Do you ever open your dishwasher, expecting sparkling clean dishes, only to find a murky film or lingering food bits? It’s frustrating when your appliance meant to clean ends up needing a clean itself! Many people buy dishwashers, but few know how to keep them working their best. Choosing the right cleaning method can feel overwhelming. Should you use vinegar? Special tablets? Natural cleaners?
We all want spotless dishes and a fresh-smelling kitchen. A dirty dishwasher wastes water and energy, and it definitely doesn’t make your plates look great. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you simple, effective ways to deep clean your appliance, tackling grease, limescale, and hidden grime.
By the end of this post, you will have easy-to-follow steps to restore your dishwasher’s shine and efficiency. Get ready to transform your machine from grimy to gleaming. Let’s dive into the best ways to clean your dishwasher and enjoy truly clean dishes!
Top Cleaning Dishwasher Recommendations
- Powers Away Limescale And Mineral Build-up
- Cleans Your Machine While Your Detergent Cleans Your Dishes
- Cleans Inside All Machine Models
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Each dishwasher cleaner and deodorizer tablet powers through grease, grime, and buildup—helping maintain spray arms, filters, and hidden components for better dishwasher performance. Designed for monthly deep cleaning.
- Drop in a dishwasher cleaning tablets or sanitizer tablet before special occasions, holiday meals, or seasonal resets to keep dishes spotless and your appliance fresh after every cycle.
- Perfect for homeowners, renters, and apartment dwellers, this 24-pack dishwasher cleaner is a full 1-year supply that works with all major brands and models.
- Use with stainless steel or plastic interiors. Works alongside your regular detergent during a normal hot cycle—an easy way to sanitize and descale in one step.
- No messy powders or gels—just drop one tablet of dishwasher cleaning tablets and run a cycle. A convenient alternative to dishwasher cleaner pods or liquid solutions that delivers consistent results.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dishwasher Cleaners
Keeping your dishwasher sparkling clean is vital for sparkling dishes. Over time, food bits, grease, and mineral buildup can make your machine less effective and even smelly. This guide helps you choose the best cleaner for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a dishwasher cleaner, several features make a big difference in performance.
Cleaning Power and Formula Type
- Enzymatic Cleaners: These use natural enzymes to break down tough food particles and grease. They are often very effective against heavy buildup.
- Acidic Cleaners (Citric/Lactic Acid): These work well to remove hard water stains and mineral deposits (limescale). They leave the interior shiny.
- Bleach-Free Options: Many people prefer cleaners without harsh chemicals. Ensure the product clearly states what type of powerful cleaning agents it uses.
Ease of Use
Look for cleaners designed for simple application. Some come in pre-measured pods or bottles you place directly inside the empty dishwasher. You simply run a normal cycle. Very complicated applications reduce the user experience.
Odor Elimination
The best cleaners not only remove grime but also neutralize bad smells. Check reviews to see if users report lasting freshness after use.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients determine how safely and effectively the cleaner works.
- Safe for Dishwasher Components: Ensure the cleaner will not damage rubber seals, plastic parts, or stainless steel interiors. Harsh chemicals can sometimes weaken these materials over time.
- Biodegradability: Environmentally conscious buyers should choose formulas that break down safely after washing down the drain.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a dishwasher cleaner is measured by its results and longevity.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Deep Penetration: High-quality cleaners reach hidden areas, like spray arms and drain filters, where gunk hides.
- Residue-Free Rinse: A top-tier product leaves no chemical residue behind after the cycle finishes.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Weak Formulas: If you see little difference after running the cleaner, the formula might be too weak for your water hardness or cleaning needs.
- Packaging Issues: Containers that leak or are difficult to open can frustrate the user before cleaning even begins.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner matters for the best results.
Regular Maintenance Use Case
For general upkeep (monthly cleaning), a simple pod or liquid placed on the top rack works perfectly. This prevents small problems from becoming big ones.
Deep Cleaning Use Case
If your dishwasher smells strongly or dishes are coming out spotty, you need a heavy-duty cleaner. Use these once every three to six months, following instructions for a very hot or intensive cycle.
Water Hardness Consideration
If you live in an area with very hard water, prioritize acidic cleaners. These specifically target the white, chalky buildup that hard water leaves behind. Soft water areas might benefit more from enzyme-based degreasers.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwasher Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your dishwasher once a month for routine maintenance. Deep cleaning should happen every three to six months.
Q: Can I just use vinegar instead of a special cleaner?
A: Yes, white distilled vinegar works well for light cleaning and mineral removal. However, commercial cleaners often contain stronger agents to tackle heavy grease and tough buildup that vinegar cannot completely dissolve.
Q: Do I need to put dishes inside when using the cleaner?
A: No. Dishwasher cleaners are designed to clean the machine itself. Always run the cleaner in an empty dishwasher.
Q: Where should I place the cleaner pod or liquid?
A: Follow the product directions carefully. Usually, pods go into the main detergent dispenser, and liquid or bottle cleaners are placed upright in the bottom rack.
Q: Will cleaner damage the rubber seals around the door?
A: Quality cleaners should not damage rubber seals. Avoid using harsh industrial chemicals not specifically labeled for appliance cleaning.
Q: What is the main difference between an enzyme cleaner and an acid cleaner?
A: Enzyme cleaners break down organic matter like food and grease. Acid cleaners dissolve inorganic buildup like limescale and hard water spots.
Q: My dishwasher still smells after using the cleaner. What now?
A: A remaining smell suggests that the filter or spray arms are clogged. You should manually clean the filter screen and check the spray arm holes.
Q: Is it safe to run the cleaner with hot water?
A: Yes. Most cleaners work best when run on the hottest or “intensive” cycle available to maximize the chemical reaction.
Q: Can I use a dishwasher cleaner in my garbage disposal?
A: No. Dishwasher cleaners are formulated specifically for the dishwasher tub and plumbing. They are not meant for the disposal unit.
Q: How long does a cleaning cycle usually take?
A: The cleaning cycle usually runs as long as a normal wash cycle, typically between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the heat setting you select.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!