A dishwasher is supposed to clean your dishes—but when was the last time you cleaned the dishwasher itself?
Over time, grease, food particles, soap scum, and limescale build up inside your machine. This can lead to bad smells, cloudy glassware, and even poor cleaning performance.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your dishwasher step-by-step, plus the best products to keep it running like new.
🔍 Why cleaning your dishwasher matters
Regular dishwasher cleaning helps:
- Eliminate bad odours
- Improve cleaning performance
- Prevent blockages and costly repairs
- Extend the life of your appliance
If your dishwasher smells or your dishes aren’t coming out spotless, this is usually the reason.
🧽 Step-by-step: How to clean your dishwasher
1. Clean the dishwasher filter (don’t skip this)
The filter is where food particles collect—and it’s the #1 cause of bad smells.
What to do:
- Remove the bottom rack
- Twist and lift out the filter
- Rinse under hot water
- Scrub gently with a soft brush and dish soap
- Reinstall securely
💡 Tip: Clean your filter at least once a month.
2. Wipe down seals and door edges
Grime and mould love hiding in rubber seals.
- Use a cloth with warm soapy water or white vinegar
- Pay attention to corners and crevices
- Don’t forget the bottom edge of the door
3. Run a vinegar cleaning cycle
White vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that breaks down grease and limescale.
Steps:
- Place a cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack
- Run a hot cycle with an empty dishwasher
✔ Removes odours
✔ Dissolves grease
✔ Breaks down mineral buildup
4. Freshen with baking soda
For an extra fresh finish:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the base
- Run a short hot cycle
✔ Neutralises odours
✔ Leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh
🧴 Best products for cleaning your dishwasher
While natural methods work well, using specialised cleaning products can deliver deeper results—especially for heavy buildup.
Consider:
- Dishwasher descalers (for limescale removal)
- Degreasing cleaners
- High-quality dishwasher tablets to prevent residue
👉 At Hygax, we stock professional-grade cleaning solutions designed to keep your appliances performing at their best.
⚡ Pro tips for a spotless dishwasher
- Clean spray arms by unclogging holes with a toothpick
- Avoid overloading your dishwasher
- Use high-quality detergent to reduce buildup
- Leave the door slightly open after cycles to prevent mould
🚫 Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle (they cancel each other out)
- Using bleach in stainless steel dishwashers
- Ignoring the filter (this causes most problems)
🗓️ How often should you clean your dishwasher?
- Light use: once every 1–2 months
- Daily use: once a month
- Heavy use / large households: every 2–3 weeks
✅ Final thoughts
Cleaning your dishwasher is quick, easy, and makes a huge difference to your kitchen hygiene.
By following this simple routine, you’ll keep your machine running efficiently—and your dishes coming out spotless every time.