Does your dishwasher sometimes leave your dishes looking… less than sparkling? You load it up, run a cycle, and *still* find stubborn spots or a faint, lingering odor. It’s frustrating when this helpful appliance seems to be letting you down!
We rely on our dishwashers daily, but many of us forget that the machine itself needs regular cleaning. A dirty dishwasher means dirty dishes, and that’s a problem nobody wants. Choosing the right cleaning method can feel overwhelming, though. Should you use vinegar, baking soda, or a special store-bought cleaner? Which technique truly tackles grease and hard water buildup?
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you simple, effective steps to deep-clean your dishwasher, making it run efficiently and leaving your dishes truly spotless every time. Get ready to transform your appliance from sluggish to shining!
Top Cleaning Dishwasher Recommendations
- DEEP 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.
- NO. 1 RECOMMENDED DISHWASHER CLEANER brand by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana and JennAir.* *affresh products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, foggy limescale and mineral deposits hiding deep inside the dishwasher’s pump, filter, tub, valve, drain, washer arms and recirculation hoses to help optimize appliance performance.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT DISHES. Unlike other brands, affresh dishwasher cleaner is safe to use while running a full load.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- Wide 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.
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets target hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and grime in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
- NO EXTRA WASH CYCLE: Finish Cleaner Tablets work during your normal dish cycle—just drop one in the bottom of dishwasher and clean your machine while washing your dishes.
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER: Use once a month to help maintain your dishwasher health and keep your dishwasher clean.
- 100% MORE DEGREASING POWER: Powerful formula offers 100% more degreasing power vs. detergent alone.*
- NO. 1 RECOMMENDED DISHWASHER CLEANER brand by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana and JennAir.* *affresh products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, foggy limescale and mineral deposits hiding deep inside the dishwasher’s pump, filter, tub, valve, drain, washer arms and recirculation hoses to help optimize appliance performance.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT DISHES. Unlike other brands, affresh dishwasher cleaner is safe to use while running a full load.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- 12-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.
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets target hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and grime in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean
- NO EXTRA WASH CYCLE: Finish Cleaner Tablets work during your normal dish cycle—just drop one in the bottom of dishwasher and clean your machine while washing your dishes.
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER: Use once a month to help maintain your dishwasher health and keep your dishwasher clean
- 100% MORE DEGREASING POWER: Powerful formula offers 100% more degreasing power vs. detergent alone.*
- Powerful Disinfectant: Deep clean, freshen, and help maintain your dishwasher with our powerful cleaner. The quick, easy-to-use dishwasher cleaner helps break up dirty residue and buildup for a fresh appliance every day.
- Clean and Freshen: This liquid cleaning solution works to remove odor-causing buildup and residue from your dishwasher and other hidden areas. This formula is dishwasher, plumbing, and septic-friendly.
- EPA Safer Choice Approved*: Dishwashing machines can have lingering smells from trapped odor-causing food particles and buildup. It powerfully removes limescale, rust, grease, and buildup caused by hard water, detergent, and food residues.
- Easy To Use: Place bottle upside down in silverware basket and run machine on the hottest cycle. Use monthly or as needed to keep your dishwasher clean, deodorized, and performing like new. Please refer to the package for detailed instructions.
- Performance Guarantee: Our cleaning products come with a satisfaction guarantee. We will meet or exceed your expectations with our specially-formulated cleaners, proudly made in the USA
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Keeping Your Dishwasher Sparkling Clean
Your dishwasher works hard to clean your dishes. But sometimes, the machine itself needs a good cleaning! A dirty dishwasher can leave your plates looking cloudy or smelling funny. This guide helps you choose the best products to keep your appliance running smoothly and smelling fresh.
Key Features to Look For in Dishwasher Cleaners
When you shop for a dishwasher cleaner, look for these important features:
- Cleaning Power: The cleaner must tackle grease, soap scum, and hard water buildup. Strong formulas work better.
