Used on a daily basis, our dishwashers are subjected to a near constant barrage of food, soap, and grease. Over time all this grime takes its toll in the form of mildew, hard water stains, soap scum buildup, and those mysterious bits of goo wedged in crannies and floating on the bottom. Yuck! When that happens, it’s time to give this workhorse of a machine its own thorough cleaning. Here’s how.
Photography by Justine Hand for Remodelista.

Supplies

White vinegar
Baking soda or borax
Small cleaning brush, such as a toothbrush
Toothpick or wooden skewer
Cloth rags
Bowls large enough to soak dishwasher parts
Screwdriver (only needed if you have parts with screws)

Instructions for Cleaning a Dishwasher

Step 1: Remove the trays and utensil holder so that you can access the inner workings of the dishwasher. If necessary, use a screwdriver to take out parts that need cleaning.
Step 2: Clean all removable parts by soaking them and scrubbing as needed.

Above: Immerse removable pieces in a bath of soapy hot water.

Above: While other parts are soaking, give any areas that have extra mildew or hard water stains a vigorous scrub using baking soda and a toothbrush. For extra whitening power, you can mix in some hydrogen peroxide, which combines with baking soda without any harmful effects.

Step 3: Clean the interior.
Sprinkle more baking soda (or borax, see below) over the soap dispenser and other nonremovable parts. Scrub these areas with your toothbrush and fo...