We all fear costly repairs. It is the reason you need to take care of your dishwasher. Dishwashers need a thorough cleaning on a daily and weekly basis. Though, we all have a theory that our dishwashers should be cleaning themselves, it may not be true. The dishwasher will leave some bits of food over time. It will also leave some traces of grease, undissolved detergents, and many other water minerals.
You will also not like the unpleasant odor and the gunk look that will results after long time use without cleaning. You need to do a dishwasher cleanup to complete its job correctly thoroughly. Here are five simple steps that will help you clean your dishwasher.
Remove bits of food daily
You need to remove bits or rather the leftovers of meals after every dish-washing cycle. Make it a habit to pull out the bottom rack so that you remove all the leftover foods. You can use a paper towel so that it gets rid of future odors and dirt buildup.

Keep checking the door grime every week
The interior surface of your dishwasher is critical.
Some residues and spots will always splash on the interior surface. Use a damp sponge or sponge to clean the interior surface of the door edges, the dishwasher controls, or even the handles.
Clean the filter every week
The screen is an integral part of the dishwasher. If the filter is dirty, then be sure that all other utensils that pass through it are dirty. Unlock and remove the screen at the bottom of the spray arm. You then rinse it under running water. You can use a brush to scrub the mesh so that you get rid of all the particles that stuck into the crevices. For those who are not sure o were the filter is, you should always check in the manufacturer’s manual.
Deep cleaning
Yes, please decide to get down and do deep cleaning! Exhaust all parts, don’t leave any part. You can use a dishwasher or even take a DIY route using grime fighting white vinegar mixture. The deep cleaning will get rid of all the dirt, mineral buildup, and all other detergent residues.
For the homemade options, you can use distilled white vinegar with a detergent. You can also use the cleaning tablets, though its advisable t always read the instructions since they have a different cycle.
You can also polish the stainless steel!
Once the cleaning that needs the detergents is complete, you can now think of cleaning the surface to remove the fingerprints. Use a stainless steel cleaner like a GH seal star. It will shine up your dishwasher door.
Summary
You need to do a thorough cleaning of a dishwasher. Follow these simple steps, and you will always be happy with your dishwasher. It is expensive to do repairs, that’s why it is better to do proper maintenance.
Affresh W10549851 Dishwasher Cleaner 6 Tablets Formulated to Clean Inside All Machine Models, Count
Product DescriptionPowers away limescale and mineral buildup
Recommended by Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana brands (affresh brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation)
Cleans what you can't see: your machine's tub, racks, pump and valve, drain and recirculation hoses
Cleans inside all dishwasher machine makes and models, Designed to clean inside your machine while your detergent cleans your dishes
Use monthly or as needed to maximize machine performance (heavily soiled machines may require extra cleaning cycles)
Product DetailsBrand: | Affresh |
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Model #: | W10549851 |
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Warranty: | 30-day returns / 90-day defective returns. |
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Size: | 6 Count (Pack of 1) |
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Color: | Other |
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Dimensions: | 2.5 X 3.5 X 5.7 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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Price: | $8.98 ($1.50 / Count) |
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Affresh W10549851 Dishwasher Cleaner 6 Tablets Formulated to Clean Inside All Machine Models, Count
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Limescale, Fights Odors & Maintains Performance, 3 Month Supply, 8.45oz, 1 Bottle
Product DescriptionDEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Liquid Dishwasher Cleaner targets hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and limescale in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
IMPROVES DISHWASHER PERFORMANCE: Your dishwasher cleans dishware better with Finish dish washer machine cleaner. *
FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER HEALTH: Use every 3 months to help keep your dishwasher clean and performing at its best.
5X MORE CLEANING PERFORMANCE: Finish dishwasher cleaners have 5X more cleaning performance than dishwasher cleaner tablets.
COMPATIBLE WITH MOST DISHWASHERS: Works with standard, older, and small dishwashers for flexible, reliable use.
Product DetailsBrand: | Finish |
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Model #: | RAC95315EA |
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Size: | 8.45 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
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Color: | Limited Edition |
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Dimensions: | 1.26 X 5.39 X 5 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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Price: | $4.88 ($0.58 / Fl Oz) |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Limescale, Fights Odors & Maintains Performance, 3 Month Supply, 8.45oz, 1 Bottle
Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets - 24 Pack Deep Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer Machine, Heavy Duty, Septic Safe, Natural Limescale Remover, Calcium, Odor, Smell - 12 Month Supply
Product DescriptionWide Compatibility - ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is suitable for Most Residential or Commercial Automatic Dishwashing Units. Compatible with GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana models, all styles including plastic & stainless steel. To ensure proper cleaning, we recommend to monitor your dishwasher during cycle. If you see any foam or water leaking from the machine, stop dishwasher and allow foam and water to drain before continuing
Deep Descaling Formula - Make your dish washing appliance shine. Removes hardwater, lime, scale, grime, grease, stain and more with a simple citric acid powder diswasher cleaning agent. Removes gunk spot and can help prevent clog and clear out foam in jet, tubes, and filter area.
