How to Clean a Dishwasher and Keep It Running Better

If your dishwasher is not cleaning as well as it used to, smells bad, or leaves residue behind, the problem may not be your detergent. It may be the dishwasher itself.

This is the step-by-step guide for cleaning your dishwasher when you want to improve performance and reduce buildup.

If you want the high-level explanation for why dishwasher cleaning matters, read Why You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher.

If you want a product made for the job, Renuv Dishwasher Cleaner helps remove odor, buildup, grease, and hard water residue inside the machine.

When to use this guide

Use this article when your dishwasher needs a real cleanup and you want step-by-step instructions.

If you want to understand why dishwasher cleaning matters first, start with the why article.

Why dishwasher maintenance matters

1. Better cleaning results

When residue and grime build up inside the dishwasher, cleaning performance can drop. That can leave dishes looking dull or less clean than they should.

2. Less odor

Trapped food particles and greasy buildup can create a bad smell inside the machine. Cleaning the dishwasher helps keep it fresher.

3. Better long-term performance

Mineral deposits and grime can affect how efficiently the machine runs over time. A cleaner dishwasher is easier to keep working well.

What builds up in a dishwasher?

• food particles
• grease
• soap residue
• hard water minerals
• limescale
• odor-causing grime

Signs your dishwasher needs cleaning

• the machine smells off
• dishes do not seem fully clean
• you see cloudy residue
• there is visible grime inside the appliance
• it has been a while since the last deep clean

What you need

• Renuv Dishwasher Cleaner
• soft cloth

You can also browse the full Dishwasher Cleaners collection.

Step 1: Empty the dishwasher

Make sure the dishwasher is empty before you start cleaning.

Step 2: Clean the filter and visible areas

Remove and rinse the filter. Wipe down visible residue around the door and seals.

Step 3: Add the dishwasher cleaner

Place Renuv Dishwasher Cleaner in the dishwasher according to product directions.

Step 4: Run the cleaning cycle

Run the dishwasher on a cleaning cycle or the hottest setting available without dishes inside.

Step 5: Wipe and maintain

Wipe the interior after the cycle finishes. Maintain regular cleaning to prevent buildup from returning.

How often should you clean a dishwasher?

• light maintenance: weekly
• wipe-downs and visible cleanup: every 1 to 2 weeks
• full cleaning cycle: about once a month

If you use the dishwasher heavily or have hard water, cleaning it more often may help.

Final takeaway

If you want your dishwasher to keep running better, cleaner, and fresher, regular maintenance is part of the job.

Use this guide when the machine needs a real cleanup. For the why behind dishwasher cleaning, read Why You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher.