Your dishwasher is disgusting. Here’s how to clean it

It may seem counterintuitive, but even your dishwasher needs a good cleaning from time to time. Over time, dirt can build up, affecting the quality of cleaning your dishes and sometimes causing an unpleasant “wet dog” smell. Regular maintenance not only keeps your dishwasher running smoothly, it also ensures that your dishes are washed properly and kept hygienic.

The best part? Cleaning your dishwasher is easy and doesn’t require much effort. Here’s a guide to keeping it fresh, efficient and odor-free, along with tips on how often you should do it.

For more information on dishwashers, see the correct way to load a dishwasher. And for more kitchen cleaning tips, learn how to clean a stand mixer, how to clean a blender, and how to clean a cast iron skillet.

How to clean a dishwasher

Step 1: Clean the dishwasher filter

The filter is the place where food particles are trapped. A clogged filter can cause overflows, so it’s important to clean it every week or so. It can be found on the floor inside the dishwasher. Simply unscrew the knob and lift out the filter (location and removal will vary by brand, so check your owner’s manual).

Wash the filter by rinsing it with warm water and dish soap, then scrub it well with an old toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and let the filter air dry before replacing it.

Step 2: Clean the dishwasher seal

The seal is what keeps water inside your dishwasher and not on the floor. To keep it clean, once a month rub the seal with warm water and wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 3: Uncover the Water Sprinklers

Your dishwasher’s spray arms need a little TLC every six months or so. Use a toothpick to remove food particles from the spray holes. This will increase the amount of water that comes out, increasing the cleaning power.

Step 4: Remove dirt from the cutlery basket

The cutlery basket can become unhealthy quite quickly. Once a week, remove it and wash it with warm water, a bottle brush, and dish soap. Be sure to remove any food particles that may be trapped inside the glasses to prevent mold.

What to do if your dishwasher smells bad

If your dishwasher is starting to smell a little bad, there’s an easy way to deodorize it. Some people recommend putting a cup of white vinegar in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and running the deep clean cycle; however, Vinegar can damage the plastic of your dishwasher.so you might want to try this method. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the washing machine, let it sit overnight, and then run a normal load while the dishwasher is empty. That should eliminate that disgusting wet dog smell.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

Experts recommend giving your dishwasher a deep clean once a month to keep it running efficiently and smelling fresh. If that seems like too much work, try doing it at least once every three months. Start by removing and rinsing the filter to remove food debris, then run an empty cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner or baking soda. This simple routine can prevent dirt buildup, improve performance, and keep those unpleasant odors at bay.

One more tip: remove rust from the latch

After a few years of diligent use, your dishwasher’s door latch may start to rust a little. To fix this problem, scrub it with a stainless steel cleaner and steel wool. Rinse the latch and dry it with a cotton cloth. To finish, cover it with clear nail polish to waterproof the metal and prevent further rust growth.

For more information, see How to machine wash your sheets and bedding the right way.and How to wash your pillow without leaving lumps..