Fresh Odor Eliminator - Dual action freshener booster tablet for smelly dishwashers. ACTIVE Dishwasher cleaner's Natural Lemon-citrus Scent leaves your dishwaser smelling and looking good.
Monthly Maintenance Solution - Keep your dishmachine cleaned with ACTIVE kitchen cleaning supplies. Use single or 2 treatment tabs per month. Place pod inside empty disheasher, run a self clean or regular dishwash to restore your machine. If extra cleaning is needed, always perform two separate cleaning cycles with a single tablet each, adding more cleaner can result in excess foam that effects function.
Bulk 24 Count Kit - Contains 24 ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets - You're set for a year or more. That's our Best Value Promise - Compare to product with less tablet or single-use liquids.
Product DetailsBrand: | ACTIVE |
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Model #: | Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler |
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Size: | 1 Count (Pack of 24) |
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Color: | Blue/Yellow |
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Dimensions: | 7.20078739423 X 6.42125983597 X 0.5905511805 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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Price: | $19.95 ($0.83 / Count) |
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Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets - 24 Pack Deep Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer Machine, Heavy Duty, Septic Safe, Natural Limescale Remover, Calcium, Odor, Smell - 12 Month Supply
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner, 3 count
Product DescriptionCascade Dishwasher Cleaner helps eliminate odors and remove limescale buildup and grease to reveal a fresher, cleaner machine
Simply toss it in your empty dishwasher and run a cycle—just like Cascade ActionPacs
Use once a month to help keep your machine sparkling
Recommended by Cascade Detergent
For best results, use with Cascade Dishwasher Detergent and Cascade Power Dry Rinse Aid
Product DetailsBrand: | Cascade |
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Model #: | 10037000592836 |
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Size: | 3 Count (Pack of 1) |
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Price: | $5.44 ($1.81 / Count) (Save 9%) |
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Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner, 3 count
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Citrus)
Product DescriptionSPARKLING CLEAN WITHOUT HARSH CHEMICALS: Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods cut through grease & stuck-on food stains to leave dishes sparking with zero residue, streaks, or other mineral build-up. Simple and effective, Molly’s Suds products are free from ethoxylates and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
CONVENIENT & EASY TO USE: A single auto-release pod works to clean 1 full load of dishes. Safe for use on glassware, porcelain, stainless steel, pots & pans, baby bottles and more! Simply rinse dishes with hot water prior to loading in your dishwasher (works with built-in, portable & drawer styles), add pod, select your preferred wash cycle and let Molly’s Suds do the hard work!
MOM APPROVED: Developed by a pediatric nurse & mom with simple ingredients that really work. Created for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies in mind. Cleaner dishes, cleaner environment!
POWERFUL YET GENTLE: Low sudsing formula contains active enzymes to dissolve food, grease & grime without the need for harsh chemicals or any rinse aids. Works well on all stain types including dried-on food, coffee & tea stains, even red wine spots! Effective with both hard and soft water.
WHAT’S INCLUDED: One 60 count bag of Dishwasher Detergent Pods. Free of harsh synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals such as ethoxylates.
Product DetailsBrand: | Molly's Suds |
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Size: | 60 Count |
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Dimensions: | 9 X 4.75 X 12.5 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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Price: | $19.99 ($0.33 / Count) |
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Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Citrus)
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, 4 count, Hygienically Cleans Hidden Grease, Use in Normal Cycle, 4 Month Supply
Product DescriptionCleans the hidden & vital parts of your dishwasher including spray arms and filter
Contains 100% more Grease Removal Actives
Removes hard water stains and lime scale build up
No extra wash cycle - Use during regular load of wash cycle
Powers away hidden grease and grime while freshening your machine
Product DetailsBrand: | Finish |
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Model #: | 5170099733 |
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Size: | 4 Count (Pack of 1) |
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Price: | $7.60 ($1.90 / Count) |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, 4 count, Hygienically Cleans Hidden Grease, Use in Normal Cycle, 4 Month Supply
True Fresh Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Tablets 18-Pack, 20g Each - Powerful Limescale & Odor Removal - Deep Clean for Sparkling Dishwashers - Safe, Effective, and Compatible with All Models
Product DescriptionUltimate Deep Cleaning, Deodorizing, and Descaling Power: True Fresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Deodorizer & Descaler Tablets are designed to tackle the toughest limescale, grease, and odor, leaving your dishwasher sparkling clean and fresh after every use. Experience a spotless, odor-free machine that performs like new!
