19 Deep Cleaning Tricks For The Dishwasher To Make Dishes Sparkle Again

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Imagine Finally:

  • No more cloudy glasses means less rewashing after every load
  • Clean filters stop bad smells from coming back next week
  • A fresh inside helps prevent sticky buildup that ruins results

Here’s how you pull it off…

1. Remove The Bottom Rack And Rinse The Filter Under Hot Water

That filter at the bottom traps tiny food bits that keep floating back onto your plates, babe.

Start This Way: Twist the filter out, rinse it under hot water, and scrub off any slimy pieces right now.

It will be so much easier if you use a small dish brush to scrub inside the mesh without hurting your fingers.

2. Scrub The Filter Screen With A Small Brush Right Now

Even after rinsing, grease can cling to the fine screen holes.

Here’s What To Do: Use a small brush and scrub both sides of the screen until water runs clear.

This gets easier if you use a detail cleaning brush set to reach tiny corners fast.

3. Wipe Down The Door Edges And The Rubber Seal

Food splashes hide along the door frame where water does not always reach.

Give This A Try: Dip a cloth in warm soapy water and wipe around the full edge and the rubber seal.

4. Clean The Spray Arms And Clear Out Any Food Bits

Spray arms spin and push water, but clogged holes block the pressure.

Use This Simple Trick: Remove the spray arm if possible and rinse it under the sink while checking each hole.

It will feel less stressful if you try a toothpick pack to clear blocked spray holes gently.

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5. Check The Tiny Holes In The Spray Arms With A Toothpick

Blocked holes cause weak sprays and leave food stuck on bowls.

If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Hold the spray arm up to the light and poke out any trapped debris.

6. Run An Empty Hot Cycle With A Dishwasher Cleaning Tablet

Grease buildup sticks to the inside walls over time, girl.

The Easy First Step Is: Place one cleaning tablet in the bottom and run the hottest empty cycle.

This is faster when you use a dishwasher cleaning tablet that breaks down hidden gunk in one wash.

7. Pour White Vinegar In A Bowl On The Top Rack And Run A Cycle

Vinegar helps break down soap scum and mineral spots.

To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Fill a small bowl with white vinegar, place it on the top rack, and run a hot cycle.

8. Wipe The Soap Dispenser Compartment With A Damp Cloth

Old soap can cake up inside the dispenser and block new detergent.

Start Small With This: Open the flap and wipe inside with a damp cloth to remove crusty buildup.

9. Clean The Silverware Basket And Remove Stuck Food

Silverware baskets collect rice and pasta bits in the tiny slots.

Here’s A Quick Way: Take the basket out, rinse it under hot water, and scrub between the slots.

10. Check The Drain Area For Trapped Debris

Food can sit near the drain and cause smells that spread to clean dishes.

Begin With This: Shine a flashlight at the bottom and remove any visible debris carefully.

11. Wipe Down The Inside Walls With Warm Soapy Water

Grease can coat the inner walls where spray does not hit directly.

Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Use a sponge with warm soapy water and wipe from top to bottom.

This feels easier if you use a microfiber sponge that lifts greasy film without streaks.

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12. Clean The Control Panel And Buttons On The Outside

Sticky fingerprints collect around the buttons and trap grime.

The Most Doable Way Is: Wipe the panel with a damp cloth and dry it with a towel right after.

13. Pull Out The Bottom Spray Arm And Rinse It

Loose crumbs can hide under the spray arm hub.

Instead, Try This: Remove the arm carefully and rinse underneath to clear hidden debris.

14. Remove Hard Water Spots From The Door With Vinegar

Hard water leaves white film that makes the dishwasher look dirty.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Dip a cloth in vinegar and wipe the inside of the door slowly.

15. Make Sure The Rinse Aid Compartment Is Filled

Low rinse aid can leave water spots on glasses.

The Easier Approach Is: Check the small compartment and fill it to the line if it’s low.

This takes less time if you use a rinse aid refill bottle with an easy pour spout.

16. Clean Around The Hinges Where Food Can Hide

Grease can collect around the hinge area where the door folds.

To Make This Feel Less Heavy: Open the door fully and wipe around both hinges with a damp cloth.

17. Run A Second Short Hot Cycle After Deep Cleaning

Leftover loosened debris can stay inside after scrubbing.

One Easy Reset Is: Run a short empty hot cycle to flush out anything left behind.

18. Leave The Door Open For 30 Minutes To Air Dry

Trapped moisture can cause musty smells later.

If You Want To Keep It Easy: Crack the door open after the final cycle and let it air dry fully.

19. Wipe The Dishwasher Door Gasket With A Soft Cloth

The gasket seal holds moisture and crumbs that create odors over time.

Here’s A Simpler First Move: Wipe along the full rubber edge with a soft damp cloth and dry it right after.

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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)