How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar [Updated for 2026]

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If you’ve noticed your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they used to, or if a strange odor is coming from your dishwasher, it might be time to clean it. Over time, food particles, grease and mineral deposits can build up, clogging the filter and spray arms and leading to poor performance and unpleasant smells.

Fortunately, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get your dishwasher sparkling again. A simple and effective deep clean can be done with two common household items — distilled white vinegar and baking soda. This natural cleaning method will help disinfect the machine, break down buildup and leave it smelling fresh.

Benefits of Cleaning With Vinegar vs. Commercial Cleaners

Many commercial dishwasher cleaners are effective. However, using distilled white vinegar offers several advantages.

The benefits include: 

• Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly: Vinegar is a natural, biodegradable product, making it a safer choice for your home and the environment compared to cleaners with harsh chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: A bottle of vinegar is much cheaper than most specialized dishwasher-cleaning products. 
• Multipurpose: Vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can be used for many household tasks, reducing the need for multiple products.
• Mold-removing: Warm, moist spaces can easily become a breeding ground for mold, and a regular vinegar solution wash can help eliminate mold spores from your dishwasher.

Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Regularly

Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but it doesn’t clean itself. Food particles, soap scum and the mineral deposits from hard water accumulate in the filter, drain and on the interior walls.

This buildup can:

• Cause unpleasant odors.
• Prevent water from circulating effectively.
• Lead to poorly cleaned or spotty dishes.
• Damage the appliance over time.

A routine cleaning is essential for maintaining your appliance and ensuring it runs efficiently. Experts recommend cleaning the filter weekly and the whole machine once a month, depending on how often you use it and whether you wipe your plates before washing them. Adding a water purifying filter to the inlet can also help reduce limescale buildup from hard water in your taps. In the U.S., 1,635 cities have hard water, so you likely need a filter to keep excess minerals out of your appliances.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• A dishwasher-safe bowl or cup
• A microfiber cloth
• Paper towels and a small brush, like a toothbrush or a toothpick
• Rubber gloves

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Follow these steps once a month to deep-clean and eliminate bacteria in your frequently used dishwasher and other appliances, restoring their performance.

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher and Remove Racks

First, open your dishwasher and remove the bottom and top racks, as well as the utensil holder. Set them aside. This gives you clear access to the dishwasher’s interior for a thorough cleaning.

Step 2: Clean the Dishwasher Filter and Drain

The filter is where most food particles get trapped. If your dishwasher has a manual filter, usually located on the machine’s floor, twist it to unlock and remove it.

• Wash the filter: Clean the filter in your sink with warm, soapy water. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any stuck-on debris. 
• Check the drain: With the filter removed, inspect the drain area for any large food chunks or blockages. Carefully remove any you find. If it’s very blocked, you can use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to suction the drain clear.
• Replace the filter: Once clean, place the filter back into the dishwasher and lock it in place.

Step 3: Clear Debris From the Interior and Spray Arms

Wear rubber gloves when you inspect the interior of the dishwasher, especially around the bottom and in the corners. Look for any remaining large food particles and remove them with paper towels and a toothbrush or toothpick.

Use the toothpick to carefully poke through the holes in the rotating spray arms that dispense water. This ensures they aren’t clogged, allowing water to distribute freely for a better clean. Wipe down the inside of the walls and the door seal ridges with a damp microfiber cloth. You can also use a toothbrush and white vinegar to scrub the door seal to remove bacterial buildup.

Step 4: Run a Disinfecting Vinegar Cycle

Now it’s time for the vinegar, which contains acetic acid at between 5% and 8% and acts as a natural disinfectant. It helps break down mineral deposits and grease.

• In a dishwasher-safe bowl, measure one cup of distilled white vinegar. 
• Place the bowl upright on the bottom rack of the empty dishwasher. If you remove the racks, you can simply place the cup on the dishwasher floor, or you can pour the vinegar into the washer’s bottom pan.
• Set a full wash cycle, using the hottest setting. The vinegar will circulate throughout the dishwasher, sanitizing it and loosening grime.  

Step 5: Deodorize With a Baking Soda Rinse

After the vinegar cycle is complete, you may notice a lingering vinegar smell. Baking soda will neutralize the odor-causing particles and help remove any remaining stains. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda powder over the bottom of the dishwasher, and then run a short, hot wash cycle. The baking soda leaves your appliance smelling fresh and looking brighter. 

Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior

Finally, finish cleaning by wiping down the exterior of the appliance. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with a little vinegar or your favorite all-purpose cleaner to wipe the door, handle and control panel.

Maintaining Your Dishwasher

Keep your dishwasher in order and prevent future buildup. Use this deep-cleaning guide and perform regular maintenance to extend the life of your appliance and ensure sparkling-clean dishes every time.

Follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Clean the filter weekly or bi-weekly.
• Wipe down the door seals regularly, scrubbing the contours to prevent mold and mildew. 
• Run a vinegar wash cycle monthly to keep the machine fresh and sanitized.
• Scrape large food particles off plates before loading them to reduce debris entering the filter.

And if you’re a visual learner, here’s a video to help you out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Dishwasher

To help you get the best results, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

It is highly recommended to use distilled white vinegar because it is clear and won’t leave any stains. Other vinegars, like apple cider or red wine vinegar, contain color pigments that could potentially stain the interior of your dishwasher.

2. Will my dishes taste or smell like vinegar?

No. The vinegar is washed away during the cleaning cycle. The subsequent baking soda rinse also helps to neutralize any lingering odors, leaving your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean, not like a salad dressing.

3. Is it safe to combine vinegar and baking soda?

In this cleaning method, vinegar and baking soda are used in two separate cycles, not mixed together. While they are safe to use in sequence, mixing them directly in a container would cause them to foam and neutralize each other, reducing the cleaning effectiveness.

The Reward of a Clean Dishwasher

A clean dishwasher is the secret to truly clean dishes. By adopting this vinegar and baking soda method, you’re investing in your appliance’s longevity and performance. This process actively prevents the buildup that causes odors and reduces efficiency, going beyond mere surface appearances.

You’ll see the difference in your spotless dishware and appreciate the value of a well-cared-for machine. This small effort ensures your dishwasher serves your household reliably for years to come, saving you from potential frustration and costly repairs.

Note: This article was first published on November 30, 2021, and was revised on June 26, 2026 to reflect the most current information.