How to Clean a Dishwasher (Inside, Filter, and Door Seal)

Dishwashers clean your dishes — but they need cleaning themselves. Food debris, grease, mineral deposits, and mold accumulate inside, reducing cleaning performance and causing odors. Here's how to clean every part.

What You'll Need

• Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets — removes limescale, grease, and odor-causing residue in one cycle
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• An old toothbrush
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• Mild dish soap

How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher?

• Filter: monthly (or more often if you run it daily)
• Door seal: monthly
• Full cleaning cycle: monthly
• Spray arms: every 2–3 months

Step 1: Clean the Filter

The filter is the most important part to clean — a clogged filter is the #1 cause of poor dishwasher performance and odors.

1. Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher (usually a cylindrical piece that twists out).
2. Remove and rinse under warm running water.
3. Scrub with a soft brush and dish soap to remove grease and food debris.
4. Rinse thoroughly and replace.

Step 2: Clean the Door Seal

The rubber door gasket traps food, grease, and moisture — mold grows here quickly.

1. Dip an old toothbrush in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Scrub along the entire door seal, paying attention to the folds and crevices.
3. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Clean the Spray Arms

1. Remove the spray arms (they usually unscrew or unclip).
2. Rinse under warm water and use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes.
3. Soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes if heavily clogged.
4. Rinse and replace.

Step 4: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Option A: Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablet (Easiest)

1. Place one Affresh tablet in the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
2. Run a hot water cycle.
3. The tablet dissolves and removes limescale, grease, and odor-causing residue throughout the machine.

Option B: Vinegar + Baking Soda (DIY)

1. Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
2. Run a hot cycle — the vinegar removes grease and mineral deposits.
3. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
4. Run a short hot cycle — the baking soda deodorizes and brightens the interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dishwasher smell bad?

The most common causes are a clogged filter, food debris in the door seal, and mineral buildup. Clean the filter and door seal first — this resolves most dishwasher odors.

Why are my dishes not coming out clean?

A clogged filter is the most common cause. Also check that the spray arm holes aren't blocked, the detergent dispenser opens properly, and you're using the right amount of detergent.

Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

Only if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior — bleach damages stainless steel. For stainless interiors, use vinegar and Affresh tablets instead. Bleach can be used on plastic interiors but requires thorough rinsing.