The Ultimate Guide to a Clean Dishwasher

The dishwasher is one of our favorite kitchen tools, making after-dinner cleanup a breeze. Many newer dishwasher models even offer advanced cleaning features like dedicated silverware jets or a sanitize cycle, which uses high-temp water to reduce 99% of bacteria commonly found on dishes. With daily cleaning and sanitizing of dishes, you may think your dishwasher interior is always clean, but soap and water residue builds up over time and should be removed.

For your dishes to be cleaned optimally, it’s important to periodically run deep cleaning cycles to refresh the dishwasher interior. We’ve come up with three simple ways to do this:

1. Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner breaks up mineral deposits and removes hard water film and stains. You can purchase at your
2. local grocery store or order online
3. Citric acid can also be used to clean your dishwasher's interior.
4. You can also make your own vinegar rinse. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the dishwasher just after the detergent cup opens during the washing cycle, and let the dishwasher complete its run. This may be repeated several times a year if needed.

In addition to deep cleaning, you should check the Ultra Fine Filter beneath the spray arm for food residue. Simply turn it counterclockwise, lift, and remove to clean. You can simply wash it in your sink with soap and water. Once it’s cleaned, slide it back into place and turn it clockwise to lock.

There’s no one correct way to load a dishwasher, but there are many incorrect ways to load one. Improper loading can cause dishes and glasses to get only halfway cleaned or not cleaned at all. It can also waste energy, water and time as you may have to rewash some items. To ensure sparkling dishes and crystal-clear juice and wine glasses, follow these steps.

Top Rack

Make sure each dish can be evenly sprayed by the wash arm. When stacking bowls, make sure they don’t overlap.

Common Top Rack Items:

• Glasses, cups, and saucers
• Dishwasher-safe plastics
• Odd-shaped utensils
• Saucepans, mixing bowls, and similar items (Place them face-down.)
• Wineglasses (Load these only if they can fit without hitting the roof of the dishwasher.)

Lower Rack

When loading the lower rack, think about the location of the detergent dispenser, spray arms, and water jets. You want the water and detergent to circulate properly during the wash cycle, so it’s important that the spray arms can circulate fully, and the dispenser isn’t blocked. Today’s dishwashers no longer require that the dirty sides of your dishes and dinnerware face to center—the Café water jet systems work great when all the dishes face in the same direction.

Common Lower Rack Items:

• Plates
• Saucers and cookware
• Large items (Place these along the sides.
• Large platters, pots and bowls (Place them on the sides, in the corners, or in the back.)
• Silverware Basket
• Always use the silverware basket organizer as it properly spaces the utensils and allows the special utensil jets to completely clean each piece.

Silverware Basket

• Always use the silverware basket organizer as it properly spaces the utensils and allows the special utensil jets to completely clean each piece.

You will find two filters in the bottom of your dishwasher beneath the spray arm: the ultra-fine filter and the fine filter. Both should be cleaned every couple of months or more frequently if you notice that dishes feel gritty or there is a decrease in wash performance.

Ultra-Fine Filter

To clean the ultra-fine filter, you’ll first need to remove the bottom rack. Next, twist the ultra-fine filter assembly counterclockwise and remove it for cleaning. You should rinse the filter with warm soapy water and use a soft sponge to remove any stubborn particles. Some Café dishwasher models come with a 2-piece ultra-fine filter assembly with an additional filter basket that collects food particles. To remove, twist the filter basket counterclockwise to unlock it from the ultra-fine filter assembly. (You’ll see directional arrows on the bottom of the filter basket to help guide you.) To remove it from the assembly, gently pull it out and then throw away any food particles. Rinse it with warm water and mild soap; use a soft sponge to dislodge any stubborn food pieces.

Fine Filter

After removing the bottom rack, you’ll see the fine filter is just a mesh plate in the bottom that collects fine residue washed from your dishes. To clean it, first, remove the ultra-fine filter. Then, lift the fine filter up and out from under the two rear retaining tabs. You may rinse the filter with warm water and use a mild soap cleaner. You can use a soft brush or sponge to remove stubborn food or calcium deposits caused by hard water but don’t use scouring pads or brushes as they can scratch the filter surface. After you’ve cleaned the filter(s), replace the fine filter by making sure it goes under the two rear retaining tabs. Then, replace the ultra-fine filter by turning it clockwise into the assembly.

We recommend different cleaning methods for the exterior of your dishwasher depending on its finish.

• Painted Door Panel (Matte Black or Matte White)—Use a soft, dampened cloth to wipe off any residue, then dry thoroughly.
• Stainless Steel Door Panel—We recommend cleaners with oxalic acid such as Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser™ to remove rust, tarnish, and small blemishes. Remember to use only a liquid cleanser free of grit and rub in the direction of the brush lines in the stainless-steel finish with a damp soft sponge to remove any residue or rust. Don’t use appliance wax or any type of polish on the stainless-steel door finish.
• Glass Door Panel—Use regular window cleaner for to remove residue, then let it dry thoroughly. For other blemishes and marks, use Stainless Steel Magic or a similar product with a soft cloth. Do not use products with appliance wax, polish, bleach, or any products containing chlorine.