How to deep clean a dishwasher

Dishwashers get funky. It’s a reality we don’t often confront but let’s paint the picture: tiny bits of un-rinsed food, grease, and dishwashing soap scum stick together and build up in all the parts of your dishwasher. It’s not a pretty picture. 

Over time, you can only imagine how funky the environment gets in the very same place that’s supposed to be disinfecting and cleaning your dishes! #yuck 

On top of that, all that funk prevents your dishwasher from working at its most efficient. Let’s course correct and set a reminder for a bi-monthly dishwasher deep clean.

Regular cleaning of your dishwasher will not only help your machine work at its best but extend the life of it. That can mean fewer repairs and save you $$$! 

How to deep clean a dishwasher

Deep cleaning a dishwasher = deep cleaning filters, the interior of machine, and any crates. 

Step 1: Make sure your dishwasher is empty and dry. Remove the filter and soak in warm soapy water for at least 20 minutes.  We like to add a glug of white vinegar. You can soak either in a big bowl or in your plugged up kitchen sink. 

Step 2: Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda to the floor of your empty dishwasher and let it sit for 2 hours. 

Step 3: Wash and rinse your filter and replace in the dishwasher. 

Step 4: Grab a sponge and give a scrub to your racks. 

Step 5: After 2 hours are up, run a “short” wash cycle with hot water. Halfway through the cycle, open your dishwasher and add a (dishwasher safe) bowl of white vinegar (at least 1 cup) to the top rack of the dishwasher.