How to clean a dishwasher: a step-by-step guide

Cleaning your dishwasher doesn't have to be a lot of work if you keep up with it regularly. Check the filter after each wash cycle and clean it if necessary, wipe down the door seals and door once a week with a damp cloth and a little dish soap, or whenever you notice they're dirty. For a deeper clean, use a dishwasher cleaner every 6 weeks to 3 months.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to clean your dishwasher quickly and easily, step by step.

Jump to:

• Why should you clean your dishwasher regularly?

• How often should you clean your dishwasher?

• What can you use to clean a dishwasher?

• How to clean your dishwasher, part by part

• Cleaning a Bosch dishwasher

• Quick dishwasher cleaning tips

Why should you clean your dishwasher regularly?

Is your dishwasher no longer cleaning properly? Does it smell bad? These can both be signs that your dishwasher needs some maintenance.

Food particles, grease, and limescale can build up over time. If they're left there, your dishwasher may not work as effectively. Plates, glasses, and silverware may come out of the dishwasher still dirty. Buildup can also contribute to malfunctions.

On top of that, accumulated dirt and moisture can create an environment where mold and bacteria can grow. Not exactly what you want from an appliance that's supposed to clean your dishes.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

How often you need to clean your dishwasher depends on how frequently you use it and how you use it. With normal use, such as running it a few times a week and removing food scraps before loading it, you can use the following schedule as a guideline:

There are several cleaning products you can use, depending on which part of the dishwasher you're cleaning.

We recommend using a dishwasher cleaner whenever possible. These products are specifically designed for dishwashers and are safe to use on the different components when used as directed. There are also specific products designed to remove limescale and grease. Well-known dishwasher cleaner brands include HG, Finish, and Bosch.

What is a good alternative to dishwasher cleaner? For a simple clean, you can use warm water with a little dish soap or baking soda.

Is vinegar good for cleaning a dishwasher? You can use vinegar to clean a dishwasher or washing machine. However, vinegar is acidic and can damage rubber door seals over time. If the seals become damaged, the door may no longer close properly. So, if you use vinegar, use it sparingly and avoid using it too frequently.

Can you clean a dishwasher with baking soda? Yes. Baking soda can be useful if your dishwasher has an unpleasant odor, as it helps neutralize smells and remove light dirt. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a hot cycle with the dishwasher empty and without a detergent tablet.

How to clean a dishwasher? (part by part)

Cleaning the dishwasher filter

The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, usually underneath or near the bottom spray arm. It catches food particles and other debris. If the filter becomes clogged, water cannot circulate and drain properly, which can affect how clean your dishes get. Learn more about how to clean your dishwasher filter in our other guide.

Cleaning the dishwasher spray arms

Most dishwashers have two spray arms: one near the bottom of the dishwasher and one underneath the upper rack. They rotate during the wash cycle and spray water over your dishes. It's important that the spray arms can rotate freely and that the small spray holes are clear. This allows water to be distributed evenly, helps your dishwasher detergent dissolve properly, and ensures your dishes come out sparkling clean. If you find debris in the spray holes, remove it with tweezers or a toothpick.

Follow these steps

Remove the upper spray arm. Loosen the screw and remove the spray arm.

Remove the lower spray arm.

Clean the spray holes. Use a toothpick to gently remove any debris blocking the holes.

Rinse the spray arms. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and shake out any water trapped inside.

Reinstall the upper spray arm. Tighten the retaining clip or screw securely so the spray arm is properly attached.

Reinstall the lower spray arm. Press it down until it clicks securely into place.

Cleaning the dishwasher drain

Is there still water sitting in the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle? It's time to check the drain. Food particles and other debris are often the cause. The drain is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, usually underneath or near the filter. A quick inspection and cleaning can help clear the way for proper drainage. Learn more about how to clean your dishwasher drain in our other guide.

Cleaning the outside of the dishwasher

By the exterior, we mean all the visible surfaces on the outside of your dishwasher. If you have a freestanding dishwasher, you can usually access all sides. With a built-in or fully integrated dishwasher, some surfaces may not be accessible. Simply clean the areas you can reach.

Accessible on all dishwashers: door or front panel, control panel, edges.

Accessible on freestanding dishwashers: sides, top.

Clean the exterior surfaces with a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of dish soap. Then gently wipe them dry with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products and excessive amounts of water, especially around the control panel.

