How to Clean a Dishwasher (It Cleans Your Dishes, But Who Cleans It?)
Your dishwasher is dirtier than you think. Mold, grease, and mineral buildup reduce performance. Here is how to deep clean it.
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Step 1: Clean the Filter
Pull out the bottom rack and remove the filter at the base (twist counterclockwise and lift). Rinse it under hot water and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove trapped food particles. This is the number one cause of a smelly dishwasher and most people never clean it.
Step 2: Vinegar Cycle
Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle with the dishwasher empty. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, grease, and odor-causing bacteria.
Step 3: Baking Soda Scrub
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom and run a short hot cycle. This whitens stains, removes remaining odors, and freshens the interior.
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