How to Clean a Dishwasher With Baking Soda

Cleaning a dishwasher is often overlooked, yet it can improve cleaning performance and extend the appliance’s life. Using common pantry ingredients like baking soda offers an affordable, eco-friendly approach. This guide covers practical steps, recommended tools, and common fixes to keep your unit fresh and odor-free.

Quick Answer

Refresh your dishwasher in minutes: run a hot cycle with baking soda, wipe seals and racks, then rinse with a short cycle. For deeper cleanup, use a dishwasher cleaning brush to reach crevices and a dedicated dishwasher deodorizer baking soda for ongoing freshness.

What You’ll Need

baking soda dishwasher cleaner powder or loose baking soda for deodorizing
dishwasher cleaning brush for scrubbing seams, racks, and the sump
dishwasher deodorizer baking soda to maintain fragrance between cleanings

	ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Household Cleaner and Laundry Booster, Versatile Natural Home Cleaner, Powder Laundry Additive, 55 oz Box (Pack of 2)
	Dishwasher Cleaner Brush Kit – 6PCS Deep Cleaning Tools with Pick, Scraper, Straw Brush, Gap & Angle Brush, Flexible Tubes Brush for Spotless Dishwasher
	Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3)

Before You Start

Limitations and prep are essential for safety and effectiveness. Ensure the dishwasher is completely cool before you begin. Remove all racks and debris from the bottom to prevent clogs during cleaning. Do not mix baking soda with bleach or ammonia; this can create harmful gases. If your dishwasher shows signs of persistent odor or water spots after cleaning, you may need a deeper service check. Plan for about 30–60 minutes for a standard clean, plus extra time if you’re performing a more thorough scrub.

Critical cautions: disconnect the power or switch off the breaker if you’ll be handling electrical components near water. Use gloves to protect skin when scrubbing and avoid abrasive tools that could scratch seals.

Step-By-Step: How To Clean A Dishwasher With Baking Soda

Remove all racks and pull out any debris or food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher.
Wipe the door seal with a damp cloth to remove grease and residue, using the dishwasher cleaning brush for stubborn spots.
Sprinkle baking soda dishwasher cleaner powder along the bottom and around the sump area. Do not mix with vinegar in the main wash chamber to avoid fizzing that can trap debris.
Run a hot water cycle empty to heat the interior. The baking soda will begin to neutralize odors and loosen residue.
After the cycle completes, inspect the drain area and spray arms. Use the dishwasher cleaning brush to dislodge any remaining debris.
Wipe down the interior walls with a damp cloth; sprinkle a thin layer of dishwasher deodorizer baking soda to freshen the space between cleanings.
Return racks and run a brief rinse cycle to ensure any loosened particles are flushed away.
If odors persist, repeat the process with a fresh batch of baking soda and a thorough scrub of the door seals and filters.
For ongoing maintenance, place a small open container of baking soda near the bottom of the dishwasher after each major clean to control smells.
Document any recurring issues (clogs, poor drainage, or uneven cleaning) for future reference or a professional assessment.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Odor remains after cleaning	Residual residues in seals or filters	Thoroughly scrub seals, run an extra hot cycle, use deodorizer baking soda	Regular clean cycles every 1–3 months
Dishware isn’t drying	Phases of the dry cycle affected, spray arms clogged	Check spray arms, ensure proper rinse aid use if applicable	Clean filters and spray arms during deep cleans
Clogs or standing water	Food debris in bottom or filter	Remove racks, clean filter, flush with hot water	Rinse dishes before loading; clear debris after each cycle
Racks rusting or seals damaged	Abrasive cleaning tools	Switch to soft brushes, inspect seals	Gentle cleaning and timely seal replacement

Common Mistakes

Using vinegar and baking soda together in the same wash—this can reduce cleaning effectiveness and cause fizzing that traps debris.
Overloading the dishwasher or blocking spray arms—this prevents even cleaning and can promote buildup.
Neglecting the door seal and filters—these areas harbor mold and odor when left untreated.
Neglecting to run a full hot cycle after applying baking soda—partial cleaning leaves residues behind.

Tips For Best Results

Schedule regular maintenance cleanings, especially if you notice odors or residue after cycles.
Keep a small jar of baking soda near the inside bottom to maintain freshness between deep cleans.
Use the dishwasher cleaning brush to reach crevices around the door, gasket, and rack supports for thorough cleaning.
Follow each bake soda step with a rinse cycle to ensure all residues are flushed out.
Combine baking soda with a dedicated deodorizer baking soda for longer-lasting freshness in high-use households.

Call A Professional

Stop signs to contact a pro include persistent odors after multiple cleanings, unusual noises, water leakage, or standing water despite a thorough drain check. If odors return quickly after cleaning, or if you notice mold around the door seal, a professional evaluation may be needed to assess the drainage system, motor, or seals.

FAQ

Can baking soda damage my dishwasher?

Generally safe when used as directed in moderate amounts and rinsed away. Avoid mixing with bleach or other harsh cleaners.

How often should I clean my dishwasher with baking soda?

For most households, a deep clean every 1–3 months works well, with lighter deodorizing between cycles as needed.

Should I run vinegar with baking soda?

Avoid combining them in the same wash; they cancel each other’s cleaning effects and can cause foaming that traps debris.

What’s the best way to prevent odors long-term?

Regularly remove debris, clean seals, use a deodorizing baking soda approach, and perform a hot, empty cycle monthly.

Buying Guide

When choosing products to support baking-soda-based dishwasher cleaning, consider size and compatibility with your unit, noise level during use, and energy efficiency of your dishwasher overall. Look for products that enhance cleaning without harsh chemicals, and verify that the cleaning tools fit your dishwasher’s interior design. For deodorizing, a dedicated dishwasher deodorizer baking soda can be effective if you want ongoing freshness. Evaluate control options for ease of use and place the cleaner in a location that avoids moisture exposure while stored. Finally, compare user reviews focusing on odor control, residue removal, and ease of setup to select reliable options that align with your cleaning routine.