- Odor Elimination: Good cleaners don’t just mask smells; they remove the source of the bad odors.
- Ease of Use: Simple instructions mean less fuss. Many cleaners come in pods or bottles that you just place inside the machine.
- Machine Safety: Ensure the product will not harm the rubber seals, plastic parts, or metal interior of your dishwasher.
Important Materials in Dishwasher Cleaners
What is inside the cleaner matters a lot. You want effective ingredients that are safe for your machine.
- Acids (Like Citric Acid): These are great for breaking down hard water stains (the white, chalky buildup). They naturally fight mineral deposits.
- Surfactants: These ingredients help lift and wash away grease and food particles during the cleaning cycle.
- Enzymes: Some advanced cleaners use enzymes. These tiny helpers eat away at tough, stuck-on grime and oils.
Avoid cleaners with harsh, unknown chemicals if you prefer a more natural approach. Always check the ingredient list.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your dishwasher cleaner affects how long your machine lasts and how clean your dishes get.
What Improves Quality:
- Regular Maintenance: Using a cleaner once a month keeps buildup from becoming serious. Consistency matters!
- Targeted Formulas: Cleaners specifically designed for stainless steel tubs or plastic interiors offer better protection.
- High Concentration: Stronger formulas need less product to get the job done right.
What Reduces Quality:
- Using Dish Soap Instead: Never run a cleaning cycle with regular dish soap. It creates too many suds, which can damage your machine.
- Ignoring the Filter: Even the best cleaner cannot replace manual cleaning. You must still take out and rinse the dishwasher filter regularly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the cleaner to use? Most products are designed for a simple experience. You usually place the cleaner in the empty dishwasher and run a normal or heavy-duty cycle.
Common Use Cases:
- Monthly Deep Clean: Run a cycle with the cleaner every four weeks to prevent odors from starting.
- After a Break: If you go on vacation and the dishwasher sits unused, run a quick cleaning cycle before washing dishes again. This refreshes the machine.
- Dealing with Cloudiness: If your glasses look hazy after washing, a strong acid-based cleaner will usually fix the problem by removing mineral deposits.
A good user experience means the product works without needing extra steps. Look for cleaners that leave behind a fresh, clean scent, not a chemical smell.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: Most experts suggest cleaning your dishwasher once a month. If you use it every day or have very hard water, you might clean it every two weeks.
Q: Can I use vinegar instead of a store-bought cleaner?
A: Yes, white vinegar works well for light cleaning and removing mild odors. Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. However, strong commercial cleaners tackle heavy grease better.
Q: Should I run the cleaner with dishes inside?
A: No. Always run the cleaning cycle when the dishwasher is completely empty. The cleaner needs direct access to the machine’s interior surfaces.
Q: Will these cleaners damage the stainless steel interior?
A: High-quality cleaners are safe for stainless steel. Always check the label to make sure the product is approved for your dishwasher’s material.
Q: What does soap scum look like?
A: Soap scum looks like a white, chalky film or a dull, cloudy coating on the inside of the machine or on your glassware.
Q: Why does my dishwasher still smell bad after running a cleaner?
A: If the smell remains, you likely have a clogged filter or gunk trapped in the drain area. You need to manually clean the filter first, then run the cleaner again.
Q: Are these cleaners safe for septic systems?
A: Most dishwasher cleaners are safe because they break down into harmless components during the drain cycle. Check the packaging if you have a septic tank.
Q: What is the difference between a cleaner and a rinse aid?
A: A cleaner cleans the machine itself. A rinse aid helps water sheet off your dishes, preventing spots and speeding up drying.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?
A: Generally, no. Bleach can damage stainless steel parts and rubber seals over time. Stick to dedicated dishwasher cleaners or vinegar.
Q: How long does a dishwasher cleaning cycle take?
A: A dedicated cleaning cycle usually takes as long as a normal wash cycle, often between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the heat setting you choose.