Cleaning the door seal and door edges

The door seals and edges don't come into direct contact with the wash water, so food particles, grease, and dirt can easily build up there. This buildup can cause unpleasant odors and may eventually prevent the door from closing properly. Clean the door seals and edges with a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of dish soap. Then wipe them dry with a separate clean cloth.

How to descale a dishwasher

You can't completely prevent limescale buildup, but you can reduce it by setting your dishwasher to the correct water-hardness level. You can find the appropriate setting in your dishwasher's owner's manual. Want to know how hard the water is in your area? Check your local water supplier's website. Depending on the water hardness and the recommendations on your dishwasher detergent packaging, you may also need to add dishwasher salt.

If you're dealing with significant limescale buildup, follow these steps:

1. Use a dishwasher-specific descaler or vinegar.

2. Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty.

3. Run the dishwasher at 70°C.

In areas with hard water, do this about once a month. Otherwise, every 2 - 3 months should be sufficient. Don't descale the dishwasher too frequently, as this can dry out the door seals.

Cleaning a Bosch dishwasher

How do you clean a Bosch dishwasher? For the most part, you can follow the cleaning steps described above. Bosch dishwashers also have some additional cleaning and maintenance features that can make the process easier - check the video:

You can use cleaning vinegar or baking soda. To help remove unpleasant odors and grease, you can also place a few lemon slices in the silverware basket and run the dishwasher on its hottest setting while empty. However, Bosch dishwasher cleaning products and descalers are specifically designed for Bosch appliances and are the recommended option. If you're an All-in+ customer, you can get 15% off Bosch accessories and cleaning products.

Where is the filter in a Bosch dishwasher?

In Bosch dishwashers, the filter is located at the bottom center of the dishwasher, usually underneath the lower spray arm.

What is the cleaning program on a Bosch dishwasher?

The Machine Care program thoroughly cleans the inside of your dishwasher. Most Bosch dishwashers include this program.

Run the program with the dishwasher empty and follow these steps:

1. Make sure the inside of the dishwasher is clean. Remove food particles and clean the filter.

2. Add a Bosch cleaning product according to the instructions on the package.

3. Start the Machine Care program.

Does your Bosch dishwasher not have a maintenance reminder? Run the Machine Care program approximately every 2 months, and always check your owner's manual first.

Bosch dishwasher maintenance symbols

Rinse aid refill
Refill the rinse aid dispenser, and your dishwasher will take care of the rest.

Dishwasher salt refill
Refill the salt reservoir. The dishwasher automatically adds the appropriate amount of salt during each wash cycle. If you live in an area with hard water, your dishwasher will probably use more salt.

Low water supply
This symbol means the dishwasher isn't receiving enough water. Try the following:

• Check the water supply hose and connection.

• Consult your owner's manual if necessary.

• Check the water-supply troubleshooting instructions.

• If these steps don't solve the problem, reach out to us.

Machine care program
This symbol appears when your dishwasher needs maintenance. When used together with the appropriate Bosch cleaning product, the Machine Care program thoroughly cleans the dishwasher and helps remove limescale, grease, and unpleasant odors.

Quick dishwasher cleaning tips

Run a quick cleaning cycle
Run the dishwasher empty on a hot cycle at 65°C or higher. This helps loosen grease, dirt, and limescale. You can also use a suitable dishwasher cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging.

Use dishwasher salt and rinse aid
Dishwasher salt helps protect your dishwasher against limescale, while rinse aid helps give your dishes a streak-free finish. Both can be useful. If you use all-in-one dishwasher tablets, you may not need additional salt or rinse aid. Check your dishwasher's owner's manual and the instructions on your detergent packaging for specific recommendations.

More detergent isn't better
Don't use more dishwasher detergent than necessary. Using too much detergent can leave residue and buildup inside your dishwasher. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

Remove food scraps
Scrape large food particles off your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. This helps keep the filter and drain free from debris.

Don't overload the dishwasher
Avoid overloading the dishwasher. Make sure plates, bowls, and silverware aren't packed too tightly together. This helps prevent the spray arms from being blocked and allows water to reach all your dishes properly.

Leave the door slightly open
After a wash cycle, leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar. This allows moisture to escape, helps the dishwasher dry faster, and keeps it smelling fresh.

Is your dishwasher clogged?
Are your dishes still coming out dirty? Your dishwasher may be clogged. Find out how to identify and fix a clogged dishwasher with our troubleshooting tips.