• Run a rinse cycle to remove any residue, or if you need to remove any lingering vinegar odor
• Let the dishwasher air-dry
• Reassemble the parts, and you're good to go! A clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes.

Keep Your Dishwasher Clean With These Weekly Tasks

• Remove food debris from the filter and drain
• Clean the filter by removing it (if possible) and washing it with soap and water
• Wipe any soap scum and other buildup off the inside of the door and door seal
• Wipe down the exterior to remove any dirt

FAQ

Do store-bought cleaning products work?

There are lots of cleaning tablets and powders on the market. We recently tried the TrulyFree Dishwasher Cleaner. It's sold as a single, 4-ounce pouch of powder, which is sprinkled on the bottom of the empty appliance. The instructions have you run a heavy hot water cycle to dissolve and circulate the cleaner, and we did find that it did a good job at cleaning mineral buildup and water deposits on the walls and racks.

How often should you deep clean your dishwasher?

It doesn't need to be done on a regular basis, but monthly deep cleanings will keep the dishwasher in good shape. If you see bits of food settled onto the bottom of the machine, be sure to pick them out after every load. Also, refill the rinse aid every month to prevent water spots on glassware.

What if I can't remove the filter?

It's possible that you have a self-cleaning filter, in which case, you're off the hook. Instead, clean around the filter using a soft-bristle brush or damp cloth to remove any visible debris or buildup. You can also run a vinegar wash cycle to help dissolve stubborn detergent residue. If the filter remains inaccessible or if you're unsure about how to proceed, refer to your user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

How can I tell if my dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter?

To determine if it has a self-cleaning filter, check the user manual or the manufacturer's website. You can inspect the interior for the presence of a filter. If the dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter, it may not be readily visible as it is typically located at the bottom of the appliance, beneath the bottom spray arm. Products with manual filters will have a visible filter that requires periodic cleaning or maintenance.