A good dishwasher clean starts with the parts that trap food: the filter, spray arms and door seal. Once those are clear, an empty hot cycle can deal with smells and light build-up.
Quick reference chart
| Question | Best answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| First step | Clean the filter | It catches food and is the most common smell source. |
| Spray arms | Check and rinse | Blocked holes stop water reaching dishes. |
| Door seal | Wipe by hand | Grease and black residue collect around the edge. |
| Cleaning cycle | Hot empty cycle | Use dishwasher cleaner or vinegar after removing debris. |
| How often | Monthly for regular use | More often if dishes smell or come out gritty. |
Step-by-step method
- Empty the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack.
- Twist out the filter, rinse it under warm water and brush away stuck food.
- Check the sump area beneath the filter and remove loose debris.
- Lift out the spray arms if your model allows it, then rinse and clear blocked holes with a cocktail stick.
- Wipe the door seal, bottom edge and detergent drawer with a damp cloth.
- Place a dishwasher cleaner tablet in the machine, or put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
- Run a hot empty cycle and leave the door ajar afterward so moisture can escape.
Why your dishwasher still smells after a cycle
If the filter is dirty, a cleaning cycle may only wash hot water over trapped food. Clean the filter and seal by hand before relying on vinegar or a cleaner.
Can you clean a dishwasher with vinegar?
Yes, vinegar can help with light smells and mineral build-up. Put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run an empty hot cycle. Do not mix vinegar with bleach.
Common mistakes
Do not ignore the filter, do not pour bleach into a stainless-steel dishwasher, and do not use washing-up liquid because it can foam heavily.
What to read next
For more practical guides, see how to clean washing machine, how to clean a toaster, how to clean a microwave, Practical Guides hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean a dishwasher?
Clean the filter, clear the spray arms, wipe the door seal, then run a hot empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar.
How often should you clean a dishwasher?
For regular household use, clean the filter weekly or fortnightly and run a deeper cleaning cycle about once a month.
Can I use vinegar to clean a dishwasher?
Yes. Put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run an empty hot cycle after removing food debris.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
The usual causes are a dirty filter, food trapped near the sump, grease on the door seal, or standing moisture after a cycle.
BM_HARD_PUSH_EVENING_20260623: Ahrefs GB: how to clean a dishwasher, volume 5,700, KD 1. Featured visual marker: BM_CLEAN_DISHWASHER_VISUAL_20260623.
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