How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher

July 30, 2025

 (and Keep It Smelling Great)

Your dishwasher might do the dirty work, but even it needs a good clean now and then. Grease, food bits, and soap scum can build up over time—causing bad smells and affecting how well it runs.


Here’s how to give your dishwasher a deep clean in just a few easy steps:


Step 1: Check the Drain
Take out the bottom rack and have a look around the drain. Clear out any gunk or leftover food that’s blocking it—this helps with proper drainage and keeps nasty smells at bay.


Step 2: Scrub the Filter
The filter’s there to catch food particles and protect your dishwasher’s pump. Take it out, rinse it under warm water, and give it a gentle scrub with a soft brush and dish soap.


Step 3: Do a Vinegar Wash
Pop a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. Vinegar cuts through grease and grime and helps clear out any musty odours.


Step 4: Follow with Baking Soda
Once the vinegar cycle’s done, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot wash. This step freshens everything up and leaves your machine smelling clean.


🚫 Quick Warning: Skip the Bleach
Never mix bleach with vinegar—it’s dangerous. Plus, bleach can damage stainless steel interiors, so it’s best avoided altogether.


Easy Ongoing Maintenance
Keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape with these habits:

  • Rinse off heavy food scraps before loading
  • Give the filter a quick clean each week
  • Run a vinegar + baking soda cycle every month

A fresh dishwasher means sparkling dishes and no weird smells—too easy!

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