How to clean your dishwasher and eliminate bad smells

When was the last time you gave your dishwasher a thorough clean? Over time, food remnants, mineral deposits, grease and soap scum can build up in your dishwasher. This can cause bad smells and decrease your dishwasher’s efficiency. Here, we share our tried-and-tested tips to clean your dishwasher and eliminate bad smells.

You will need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Soft bristled brush
• Toothpaste
• Wooden skewer or wire
• Dishwashing detergent

How often should you give your dishwasher a deep clean?

We recommend a monthly deep clean to ensure sparkling dishes and a fresh smelling dishwasher. A regular, thorough clean will increase your dishwashers’ lifespan and performance.

How to deep clean your dishwasher

Step 1: 

Remove all racks, trays, spray arms and cutlery basket.

Step 2:

Next, soak removable parts in warm, soapy water. Scrub any built on grime with a soft bristled brush. Clogged spray arms may need a wooden skewer or small wire to help dislodge debris from the spray arm holes.

Step 3:

Give your filter a clean. Simply remove from your dishwasher (these are usually located below the racks and attached with a twist cap). Rinse thoroughly under hot water. Use a soft brush (or toothbrush) and warm soapy water to remove trapped debris. Check your filter housing for any obstructions or blockages. Wipe out any excess water and replace your filter.

Handy tip: If you find a pool of water left in the bottom of your dishwasher after each cycle, a blocked drain could be the issue. Check out our troubleshooting guide to fixing a dishwasher that won’t drain.

Step 4:

Clean your dishwasher door and seal using a sponge and warm, soapy water. Get into small grooves and crevices with an old toothbrush. Wipe clean with a damp sponge. This is a good time to check the quality of your door seal by inspecting for signs of wear or tear. Replace your door seal if required.

Step 5:

Check your dishwashing detergent dispenser is working properly. A jammed spring may cause the dispenser to remain closed. This means detergent can’t reach and clean your dishes. Use a small brush dipped in diluted vinegar with water to clean around your springs and dispenser. Dispenser doors and replacement springs are available at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Step 6:

Deep clean the interior of your dishwasher by filling a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup vinegar. Place on top rack of your empty dishwasher. Then, run complete cycle on the hottest setting.

Step 7:

After the completion of the wash cycle, sprinkle a generous handful of baking soda into the bottom of your dishwasher. Run a short, hot wash cycle to dissolve and remove built up grease and detergent deposits from your dishwasher and the pipes leading from it.

Step 8:

Wipe the exterior clean with a damp sponge. For stainless steel doors, you may want to spray with Aktivo Stainless Steel Polish. Its formulation helps remove fingerprints and spears and leaves a transparent film to protect against marks re-appearing.

Step 9:  

Reinstall your spray arms and place your racks, trays and cutlery basket back in your dishwasher.

Handy tip: Dishwashers are subject to the build-up of limescale deposits. If you live in an area with hard water, it is important to descale your dishwasher regularly. Descaling will remove limescale and grime and improve your unit’s efficiency. We recommend Aktivo Dishwashing + Washing Machine Descaler

Regular care and maintenance

Simple care and maintenance of your dishwasher can greatly extend its lifespan.

• Clean your filter regularly
• Wipe down rubber seals and door with a damp cloth to prevent build up
• Give your dishwasher a deep clean monthly
• Remove and clean the spray arms every few months to ensure there are no blockages
• Remove limescale build-up with a water softener such as Aktivo Dishwasher/Washer Descaler

All the latest tips on the Statewide blog

Visit our blog where you can find fixes for the most common dishwasher problems and a guide to loading your dishwasher the right way.

Check out our YouTube channel

Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!

Need spare parts for your dishwasher?

Find replacement spare parts for your dishwasher at Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of dishwasher parts and accessories for all the leading brands including Dishlex, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux and more. All with fast Australia wide delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed.