Have you just opened your unit and been smashed in the face with a weird smell? Maybe you’re noticing your favourite once-crisp wine glasses are now a bit cloudy, or you’re seeing bits of food still stuck where they definitely shouldn’t be. It sounds like it’s time to learn how to clean a dishwasher properly.
The good news? It’s not complicated. You don’t need special tools, and you definitely don’t need to pull the whole thing apart. A simple routine clean every now and then keeps everything running smoothly, smelling sweet, and – the really important part – actually washing your dishes brilliantly.
Here at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, we’ve put together a super-straightforward, no-fuss way to get it done:
Step 1: Start with a quick empty & check
Before you do anything else, empty the dishwasher completely and take a proper look inside.
You’re checking for:
- Food scraps sitting at the bottom
- Bits of paper labels or debris stuck in corners
- Anything blocking the spray arms.
It may sound a bit basic, but it’s this step that really sets everything else up. Because most issues with cleaning a dishwasher properly come down to stuff being left behind that shouldn’t be there in the first place.
Step 2: Remove & clean the filter
If there’s one step people skip, it’s this – and it’s usually the reason things start to stink.
Learning how to clean a dishwasher filter is key because that’s where grease, food, and grime build up over time.
- Twist and remove the filter (usually at the base)
- Rinse it under warm water
- Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to remove buildup
- Avoid anything too harsh that could damage it.
If it’s been a while, don’t be surprised if this is where the smell has been hiding!
Step 3: Wipe down the interior
Now that the filter’s sorted, grab a cloth and give the inside a quick wipe.
Focus on:
- Door edges and seals
- Around the hinges
- The bottom lip of the machine.
These are the spots that don’t always get cleaned during a normal cycle. A quick wipe helps remove grease and prevents buildup from turning into that ‘off’ smell.
Step 4: Run a hot cycle with vinegar
This is the simple, go-to method most people use when figuring out how to clean a dishwasher with vinegar – a simple item that’s already in your pantry that can work a treat.
- Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl
- Put it on the top rack
- Run a hot cycle (empty machine).
What the vinegar does is help break down grease, the mineral deposits and the lingering odours. It’s an easy reset for the inside of the machine.
Step 5: Tackle any lingering smells
If your dishwasher still isn’t smelling great, you’re likely dealing with trapped grime somewhere.
When working out how to clean a smelly dishwasher, go a bit deeper:
- Check the drain area again
- Wipe seals more thoroughly
- Run a second cycle if needed.
Sometimes it just needs one extra pass to fully clear things out.
Step 6: Use a proper dishwasher cleaner (Optional)
For a more thorough refresh, you can use a dedicated dishwasher cleaner. We’re talking about the little bottles or tablets you grab from the supermarket, which are designed to run through an empty cycle and clean the internal parts you can’t reach.
They’re designed to:
- Break down grease and limescale
- Clean internal parts you can’t easily reach
- Improve overall performance.
Honestly, it’s not something you need every week, but it’s useful every few months – especially if your machine sees a lot of use.
Step 7: Give the spray arms a quick check
If your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they should, the spray arms might be partially blocked.
- Remove them if your model allows
- Rinse under water
- Use a toothpick to clear any blocked holes.
A lot of people skip this step or think it’s not overly important – but it really does make a noticeable difference.
Step 8: Keep it clean going forward
Once you’ve done a proper clean, remind yourself – maintenance is easy!
To avoid needing to constantly look up how to deep clean a dishwasher, just:
- Scrape plates before loading
- Run hot cycles regularly
- Clean the filter every few weeks
- Leave the door slightly open after use to prevent smells.
Don’t forget, a little upkeep goes a long way!
So, how often should you clean it?
For most households:
- Every 2-4 weeks, do a light clean (filter + wipe)
- Every 1-2 months, do a fuller deep clean cycle.
And if you’re using it daily, you might need to do it more often than that. But if the dishwasher is something you only use now and then, you can stretch out those timeframes.
Either way, knowing how to clean dishwasher units properly means you’ll avoid bigger issues down the track.
When it might be more than just cleaning
Sometimes, even after a full clean, things still aren’t right.
Are you still noticing:
- Ongoing bad smells?
- Water not draining properly?
- Dishes coming out dirty no matter what?
- Strange noises or inconsistent cycles?
- Leaks or water pooling around the dishwasher?
At that point, it could be a drainage issue, a blockage further down the line, or a component that needs attention. That’s where a professional plumber can help – especially if it’s connected to a bigger drainage problem rather than just the appliance itself.
Need a hand with a dishwasher or drain issue?
If your dishwasher still isn’t performing the way it should after a proper clean, it might be time to get it checked.
S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting helps homeowners all across Brisbane with blocked drains, appliance-related plumbing issues, and general maintenance. If something’s not draining properly or keeps coming back, we can sort it quickly and properly.
Give the friendly team a call or book online for fast, reliable help – and get your kitchen running the way it should again.