Fix it with Steph is a series where Habitat Orlando & Osceola staff member Steph takes us along on her journey to master home improvement projects big and small.
With a house full of people, especially over Spring Break, our appliances were running overtime. And none more so than our trusty dishwasher! Even though we rinse, avoid overcrowding, and run monthly cleaning cycles, the machine still wasn’t performing at its best.
Perfect timing, since this week’s Home Maintenance Tip is all about deep cleaning your dishwasher! Let’s break it down:
🧽 Step 1: Empty & access the filter
- Remove all dishes, utensils, and the bottom rack.
- Take out the spinning spray arm (a gentle pull does the trick).
- Check spray holes for clogs and clean them using a toothpick or brush.
🪥 Step 2: Clean the filter
The filter has two parts:
• The flat “screen filter” on top
• The fine mesh basket underneath
💡 Tip: You might be surprised what you find! I pulled out a piece of a plastic Publix bag from mine. No wonder things were off.
*Scrub gently with a toothbrush. For stubborn grime, soak the parts in warm water and vinegar before scrubbing.
💧 Step 3: Reassemble & clean the interior
Once the filters and spray arms are sparkling:
1. Put everything back in place.
2. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner of your choice.
🧼 Step 4: Wipe down the walls & seals
When the cleaning cycle finishes, grab a rag and wipe the:
• Interior walls
• Door seals
⚠️ Warning: Your rag will not look the same when you’re done — but your dishwasher will shine!
💡 The bottom line
After this deep clean, I Googled the recommended filter cleaning frequency:
🗓️ Every week to every 3–6 months!
For our household, once a month seems like a perfect balance. A clean dishwasher doesn’t just wash better — it can extend your appliance’s life, too. Here’s to cleaner dishes and one less thing on your to-do list!
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