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Are you cleaning your dishwasher enough? Experts weigh in

The pros share easy steps to help you clean your dishwasher, drain and filter.
Over time grease, soap scum and food debris build up in dishwashers, which can create a breeding ground for germs and reduce the efficiency of the appliance.
Over time grease, soap scum and food debris build up in dishwashers, which can create a breeding ground for germs and reduce the efficiency of the appliance.Vivian Le / TODAY
/ Source: TODAY
By Karen B. Gibbs and Hannah Baker

That glorious machine in your kitchen that cleans dishes does in fact need to be cleaned itself.

Over time grease, soap scum and food debris build up in dishwashers. Not only does this provide a breeding ground for germs, it also reduces the efficiency of the appliance, so it's important to maintain a clean dishwasher. We spoke to Whirlpool Kitchen brand manager Bree Lemmen and house maintenance expert Bob Vila to get the lowdown on the best way to clean your machine.

What can you run through a dishwasher to clean it?

No surprise here — you can use vinegar and baking soda! "It's an easy way to put everyday household items to the test and achieve a deep clean," says Lemmen. "You can also use dishwasher cleaner, which is specially formulated to leave your dishwasher sparkling."

How to clean your dishwasher

Even if you have a relatively new dishwasher, Vila says it's a good idea to clean it monthly to help maximize efficiency. It just takes a few steps to get your dishwasher squeaky clean.

  1. Clear the drain: Remove the bottom dish rack. Inspect the dishwasher drain, removing any gunk or food caught there. This will improve drainage, increase cleaning efficiency and prevent damage in the long run.
  2. Clean the dishwasher with vinegar: Start with an empty dishwasher. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the upper rack of the machine. Run the dishwasher through a hot water cycle. This will wash away grease and grime and remove musty odors.
  3. Baking soda rinse: Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, hot water cycle. The dishwasher will be fresh-smelling and have a brightened, stain-free interior.

How do you clean a dishwasher filter?

When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher filter? If you've forgotten to clean this feature over time, you're not alone. But it's an easy and important step to keeping your dishwasher working at its prime performance, says Lemmen.

"We recommend cleaning it about every three to six months, depending on how often you run the dishwasher and if you scrape your plates before starting the wash."

Here's how to clean a dishwasher filter in three simple steps, according to Lemmen and the Whirlpool team.

  1. Locate your dishwasher filter and remove it from the machine. To find your filter, you can start by taking out the lower dish rack to reveal the bottom of your dishwasher. Once the dish rack has been removed, you’ll see the filter below the spray arm.
  2. Clean the filter. Cleaning the filter is a simple process that can be accomplished by running water over the filter to remove most soils. If you notice any calcium deposits or hard-to-remove food debris, you can use a soft brush and dish soap to get the filter clean. We recommend avoiding a wire brush or scouring pad to clean the filter as any rough materials can potentially cause damage.
  3. Return the dishwasher filter to the tub and make sure it’s securely locked back in place.

How to clean a dishwasher with a dishwasher cleaner tablet

Another easy way to achieve a fresh-smelling, clean dishwasher is to use a cleaning tablet. Lemmen shares a few tips to keep in mind while using them.

  • Begin by clearing the dishwasher’s filter to remove any food bits or debris. If you’re cleaning your dishwasher without any dishes, place one or two tablets of dishwasher cleaner in the detergent tray.
  • You can also clean your dishwasher with dishes still in it by placing normal detergent in the main detergent tray and one tablet of dishwasher cleaner in the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • Once the cleaner has been added, you can run the dishwasher on a normal wash cycle.

Frequently asked questions about cleaning dishwashers

An easy way to prevent a smelly dishwasher is by regularly cleaning the inside of the machine. "We recommend cleaning your dishwasher every 30 days to help prevent the buildup of detergent and to ensure your dishwasher’s running at its optimal performance," explains Lemmen.

Deep cleaning your dishwasher is easy to do by using vinegar and baking soda or a cleaner especially made for dishwashers once it's been emptied, advises Lemmen.

If you're opting for the vinegar and baking soda method, here's what she says you should do.

  1. Clear the filter found at the bottom of your dishwasher to make sure you remove any food or debris.
  2. Pour two cups of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup or other dishwasher-safe container and place upright in the lower rack.
  3. Once the vinegar is in place, run a normal cycle with the heat dry option turned off, making sure not to add detergent.
  4. After the cycle with vinegar is complete, sprinkle in one cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. Then you’re done!

How we chose the best products for cleaning dishwashers

TODAY.com spoke to experts about the best practices for cleaning your dishwasher. Based on the guidance they provided, we found affordable and fan-favorite products to help you get the job done.

Meet the experts

  • Bree Lemmen is the new product brand manager for Whirlpool Kitchen.
  • Bob Vila is a house maintenance expert that's hosted a variety of shows and has owned his own residential remodeling and design business.