Does your dishwasher sometimes smell… less than fresh? You load it with dishes, run a cycle, and expect sparkling clean results, but sometimes a lingering odor or white film tells a different story. It’s frustrating when the very machine meant to clean is the one causing the trouble!
Choosing the right dishwasher cleaner can feel like a chore itself. Should you use a tablet, a liquid, or a powder? Are all the fancy labels really different? Many people just grab the first bottle they see, hoping for the best. This often leads to wasted money or, worse, a dishwasher that still isn’t performing its best. We all want sparkling dishes and a clean-smelling appliance without the guesswork.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a dishwasher cleaner effective, break down the different types available, and show you exactly how to pick the perfect one for your machine. Get ready to say goodbye to grime and hello to a truly refreshed dishwasher!
Top Dishwasher Cleaner Recommendations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.*
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Keeping Your Dishwasher Sparkling Clean
Your dishwasher works hard to clean your dishes. But over time, it needs a little cleaning itself! Food bits, grease, and hard water minerals build up inside. This makes your dishwasher less effective and can even cause bad smells. This guide helps you choose the best dishwasher cleaner.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features:
- Deep Cleaning Power: The cleaner must break down tough grease and scale. Look for labels that mention “heavy-duty” or “deep clean.”
- Odor Elimination: Good cleaners fight smelly buildup, not just hide the smell.
- Material Safety: The cleaner should be safe for all parts of your dishwasher, including stainless steel tubs and plastic components.
- Ease of Use: Simple instructions make cleaning easy. Most cleaners come in tablets, liquid pouches, or powder form.
Important Materials Inside Dishwasher Cleaners
Dishwasher cleaners use different ingredients to get the job done. Understanding these helps you choose:
- Acids (like Citric Acid): These are great for dissolving hard water stains (mineral deposits). They are often considered a safer, natural option.
- Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents that help lift and remove grease and food debris.
- Enzymes: These biological agents “eat” away at stubborn food particles and oils.
- Bleach Alternatives: Some cleaners use oxygen-based brighteners to whiten and sanitize the interior without harsh chlorine.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all cleaners work the same way. Quality depends on what you need to clean.
What Improves Quality:
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often work better with less product.
- Dual-Action Formulas: Cleaners that tackle both grease *and* mineral buildup offer better overall results.
- Trusted Brands: Well-known brands usually invest more in effective, tested formulas.
What Reduces Quality:
- Too Much Filler: Some cheaper products contain more powder or liquid that doesn’t actively clean.
- Improper Storage: If the cleaner gets wet before use (especially powders or tablets), its effectiveness drops significantly.
- Using the Wrong Type: If you have heavy lime scale, a cleaner without strong acid ingredients will not perform well.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner affects your experience.
When to Use a Dishwasher Cleaner:
- Monthly Maintenance: Running a cleaner once a month keeps odors away and maintains performance.
- After Heavy Use: If you frequently wash greasy pots or large family meals, clean monthly.
- If Dishes Come Out Cloudy: Cloudy glasses often mean mineral buildup is blocking the spray arms. A cleaner will solve this.
- If You Notice Smells: Smells mean gunk is hiding inside the filter or spray jets.
User Tip: Always run the cleaner cycle empty! Do not put dishes inside. This allows the powerful solution to focus entirely on the machine’s interior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dishwasher Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: Most people should run a dishwasher cleaner once every one to three months. If you use your dishwasher daily, aim for once a month.
Q: Can I use vinegar instead of a dedicated cleaner?
A: Yes, white vinegar works well for light mineral deposits and deodorizing. However, dedicated cleaners often contain stronger agents to cut through heavy grease that vinegar cannot fully dissolve.
Q: Are dishwasher cleaners safe for my septic system?
A: Most modern dishwasher cleaners are safe for septic systems. Check the product label to be sure, but generally, the ingredients break down safely.
Q: Can I clean the filter while using the cleaner tablet?
A: Yes, that is a great idea! Run the cleaner cycle, and before you start, remove the filter and manually scrub off any large debris you see.
Q: Why is my dishwasher still smelly after using the cleaner?
A: If the smell remains, you might have a blockage or mold deep in the drain hose or pump area. You may need to manually inspect and clean those parts, or use a stronger enzymatic cleaner.
Q: Do I need to remove the dishwasher rack before running the cleaner?
A: No. You run the cleaner cycle completely empty. Leave the racks inside so the cleaning solution can circulate around them properly.
Q: Can I use this cleaner on a plastic tub dishwasher?
A: Yes, most reputable cleaners are formulated to be safe for both stainless steel and plastic tubs. Always verify the packaging if you have an older plastic model.
Q: What is the difference between a cleaner and a rinse aid?
A: A rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes for faster drying. A dishwasher cleaner cleans the *inside* of the machine itself. They perform totally different jobs.
Q: Do the tablets dissolve completely during the cycle?
A: High-quality tablets are designed to dissolve fully. If you notice residue, ensure your water temperature is hot enough, as cold water slows down the dissolving process.
Q: Will this cleaner remove scratches inside my dishwasher?
A: No. Dishwasher cleaners remove buildup, grease, and scale. They cannot repair physical damage like scratches or dents on the interior surface.