How do you clean out your dishwasher?

Question

My dishwasher has been making my dishes stinky. I think it is time to clean it out, but I am not sure what to use. Any tips that you have tried and liked would be appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Run a cup of bleach through...

Answer 2

Has the dishwasher been sitting for over a week? There is always some water left in the bottom of the dishwasher. If it hasn’t been used recently, it may be fermenting with old food particles. Check around the tub bottom for any food residues and remove any food found. Look near the pump inlet for any type of debris, and clean out whatever is found. Examine the sprayer arms for any food debris clogging the holes. Use a small object such as a toothpick or paper clip to clear the holes, making sure not to damage the arms or the holes. Always scrape the dishes into the trash before washing them. Run a complete cycle without dishes to clean the unit.

If there is water building up in the bottom of the dishwasher between uses, the drain hose has been improperly installed. Proper installation requires either the use of an air gap or a high drain loop to prevent any back flow into the dishwasher.

Answer 3

Run a cup or two of vinegar each time you use it.  It will clean your dishwasher and your dishes very well.

Answer 4

I've heard people use vinegar and it works.I've never had to try it though.

Answer 5

Put a cup of vinegar in it and run it empty on the hottest cycle you have. That should clean it out. Then, when the cycle is over, take a rag and wipe out the filter in bottom, around the seal, etc... you'll see where to wipe. If you want to use vinegar when you wash dishes, you only need 1/8 cup. Don't use 2 cups, that's too much! Good luck!