The essentials in 30 seconds
Clean the inside every month, more often with hard water. Start with an empty dishwasher and clear the filter. Then either run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner tablet, or use the pantry method from Whirlpool: 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar in an upright dishwasher-safe container on the lower rack on a normal cycle with heated dry off and no detergent, then 1 cup of baking soda sprinkled on the bottom for a hot cycle. Never put vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle. If dishes still come out dirty, check the filter, the hot water, the loading, the detergent and the spray arms.
- After every load, remove food bits from the bottom.
- Vinegar is an acid: Whirlpool advises using it only for occasional deep cleans.
- Check your manual: some filters cannot be removed.
How often to clean a dishwasher
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After each load | Remove leftover food and debris from the bottom so it does not recirculate |
| Monthly | Deep clean with a dishwasher cleaner or the vinegar and baking soda method |
| With hard water | Deep clean more often to remove mineral buildup |
| As needed | Wipe the outside with a damp cloth; on stainless steel, wipe with the grain |
| After washing non-dishware items | Clean the dishwasher to avoid cross-contamination |
Step 1: clear the filter
Every method starts here. Clear food bits and debris from the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, such as glass, popcorn kernels and scraps of paper. If your filter comes out, remove it and soak it in warm, soapy water, then scrub stubborn bits gently with a soft-bristled brush. Some filters cannot be removed: your Use & Care guide gives the exact steps for your model.
How to clean a dishwasher with a cleaner tablet
-
01
Clear the filter
As above.
-
02
Place the tablet
Empty dishwasher: one tablet in the detergent dispenser; with heavy buildup, Whirlpool suggests a second tablet on the bottom of the tub. With dishes: one tablet on the bottom, under the lower rack, and your usual detergent in the dispenser.
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03
Run a normal cycle
This helps clear buildup from the dishwasher's components.
Follow the instructions on the cleaner you buy: products differ in how they are used.
How to clean a dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda
This is a DIY dishwasher cleaner method with two separate cycles, never both products at once.
-
01
Empty the dishwasher and clear the filter
Start with the machine empty.
-
02
Run a vinegar cycle
Pour 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup or another dishwasher-safe container and stand it upright on the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with heated dry turned off. Do not add detergent.
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03
Run a baking soda cycle
When the vinegar cycle ends, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the tub and run a hot water cycle.
Distilled white vinegar is better than apple cider vinegar, which has a coloring agent that could stain. Because vinegar is an acid, using it too often could damage the dishwasher: keep it for deep cleans.
Dishwasher not cleaning dishes: what to check
| Cause | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dirty or clogged filter | Remove, soak and gently scrub it, following your manual |
| Water not hot or not reaching the machine | Check the water supply is on; run the kitchen tap on hot for at least 30 seconds before starting |
| Dishes pre-rinsed too much | Scrape food off but skip heavy pre-rinsing: some sensors then run a shorter cycle |
| Poor loading | Soiled side down and facing the spray arms; space items out and keep the spray arms free to turn |
| Wrong detergent or amount | Use automatic dishwasher detergent only; too much leaves residue; add rinse aid against hard water spots |
| Wrong cycle | Match the cycle to how dirty the load is; use a heavy cycle for pots and baked-on food |
| Buildup inside the machine | Run the monthly clean above |
If the bottom rack stays dirty, check loading, a blocked spray arm and the filter. If it is the top rack, make sure the spray arms can turn freely. For silverware, do not overload the basket; load handles down, except knives, which go blade down. If nothing helps, call a technician. If water stays in the bottom after a cycle, see dishwasher not draining.
Dishwasher cleaner: frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Once a month, and more often if you have hard water. Remove food bits from the bottom after every load.
Can I clean a dishwasher with vinegar?
Yes, in an empty dishwasher: 2 cups of white vinegar in an upright container on the lower rack, normal cycle, heated dry off, no detergent. Keep it occasional, because vinegar is an acid.
Can I use vinegar and baking soda together?
Not in the same cycle. Run the vinegar cycle first, then a hot cycle with a cup of baking soda on the bottom.
Do dishwasher cleaning tablets work with dishes inside?
Some do: check the product. Whirlpool's instructions put the tablet on the bottom and normal detergent in the dispenser when dishes are inside.
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes?
Usually a dirty filter, water that is not hot, poor loading, the wrong detergent amount or blocked spray arms.
Should I rinse dishes before loading them?
Scrape off food, but heavy pre-rinsing can make soil sensors choose a shorter cycle.
Sources
Manufacturer and official guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Whirlpool · How to clean a dishwasher ↗Cleaning schedule (after each load, monthly, more often with hard water, outside as needed, after non-dishware items), clearing the filter, cleaner tablet with or without dishes, vinegar cycle with 2 cups (500 mL) and heated dry off, then 1 cup of baking soda on a hot cycle, never both together, vinegar is an acid, distilled white vinegar preferred. Read in the browser: the site blocks automated requests.
- Whirlpool · Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly? ↗Filter soak and soft brush, water supply and running hot water for 30 seconds, sensors and pre-rinsing, loading, automatic dishwasher detergent and rinse aid, cycle choice, rack and silverware checks, when to call a technician.
- New Jersey Department of Health · Mixing bleach with other cleaning products can be deadly ↗Toxic gases from bleach mixed with vinegar, ammonia and acid cleaners.
Dishwasher still not cleaning?
Note the model number, what is left on the dishes and which rack before you call a technician.