Versatile and Compatible: Our cleaner, deodorizer, and descaler tablets are compatible with all dishwasher models, whether household or commercial, including top brands like Bosch, Frigidaire, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kenmore, LG, and Maytag. Enjoy universal compatibility for worry-free use.
Safe and Effective: Each tablet is formulated with powerful, yet safe ingredients that are septic-safe. Protect your family while maintaining peak dishwasher performance with our advanced cleaning, deodorizing, and descaling formula.
Long-Lasting Performance: With a pack of 18 tablets, each weighing 20g, you get a full 12-month supply of superior cleaning, deodorizing, and descaling power. Our slow-dissolving tablets ensure maximum efficiency throughout the cleaning cycle, providing consistent and reliable results every time.
Effortless Maintenance: Keeping your dishwasher in top shape is a breeze with True Fresh. Simply place one tablet in the detergent tray, run a normal cycle, and let our tablets do the rest. Say goodbye to residue, mineral buildup, hard water stains, and unpleasant odors effortlessly!
Product DetailsBrand: | True Fresh |
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Model #: | DCT-024 |
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Size: | 1 Count (Pack of 18) |
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Color: | White and blue |
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Dimensions: | 2.55905 X 4.92125 X 3.937 Inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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Price: | $17.97 ($1.00 / Count) |
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True Fresh Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Tablets 18-Pack, 20g Each - Powerful Limescale & Odor Removal - Deep Clean for Sparkling Dishwashers - Safe, Effective, and Compatible with All Models
The Clean People Dishwasher Pods - Cuts Grease & Rinses Sparkling Clean - Residue-Free - Phosphate Free Dishwashing Pods (60 Count, Lemon Verbena)
Product DescriptionThe Clean People Dishwasher Pods - Cuts Grease & Rinses Sparkling Clean - Residue-Free - Phosphate Free Dishwashing Pods
Product DetailsBrand: | THE CLEAN PEOPLE |
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Model #: | Dishwasher Pods |
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Size: | 60 Count |
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Price: | $19.99 ($0.33 / Count) |
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The Clean People Dishwasher Pods - Cuts Grease & Rinses Sparkling Clean - Residue-Free - Phosphate Free Dishwashing Pods (60 Count, Lemon Verbena)
Affresh W10282479 Dishwasher Cleaner, 1 Pack
Product DescriptionPowers away limescale and mineral buildup
No.1 Recommended by Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana brands (affresh brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation)
Cleans what you can't see: your machine's tub, racks, pump and valve, drain and recirculation hoses
Cleans inside all dishwasher machine makes and models
Use monthly or as needed to maximize machine performance (heavily soiled machines may require extra cleaning cycles)
Product DetailsBrand: | Affresh |
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Model #: | W10282479 |
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Size: | 6 Count (Pack of 1) |
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Color: | White |
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Dimensions: | 1.5 X 2.5 X 3.5 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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Price: | $8.99 ($1.50 / Count) |
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Affresh W10282479 Dishwasher Cleaner, 1 Pack
Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets - 24 Tablets (1-Year Supply) Lemon-Scented, Heavy Duty Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer, Deep Cleans & Maintains Your Dishwashing Machine for Optimal Performance
Product Description12-Month Supply for Continuous Cleaning: Get a full year of heavy-duty cleaning with 24 powerful tablets, perfect for keeping your dishwasher running smoothly month after month.
Lemon Fresh Scent: Experience a burst of freshness with every cycle! Bastion Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are infused with a delightful lemon scent, leaving your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.
Deep Cleaning Action for a Spotless Dishwasher: Effectively removes grease, grime, limescale, and buildup, ensuring your dishwasher operates at peak performance and stays sparkling clean.
Easy to use: Just place one tablet in the dishwasher's detergent compartment and run a normal wash cycle. No mess, no hassle – just an incredibly clean dishwasher ready for your next load.
Protects and Extends Dishwasher Lifespan: Regular use helps prevent clogs, buildup, and unpleasant odors, extending the lifespan of your dishwasher and ensuring it continues to function optimally. Ideal for all major dishwasher brands.
Product DetailsBrand: | Bastion |
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Model #: | RBDWC24 |
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Size: | 1 Count (Pack of 24) |
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Color: | Clear |
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Price: | $9.99 ($0.42 / Count) |
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Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets - 24 Tablets (1-Year Supply) Lemon-Scented, Heavy Duty Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer, Deep Cleans & Maintains Your Dishwashing Machine for Optimal Performance