Easy How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda

By Amara Johnson · June 25, 2026

Direct Answer

To clean your dishwasher, place a bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot wash cycle. After it finishes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom tub and run a quick 30-minute rinse cycle. I've used this exact two-step method on my Bosch 300 Series for years to strip away greasy buildup and hard water scale without harsh chemicals.

Detailed Explanation

I'll be honest, this takes a bit of time and elbow grease, but it's totally worth it. When my Kenmore Elite started leaving cloudy residue on my wine glasses after hosting a dinner party, I knew the internal filters were clogged with mineral deposits. Commercial cleaners like Affresh cost around $8-12 per tablet. White vinegar and baking soda cost pennies per use. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down calcium carbonate at exactly 140°F. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and deodorizer to finish the job.

Tools You Need Before Starting

1 cup standard white vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup Arm & Hammer baking soda
A dishwasher-safe ceramic or glass bowl
An old soft-bristle toothbrush
Wooden toothpicks
Microfiber cleaning cloths

Step 1: Clean the Manual Filter First

Before you start the wash cycles, you must clean the manual filter. Most people skip this step. Don't. Pull out the bottom rack completely. Twist the cylindrical filter assembly counterclockwise to unlock it. I usually find a gross mix of popcorn kernels, label glue, and bone fragments stuck in the fine mesh. Scrub it in the sink with warm soapy water and your old toothbrush. If you have a KitchenAid model with a micro-filtration system, you'll notice a secondary flat screen beneath the cylinder. Wash that too. Let both pieces air dry on a towel while you move to the next step.

Step 2: The Vinegar Wash Cycle

Grab your dishwasher-safe bowl and pour exactly 1 cup of standard 5% acidity white vinegar into it before placing it upright on the top rack. Do not pour the vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser. It will just drain away during the initial pre-wash phase, rendering it useless. Run a normal cycle with the 'High Temp' or 'Sanitize' option selected. This pushes the internal water temperature to 150°F-160°F, which is the absolute sweet spot for dissolving baked-on grease and sanitizing the tub. Keep the dishwasher empty during this run.

Step 3: The Baking Soda Rinse

Once the first cycle ends, open the door to let the steam escape for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the stainless steel or plastic bottom of the tub. Run a quick wash or rinse-only cycle. This 30-minute cycle flushes out the loosened grime and neutralizes any lingering acidic odors. I recommend doing this monthly if you have hard water, or every three months if your home uses a whole-house water softener.

Step 4: Clear the Spray Arms and Seals

While the machine runs, check the upper and lower spray arms. Use a wooden toothpick to poke out any debris blocking the tiny water nozzles. Hard water clogs these fast, leading to poorly washed dishes on the top rack. Wipe down the rubber door gasket with a 50/50 vinegar-water mix on a microfiber cloth. Mold loves hiding in those dark, damp crevices, and wiping it down prevents black spots from transferring to your clean plates.

Vinegar vs. Commercial Cleaners

I've tested both methods extensively. Here is how my DIY method stacks up against the store-bought options.

Feature	Vinegar & Baking Soda	Affresh Tablets	Finish Machine Cleaner
Cost Per Use	$0.15 - $0.25	$2.50 - $3.00	$4.00 - $5.50
Scent	Neutral / Faint Vinegar	Strong Citrus	Artificial Lemon
Eco-Friendly	Yes	No	No
Heavy Scale Removal	Excellent	Good	Fair

Cleaning the Exterior and Control Panel

Don't forget the outside of the machine. If you have a standard stainless steel finish, spray a dedicated stainless steel cleaner like Weiman onto a cloth, not directly onto the door. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaking. For fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, a simple damp microfiber cloth with a drop of dish soap works perfectly. Dry it immediately to prevent water spots. Wipe the control panel gently with a damp cloth, avoiding excessive moisture near the digital buttons.

Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Issues

Why Your Dishwasher Smells Like Wet Dog

If your dishwasher smells like a wet dog, it's usually trapped food particles decomposing in the sump area. I've found that running a vinegar cycle helps temporarily, but you really need to physically remove the debris. Check the float switch located at the bottom of the tub. Lift it up and down to ensure it moves freely and isn't stuck on a stray piece of plastic.

Maintaining the Drain Hose

Sometimes the smell comes from your sink, not the dishwasher. Check the drain hose under your sink. It needs a 'high loop' secured to the underside of the countertop to prevent dirty sink water from backflowing into the appliance. If the hose is lying flat on the cabinet floor, fix it immediately. This simple $0 fix solves 90% of mysterious sewer smells in the kitchen.