How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher | Maytag (2024)

What is the Best Thing to Clean the Inside of a Dishwasher With?

You can get your dishwasher’s interior sparkling clean using a few different methods. Uniquely formulated dishwasher cleaners—like affresh^®Dishwasher Cleaner tablets—are designed to help remove limescale and mineral build-up that can be unsightly and could affect your dishwasher's performance. If you don’t have access to dishwasher tablets, you can use natural dishwasher cleaners like vinegarand/or baking soda to clean and deodorize the dishwasher interior. Vinegar is highly acidic and could cause damage if it’s used too often, so be sure to only use it for occasional deep cleans and always consult your dishwasher’s user manual before adding vinegar to the tub.

How Do You Deep Clean and Deodorize a Dishwasher?

You can rely on a handful of supplies to help clear away grime and deodorize your dishwasher. Follow the 6 steps below to prepare your dishwasher for cleaning and find out how to use vinegar, baking soda and cleaning tablets to tackle residue.

Can I Run the Dishwasher Empty to Clean It?

Running an empty dishwasher with or without detergent isn’t likely to clear away the detergent, mineral and food particle build-up that dishwasher cleaning agents are designed to handle.However, you can run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to help clear away build-up that water and regular detergent may miss.

Can You Put Vinegar and Baking Soda in the Dishwasher at the Same Time?

Run cycles with vinegar and baking soda separately. You can clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda in a few simple steps, which include running a cycle first with white vinegar, then running a separate hot water cycle with baking soda. Not all dishwasher interiors can be cleaned with vinegar, so be sure to consult your dishwasher’s user manual before cleaning with household ingredients.

Can I Use Bleach to Deep Clean My Dishwasher?

Cleaning a dishwasher with bleach can help remove mold, mildew and tough stains, but it’s not suitable for every dishwasher interior. Bleach can damage a dishwasher with a stainless steel tub or any stainless steel parts, so consult your user manual before using it for cleaning. If you opt for cleaning with bleach, make sure you don’t use it at the same time as vinegar or baking soda.

How Often Should I Deep Clean My Dishwasher?

Depending on how frequently you use it, you should deep clean your dishwasher about once a month using cleaning tablets or less often when using household cleaning ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. You can help keep your dishwasher clear of odors and build-up between deep cleans by removing any leftover food or debris from the bottom of the dishwasher after each load. Keep an eye out for smears and smudges on your dishwasher’s exterior so you can clean and polish it as-needed.

Shop Maytag^® Dishwashers

Maytag^® dishwashers are built for the long haul with a full stainless steel tub that resists stains and tolerates high heat. Industry-exclusive Dual Power Filtration lets you skip pre-rinsing, soaking and scrubbing by combining a 4-blade stainless steel chopper and 100% microfiltration to filter and dispose of food residue. Plus, fingerprint resistant stainless steel on the outside combats streaks and smudges, while touch controls provide a smooth surface for easy cleaning.