How to Clean a Dishwasher: Vinegar, Filter & Deep Clean Guide

There’s something oddly satisfying about a dishwasher that actually works the way it should. You load it, walk away, and come back to plates that gleam instead of spotting. The catch: that performance depends almost entirely on what you do between loads. Running a proper clean every month keeps the machine fresh, the spray arms clear, and your dishes actually sanitary. Here’s how appliance makers and cleaning experts say to do it.

Vinegar placement: lower rack · Baking soda addition: after vinegar cycle · Recommended cycle: hottest and longest · Filter cleaning step: remove and soak

Key specifications for the vinegar-and-baking-soda method come from major appliance brands.

What is the best way to clean a dishwasher?

The core method relies on two household staples: white vinegar and baking soda. According to Whirlpool’s appliance care guide, this combination handles grease, odors, and mild limescale without harsh chemicals. The process takes multiple cycles, so starting early in the day makes sense. KitchenAid recommends performing this deep clean monthly for optimal performance.

Clear the filter

Always start by removing the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Pull out the bottom rack, locate the filter assembly, and twist or lift it free depending on your model. Rinse it under hot running water, scrubbing with a soft toothbrush to dislodge trapped food particles. KitchenAid advises using warm soapy water for this step unless your filter is labeled maintenance-free. Some units have two separate filters that both require attention.

Run vinegar cycle

Place 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the bottom rack. Run the hottest, longest cycle available. Skip the detergent entirely for this run. Whirlpool specifies 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar for this step, using the normal cycle with heat dry disabled. KitchenAid’s instructions align closely, calling for 2 cups in a glass on the bottom rack with air-dry selected. Some sources, including Faiths Attic on YouTube, suggest placing the vinegar on the top rack instead, though the difference in effectiveness remains unclear.

Add baking soda

Once the vinegar cycle completes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the dishwasher’s interior floor. Run a short hot water cycle. Whirlpool and KitchenAid both call for 1 cup at this stage. The baking soda works as a mild abrasive to remove any remaining stains and neutralizes lingering odors. Seep Company notes that some methods use 0.5 cup instead, which appears to be a variation rather than a standard recommendation.

How to clean a dishwasher with vinegar?

The vinegar step is the backbone of natural dishwasher cleaning. Distilled white vinegar works better than apple cider vinegar because it contains no coloring agents that could stain interior surfaces. Whirlpool’s guide explains that vinegar’s acidity effectively breaks down limescale and cuts through grease buildup.

Place vinegar bowl

Pour approximately 1–2 cups of vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup. Position it directly on the bottom rack or upper rack depending on your chosen method. Seep Company recommends 1 cup in a bowl on the bottom rack, while Faiths Attic on YouTube places 1 cup on the top rack. Both approaches achieve the same goal through slightly different positioning.

Run hot cycle

Select the hottest and longest cycle your machine offers. Luke & Bethany on YouTube specifically recommend the longest high-heat cycle to maximize dirt-loosening effectiveness. Turn off the heat-dry feature if your machine has one. Run the cycle completely empty with no dishes and no detergent.

Follow with baking soda

After the vinegar cycle finishes, do not add anything else to the dishwasher. Open the door, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom tub, and run another hot cycle—Faiths Attic on YouTube describes this as the step that removes stains and lingering odors. The baking soda fizzing action helps lift whatever the vinegar loosened.

The implication: combining vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle cancels both out. Always run them separately to get the full benefit of each.

How to clean a dishwasher filter?

The filter is where food debris, glass fragments, and grease accumulate. Vlogmas Day 11 on YouTube puts it plainly: a dirty filter is unsanitary for washing your dishes. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning it at least monthly.

Remove bottom rack

Pull out the bottom dish rack completely to access the filter at the base of the tub. The filter typically twists or lifts out as a single unit. Vlogmas Day 11 on YouTube notes that filter locations vary by model, so consulting your manual or searching online for your specific brand helps if the removal method is unclear.

Soak in hot soapy water

Fill a basin with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the filter and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. KitchenAid specifies warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush for scrubbing. For stubborn buildup, Faiths Attic on YouTube suggests soaking in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.

Scrub food particles

After soaking, use a soft toothbrush or dish brush to scrub away remaining food particles. Rinse thoroughly under hot running water. Seep Company recommends checking the spray arms for blockages at this point using a toothpick to clear any clogged holes. Replace the filter securely before running your next load.

What this means: skipping the filter means every cleaning cycle circulates grime through your dishes. A five-minute monthly task prevents odors and maintains washing efficiency.

What are common dishwasher cleaning mistakes?

Even well-intentioned cleaning attempts can go wrong. Whirlpool and other sources highlight several missteps that reduce effectiveness or risk damage.

Skipping filter

Running vinegar cycles without first clearing the filter leaves the primary source of odor and buildup untouched. KitchenAid emphasizes that the filter must be cleaned first in any deep-clean routine. Without this step, you’re essentially masking the problem rather than solving it.

Wrong cycle

Using a short or eco cycle for vinegar cleaning limits effectiveness. Luke & Bethany on YouTube specifically recommend the longest, hottest cycle available to properly loosen accumulated grime. Lower-temperature cycles may not fully activate the vinegar’s cleaning properties.

Overloading

Placing too many dishes in the machine blocks water spray from reaching all surfaces. Seep Company recommends scraping food scraps before loading rather than rinsing everything spotless, as some residue actually helps dishwashing detergent activate properly. For more information on how to properly clean your dishwasher, Good Feet Store a prop.

How to give a dishwasher a deep clean?

Beyond the basic vinegar-and-baking-soda routine, a thorough deep clean addresses parts that cycles never reach. KitchenAid recommends including the door seals, exterior, and spray arms in your maintenance routine.

Clean spray arms

Remove each spray arm and inspect the holes for debris. Use a toothpick to clear any clogged openings. Seep Company confirms this step ensures proper water distribution during washes. Blocked spray arm holes directly reduce cleaning performance on dishes.

Wipe seals

The rubber door gasket accumulates moisture, food particles, and mold over time. Faiths Attic on YouTube demonstrates cleaning it with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar. KitchenAid adds that wiping door seals and the exterior with a damp cloth completes the internal cleaning process.

Full maintenance

Leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar between uses to allow interior surfaces to dry completely. Seep Company lists this as part of preventive maintenance alongside weekly filter rinsing and scraping dishes before loading. If vinegar and baking soda prove insufficient for heavy buildup, Whirlpool notes that commercial dishwasher cleaning tablets serve as a backup option.

The pattern: a genuinely clean dishwasher requires attention to parts that cycles cannot reach. The spray arms, seals, and filter account for most performance issues that vinegar alone cannot fix.

“Vinegar is an acid; using it too often could damage your dishwasher. Reserve it for deep cleans.”

— Whirlpool (Appliance Manufacturer)

“White vinegar is a natural acid, so it’s great at breaking down limescale and cutting through grease. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and brilliant at absorbing odours.”

— Seep Company (Cleaning Products Specialist)

For homeowners, the choice is straightforward: run a vinegar-and-baking-soda deep clean monthly, clear the filter each time, and address spray arm blockages as they appear. Those who skip maintenance will eventually need commercial cleaners—or a service call. Starting the process early in the day accounts for the multiple cycles required, and using a dishwasher-safe container for the vinegar prevents it from pooling in the base where it could cause damage.

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The same vinegar cycles and filter checks that refresh your dishwasher work wonders for cleaning a washing machine, preventing mold and odors in laundry appliances.

Frequently asked questions