Even though your dishwasher’s job is to clean your dishes, it’s not immune to the buildup of grime over time—it definitely doesn’t clean itself! Ready to make your dishwasher sparkle again? Here, you’ll learn how to clean yours thoroughly with only baking soda and vinegar!

Step #1. Clear out the dishwasher

Start by emptying your dishwasher completely. Remove racks, utensil holders, dishes, and any other items inside.

Soak the racks and holders in warm, soapy water in your sink. Scrub them right away so they’re dry and ready when you finish cleaning your dishwasher.

Step #2. Clean the filter

The filter is a crucial part of your dishwasher. Ignoring it can lead to blockages, leaks, or even a broken water pump. A funky smell often means food is stuck in the filter.

Here’s how to clean it:

1. Locate and remove the filter, usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher. Twist and lift it out; consult your manual if you’re unsure.
2. Some dishwashers have a mesh filter. If yours has one, take it out, too.
3. Clean the cavity where the filter sits, removing any leftover food bits.
4. Wash both filters in warm, soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the mesh filter and also the main one.
5. Put the filters back in place in the correct order.

Note: If your dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter, skip this step.

Step #3. Pretreat the dishwasher

Pretreat the walls of your dishwasher to make cleaning easier.

Take a clean cloth, dip it in warm, soapy water, and wipe down the inside. While this won’t get rid of all the mess inside the dishwasher, it will soften the gunk, so it’s easier to deal with. You can also use a toothpick or a toothbrush to clean water jet holes and control buttons.

Note: Food on the door’s rubber seal can cause leaks. Clean it with soapy water and a soft toothbrush if needed.

Step #4. Run a vinegar cycle

Vinegar helps dissolve hard water spots. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of vinegar, place it on the dishwasher’s bottom rack, and run a hot water cycle.

After the cycle, the hard water stains will be gone, and any grease spots will be softened further. On top of that, the vinegar will help eliminate bad odors!

Note: Vinegar is safe for your dishwasher as long as you don’t pour it into the detergent compartment.

Step #5. Finish with baking soda

After the vinegar cycle, run a short hot water cycle with a thin layer of baking soda sprinkled across the dishwasher floor. Baking soda will tackle any remaining stains and grease, as well as get rid of odors still lingering around.

Finally, run a drying cycle before putting the racks and holders back in.

Note: If your dishwasher doesn’t have a drying cycle, dry the interior manually with a clean cloth. Pay special attention to slits and tiny holes to prevent mold growth.

Maids in Pink can keep your home sparkling!

Just as with your dishwasher, you can also tackle many more household tasks without much effort. Curious about how to do it? Check out our blog to discover our various guides and tips that simplify your daily cleaning routines!