How to deep clean your dishwasher (step by step)

A dishwasher that smells, leaves film on glasses, or doesn't drain well is almost always telling you the same thing: the filter and spray arms need cleaning. Here's a 20-minute reset you can do with two things you already have — white vinegar and baking soda.

What you'll need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A soft brush or old toothbrush
• A cloth

Step 1 — Clear the filter

Pull out the bottom rack and twist out the filter at the base (most lift or twist free). Rinse it under hot water and scrub the mesh with the brush to clear trapped food and grease. This one step fixes most odor and drainage complaints.

Step 2 — Clean the spray arms and edges

Lift or unscrew the spray arms and rinse them; poke any clogged spray holes clear with the brush. Wipe the door gasket and edges — the rubber seal traps grime and is a common smell source. Don't forget the detergent dispenser.

Step 3 — Run a vinegar cycle

Place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar upright on the empty top rack and run a hot cycle. The vinegar cuts grease and dissolves the hard-water film that dulls your glasses.

Step 4 — Deodorize with baking soda

Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom and run a short hot rinse. This neutralizes any lingering odor and brightens the interior.

Keep it from coming back

• Scrape plates before loading (rinsing isn't necessary, but big scraps clog filters)
• Rinse the filter every couple of weeks
• Run a vinegar cycle monthly
• Leave the door ajar after a cycle so it dries out

A clean dishwasher is one line item on a full reset — the rest is in the deep cleaning checklist. And if you'd rather hand the whole kitchen (inside appliances and all) to a crew, a deep clean is bookable online with an exact price in under two minutes.