Cleaning out the dishwasher is something many people don’t think about. We load the dishwasher, and then it cleans the dishes. However it is important that you clean out the dishwasher so you continue to get clean dishes. With this post you will learn all you need to learn on how to clean a dishwasher.
How To Clean a Dish Washer
My dishwasher started to leave a residue all over my glass wear and I couldn’t figure out why. I tried to change my soap and add some rinse agent but that was not helping. At that point I knew I had to clean out my dishwasher.
Every dishwasher is different this is just a general way to take it apart and cleaned. If you cannot remove one part of it check your manual on how to properly to remove it for your dishwasher.
When you are cleaning your dishwasher my secret weapon is a bottle brush, yes a bottle brush. You want a good one that is not going to crumble so don’t get one that has the foamy stuff on it. This one here is the one I use.
Why Clean out the dishwasher
Cleaning out the dishwasher is something most people don’t know need to be done. Why would you need to clean something that is meant to clean. The problem is food buildup collects on the filter underneath the dishwasher and this built-up prevents the dishwasher from running properly so in order to get your dishwasher running properly need to remove this built-up.
What to do after cleaning out the dishwasher
In between the deep cleans of my dishwasher I like to use this – it helps keep it as clean as possible in between the deep cleanings that I do. This dishsoap is my favorite to use, it doesn’t leave any soap grim in my dishwasher when I am doing my dishes daily 🙂
Steps for cleaning Dish Washer
To start make sure you dishwasher is completely empty and remove the bottom rack. Next you need to remove the sprayer head off, there’s normally little clips on the side holding it down.
Next remove the first layer of the filter. As you see from my picture there was a lot build-up so try to remove most that build-up before you take off the next filter.
Next remove the center most of these will just click right off.
Than remove the filter.
Than scrub the insides down. I like to use a bottle brush to get into the tight spaces. Than I pour a little hot water to rinse.
Rinse of the filter
Than you follow the steps backwards to put it back together. I run the dishwasher once with out anything in it to clean it out.
If you are looking to get some cleaning done make sure you also check out these cleaning tips and tricks!
- The Secret to getting stains out of carpet
- The secret to dust free baseboards
- How to have a spotless bathroom in 10 minutes
- Tips & Tricks to quickly clean the kitchen
- How to Clean your washing machine
- How to Remove Smells from the garbage disposal
- How to remove smells from bath towels
Comments & Reviews
Linda says
Wow! I didn’t even know that dish washers had filters. I just did a Pinterest search to find out how to clean my dishwasher. Thanks for the how to. I now need to go and take some things apart.
Ali says
Thank you so much!! This was SOOOOOO helpful.
Anita Dodd says
Than = Then
Terri Crisp says
Always a smartass that thinks they are perfect and doesn’t think it is possible that someone can make a typo.
Yvonne says
I agree, mean girls are everywhere !
Donna says
BS, I also noticed many commas missing.
Tammie says
….as if none of us are smart enough to know its prolly a typo! ALWAYS gotta be that ONE in every bunch that thinks they are the damn grammar police.
Ashley says
Thank you for posting this! My dishwasher parts look the same and I was easily able to take the filters out to clean it. I knew about the first filter, but didn’t know how to take off the rest! I am hoping it will solve the problem of not draining at the end of the clean cycles that it’s been having lately.
Karen says
Check your hoses. Esp if you have a garbage disposal may be to low to empty
Gary says
If dishwasher doesn’t drain after you clean it, check and clean the air gap on sink top next to faucet. Could also be a clog in drain line at bottom of air gap under sink. (from a former appliance technician)
Stephanie says
Great tip thank you~
Deb says
I will definitely try that, thank you:)
Maureen says
Thank you for that I will definitely give it a try, I was wondering how to clean my dishwasher.
Sheri says
Oh my gosh had no idea that needed to be done. On my way to tear it down and clean it out! Thanks so much for sharing.
Carmen says
Do you have any suggestion on how to get the rust out.
Stephanie says
Sorry I do not.
P teel says
Run dishwasher with TANG drink
Vickie says
Easiest way to keep your dishwasher clean is rinse your dishes off before you put them in. It just takes a few extra seconds and saves time down the road because the dishwasher stays gunk free.
Laken says
Just found your post. I’m had no idea there were filters. I am disgusted with myself. Having been washing my family’s dishes in the dishwasher. Thank you for saving me!
Mystifiedme says
If you’re like me and forget which went where, grab your phone/iPad and take a shot at each step.
Helps to find the way back?
Ashley S says
Anyone have tips on how to get the thing to actually dry the dishes though? I always have water sitting on the dishes after running for hours it seems like
Holly says
I have used this tutorial a few times now to help me with cleaning my dishwasher which is exactly like yours and never said thank you!! My dishwasher didn’t come with directions on how to remove the parts to clean really good so I am so very grateful that I found this post. I thank you and thank you and thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie says
Im so glad it worked for you!