A dirty dishwasher can quietly affect everything from how your dishes look to how your kitchen smells, which is why knowing how to deep clean a dishwasher matters more than most people expect.
Built-up grease, trapped food, and lingering residue don’t just sit in one place. They spread through every cycle, reducing performance over time. And it can escalate quickly, especially in busy households where your machine is used daily.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a thorough, step-by-step cleaning process, highlight the areas most people miss, and share simple ways to keep odors under control —and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and working efficiently.
Why Is It Important to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher?
Knowing how to clean your dishwasher beyond just the basic maintenance steps removes the built-up grease, food particles, and residue that regular cycles can’t fully clear away. Without it, that buildup can affect cleaning performance and leave behind unpleasant smells. It can also circulate during wash cycles, leaving dishes looking dull or even slightly dirty after a full run.
While the odor is usually the first thing people notice, the reduced performance follows closely behind. A thorough deep clean keeps that under control while extending the life of your appliance.
How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher
If your dishwasher is heavily soiled, a quick wipe-down won’t be enough to fix the problem. A proper deep clean targets hidden buildup, stuck-on residue, and the areas that affect performance the most.
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher Completely
Start by clearing everything out. Plates, bowls, utensils, and any stray items need to go. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often small pieces get left behind and block access to key areas.
Once it’s empty, remove the racks as well. This gives you a clear, open view of the base, sides, and back wall. You’ll be able to spot buildup much faster. In our experience, this step alone helps you clean more efficiently because you’re not working around obstacles or missing hidden grime.
Step 2: Remove and Deep Clean the Racks
With the racks out, it’s time to give them proper attention. These pieces handle a lot of wear, so it’s common to see grease film along the rails or residue tucked into the corners.
Spray down the racks using a plant-powered cleaner like our Odor Eliminator Surface Cleaning Spray, then wipe along the bars, joints, and edges with a cloth. Pay extra attention to the sliding tracks since they tend to collect grime over time. Once everything looks clean, set the racks aside and let them air dry fully.
Step 3: Clean the Utensil Holder and Accessories
Now, focus on the smaller parts. Utensil baskets and removable accessories often hold on to food particles in ways that aren’t obvious at first glance. Flip them over and check the base. That’s usually where buildup hides.
Grab a cleaning wipe, like our tea tree oil-based multipurpose cleaning wipes. They're perfect for getting into tight spaces and small corners, with a thicker weave to stop tearing.
Take your time; a quick pass won't always catch everything, and some surfaces will need to be wiped down more than once.
Step 4: Clean and Rinse the Filter
The filter is one of the most important parts of this process. It traps food debris, so it’s often the source of lingering odors. Carefully remove it and take a closer look. If it’s been a while since the last clean, you’ll likely see buildup right away.
Rinse it under warm water and gently rub away any stuck-on particles. For more stubborn spots, use a soft cloth with a bit of cleaning spray to help lift the residue. Make sure the mesh and edges are fully clear before putting it back. A clean filter improves water flow and helps your dishwasher perform the way it should.
Step 5: Detail the Drain Area
With the filter removed, the drain area is fully exposed. This is where grease, food bits, and residue tend to settle over time. It’s easy to overlook during regular cleaning, but it plays a big role in keeping your dishwasher fresh.
Use a cloth or wipe to clean around the drain opening and along the surrounding surface. Work into the crevices where buildup can hide. If you notice any debris sitting loose, remove it carefully before wiping everything down. This step helps prevent odors from coming back and keeps water draining properly during each cycle.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Interior Surfaces
Now that the smaller components are handled, shift your focus to the inside of the dishwasher itself. The walls, base, and inner door panels tend to collect a thin layer of residue over time. It might not always be obvious at first glance, but you’ll notice it once you start wiping.
Spray a plant-powered cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth and work your way across the interior. We reach for our same surface cleaning spray here because it helps whisk away buildup while eliminating tough odors.
Start from the top and move downward so you’re not spreading grime onto areas you’ve already cleaned. And pay extra attention to the bottom where water pools: that’s usually where the heaviest residue sits.
Step 7: Check the Door and Seals
This is one of the most commonly missed areas, and it makes a big difference when done properly. The rubber gasket around the door can trap moisture, bits of food, and residue that builds up over time. If it’s not cleaned, it can quickly become a source of odor.
Use a soft cloth or a cleaning wipe to gently clean along the seal. Press lightly into the folds to reach hidden spots without damaging the material. Our tea tree oil cleaning wipes work especially well here since they’re easy to guide along the edges.
Don’t forget the inner edges of the door itself. Those narrow strips often collect grime that isn’t touched during regular cycles.
Step 8: Clear Out the Spray Arms
Take a closer look at the spray arms next. These are responsible for distributing water evenly, so any blockage can affect how well your dishwasher cleans. Even small particles can reduce pressure and leave dishes less than spotless.
If your model allows it, remove the spray arms and rinse them under running water. Check each hole carefully and make sure nothing is stuck inside. You can gently clear openings with a soft tool if needed, but avoid anything sharp that could cause damage. Once everything is clean, reattach them securely so they spin freely during the next cycle.
Step 9: Reassemble and Run a Cleaning Cycle
Once every part is cleaned and dry, it’s time to put everything back together. Reinstall the filter, slide the racks into place, and make sure all components are properly aligned. This step is simple, but it sets the stage for a full system refresh.
Run an empty cycle using a dishwasher-safe cleaning solution. This helps flush out any remaining residue and ensures the entire interior is evenly cleaned.
Pro tip: Make your own non-toxic dishwasher cleaning solution with vinegar and baking soda. Run a hot wash cycle with one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack, then sprinkle baking soda across the bottom of your machine and re-run a hot cycle to clear remaining residue.
Step 10: Freshen Up the Interior
After the cycle finishes, take a moment to freshen the interior. Even after a deep clean, a final touch can help maintain that just-cleaned feel.
Lightly mist the inside with a plant-powered air freshener. Our Ultra Mist Spray works well here since it’s safe for non-porous surfaces and helps neutralize lingering odors. Keep it light. A quick spritz is all you need to leave the space smelling clean without being overpowering. (Please note: don't mist any dishes that won't be washed, and keep spray away from any food.)
Step 11: Leave the Door Open to Fully Dry
The final step is simple but important. Leave the dishwasher door slightly open once you’re done. This allows any remaining moisture to escape instead of getting trapped inside.
Letting it air dry helps prevent odors from developing again, especially in humid environments. It also keeps the interior feeling fresh between uses. It’s an easy habit to build, and it makes a noticeable difference over time.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Dishwasher?
If you want to avoid mildew odors, you should deep clean your dishwasher about once a month for best results. This keeps buildup from getting out of hand and helps maintain consistent performance. But if you use your dishwasher daily or notice odors starting to develop sooner, you may want to clean it more frequently.
