23-03-2025
How to clean a dishwasher, according to a professional cleaner
There's nothing worse than emptying your dishwasher and finding leftover gunk stuck in cups that are supposed to be clean. Often, visible buildup like this is a sign that it's time to clean your dishwasher. Gradually, leftover detergent, food waste, and grease can lead to odours and even bacteria growth.
The good news is that with a bit of regular maintenance, your dishwasher will work better, and your dishes will come out cleaner. To help get your dishwasher refreshed and working well, we spoke to Delah Gomasi, CEO of MaidForYou. He walks us through how to clean a dishwasher, plus the top seven products you'll need to do it.
"For routine cleaning of your entire dishwasher, I recommend doing this at least once a month," Gomasi told Yahoo Canada. "There is, however, one area that requires frequent attention, and that is the filter. This component should be removed and cleaned weekly if you use your dishwasher multiple times every day."
Read on to see Gomasi's recommended products and how to get the job done.
First up, remove the trays and racks from the dishwasher so you have easy access to the inside. Grab some regular dish soap and a scrub brush, and head to a roomy area. "Most dishwasher trays and racks are too big to clean in a standard kitchen sink, so I usually scrub them down in the bathroom," he said.
Now that this is done, you'll have access to other components inside the dishwasher that need cleaning, like the drain filter and spray arms.
A classic choice for dish soap, Dawn Ultra dish soap has more than 10,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 stars. Many customers note the price is a "great value for families."
Cleaning the dishwasher is pretty straightforward, and Gomasi's go-to method is super simple.
"All you have to do is put a bowl of vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher — with no other dishes — and run an entire cycle. This is a self-cleaning method to tackle grime and scale buildup, as well as to neutralise any lingering odours."
Another area to target with vinegar is the drain filter, which Gomasi suggests cleaning — or least inspecting — once a week. "The drain filter requires the most attention because food debris and soap scum leave it clogged and grimy quite often," Gomasi said. "The spray holes also get clogged with particles and need thorough cleaning once a month, at least."
To clean the filter, soak it in warm diluted vinegar for about 15 minutes. "This helps to dislodge debris stuck in the mesh and will also address scale buildup caused by hard water," Gomasi explains.
He suggests using a soft, fine-bristle brush to poke through the mesh for a more effective and thorough cleaning. "As tempting as it may be to blast out debris, avoid pressure washing the filter because you can easily damage the mesh this way," he said.
Canadian Tire shoppers say this 2.5-litre jug of vinegar is perfect for cleaning around house, including coffee makers. "Does the job," one reviewer notes.
One area to check out on your dishwasher is the detergent and rinse aid dispenser, which can be a magnet for soap buildup. "I like to take mine out and thoroughly clean it with warm water and a small cleaning brush," he said.
Another area of the dishwasher that can be targeted with a small brush are the spray arms. "I prefer to take out all removable components and thoroughly clean them by hand," Gomasi said, including the spray arms. "A lot of grime accumulates under the spray arms, which can't be cleaned properly unless it's removed. For the spray holes, I use a toothpick and a toothbrush to remove gunk and then thoroughly rinse them."
With an average rating of 4.6 stars and more than 12,000 reviews, Amazon Canada shoppers say this two pack brush set is "much better" than an old toothbrush.
One area of the dishwasher that needs special attention is the rubber seals, because it can trap soap scum and grease over time. "When cleaning the seals, remember that most of the buildup is underneath and not on the visible side of the rubber," he said.
"You need to gently pull the seal away from the appliance and clean the underside with either a soft cloth or a small brush. Diluted vinegar is your best option here since it won't leave any soapy residue behind."
More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers gave these microfibre cloths from Mr. Siga a 5-star review, noting they are absorbent and "exceptional quality."
After cleaning your dishwasher with the self-cleaning vinegar method, Gomasi recommends taking it a step further. "I usually wipe down the interior with a clean sponge after the cycle is complete to make sure there aren't any missed spots, especially around the corners."
These dual-sided sponges from Sponge Daddy earned an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon Canada. Reviewers say they "last a long time."
If you're looking to lessen your environmental impact and switch from plastic-wrapped dishwasher pods, Gomasi can vouch for Cascade's powdered detergent. "I recently found that their powdered variant is just as good, if not better than the pods," he said. "They're cheaper, contain the same active ingredient, and you get more cleans out of a packet, so they're definitely the more economical choice, too."
This residue-free powdered detergent from Cascade is a fan favourite among Amazon shoppers who love the ability to choose how much goes into each wash. One shopper notes it works better than pods.
When it comes to the long-term health of your dishwasher, it's wise to use a good-quality dishwasher detergent that doesn't leave excess buildup or residue in the first place. "I use Cascade Platinum pods which work really well to remove pent up grime and grease from cutlery," he said.
With 75 pods in a container, Amazon shoppers say these dishwasher pods offer "powerful cleaning" and "dissolve completely."
