I was staring at my Maytag dishwasher one morning, and I realized it smelled a little off. Bits of leftover food were hiding in places I didn't expect. Cleaning it seemed daunting at first, but a few simple tricks made it sparkle again. It didn't take long, and the dishwasher now runs like new. Here's exactly how I did it.
Key Takeaways
Remove the racks and wash them, clean the spray arms, wipe down the door and seals, scrub the filter, run a vinegar cycle, and finish with a baking soda rinse to leave it fresh and spotless.
Remove and Wash the Racks
First, pull out all the racks from your Maytag dishwasher. Take them to your sink and rinse them under warm water. Use a soft sponge with mild dish soap to scrub off any stuck-on food. Make sure every crevice and corner gets attention, especially the bottom corners where grime hides.
Next, check for stains or buildup that won't come off with soap. Use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to get into the tiny holes and tracks. These areas can block water flow if not cleaned. Rinse the racks thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Finally, let the racks air dry on a towel or drying rack. While they dry, you can move on to cleaning the rest of the dishwasher. Drying them prevents water spots and keeps the metal parts from rusting. Once dry, put the racks back carefully, ensuring they slide in smoothly.
- Remove racks and rinse with warm water
- Use soft sponge with mild soap
- Scrub corners with a toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly
- Let air dry before returning
Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms are crucial for washing dishes, so they must be spotless. Start by removing the arms from the dishwasher. Check all the tiny holes for debris, bits of food, or mineral buildup. Even small clogs can reduce cleaning power.
Soak the spray arms in a bowl of warm water and vinegar for 15–20 minutes. This helps dissolve any stubborn mineral deposits. Then, use a toothpick or small brush to poke through each hole, ensuring water can flow freely. Rinse them thoroughly under running water.
Once clean, reattach the spray arms securely. Spin them to make sure they move freely. A smooth rotation means they are free from blockages and ready to deliver maximum water pressure for sparkling dishes.
- Remove spray arms carefully
- Inspect holes for clogs
- Soak in warm vinegar solution
- Clear holes with toothpick
- Rinse and reattach
Wipe Down the Door and Seals
The dishwasher door and rubber seals can trap food and moisture. Start by opening the door fully and wiping the interior with a damp cloth. Focus on the edges where grime tends to collect. Use a bit of mild dish soap if needed.
Next, gently clean the rubber gasket around the door. Dirt and mold can build up here, causing bad smells. A soft cloth or old toothbrush works well for these tight areas. Make sure to rinse the soap off completely.
Check the exterior of the door too. A quick wipe with a damp cloth will remove fingerprints, smudges, and detergent spills. This keeps the dishwasher looking fresh and prevents buildup that can affect the seal over time.
- Wipe interior door with damp cloth
- Use mild soap for tough spots
- Clean rubber gasket carefully
- Rinse soap thoroughly
- Wipe exterior for a polished look
Scrub the Filter
The filter catches leftover food, so it often gets dirty fast. Remove the filter from the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse it under running water, and use a soft brush to scrub away stuck-on debris.
For stubborn grime, soak the filter in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes. Gently scrub it again to make sure all particles are gone. Avoid using harsh brushes that could damage the filter mesh.
Once clean, place the filter back in its slot. A clean filter improves water flow and prevents odors. Check it monthly to keep your Maytag dishwasher running efficiently.
- Remove filter from bottom
- Rinse under warm water
- Soak in soapy water for tough grime
- Scrub gently with soft brush
- Replace securely
Run a Vinegar Cycle
Vinegar helps remove odor and mineral buildup inside the dishwasher. Fill a cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run a full hot water cycle without any dishes. The vinegar will circulate and clean the interior walls.
After the cycle, the dishwasher should smell fresh. Wipe down any remaining spots inside the tub. Vinegar is safe for most Maytag models and is excellent at loosening soap scum and grease.
Repeat this vinegar cycle once a month for maintenance. It keeps the dishwasher clean and prevents long-term buildup that could affect cleaning performance.
- Fill cup with white vinegar
- Place on top rack
- Run full hot water cycle
- Wipe interior after cycle
- Repeat monthly for maintenance
Finish with a Baking Soda Rinse
Baking soda adds a final touch of freshness and helps remove stains. Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot water cycle with no dishes inside.
This rinse will brighten the interior and neutralize any lingering odors. It also prevents soap scum buildup and keeps your dishwasher sparkling. Baking soda is gentle and safe for regular use.
Once finished, your Maytag dishwasher should look, smell, and work like new. A quick monthly baking soda rinse helps maintain that clean, fresh feel without much effort.
- Sprinkle baking soda on bottom
- Run short hot water cycle
- No dishes inside
- Removes odors and stains
- Repeat monthly for freshness
Final Thoughts
Hope that cleaning your Maytag dishwasher feels simple and stress-free. Following these steps regularly keeps it running efficiently and smelling fresh. Small tasks like wiping seals or rinsing the filter can make a big difference over time. A clean dishwasher not only protects your appliance but also improves the cleanliness of your dishes. Stick to these habits, and your dishwasher will thank you.
| Task | Tool Needed | Purpose / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Remove & wash racks | Sponge, mild soap | Cleans stuck-on food and prevents grime buildup |
| Clean spray arms | Toothpick, vinegar | Clears clogged holes to ensure strong water flow |
| Wipe door & seals | Cloth, toothbrush | Removes food, mold, and prevents odors |
| Scrub filter | Soft brush, soap | Keeps water circulation smooth and stops odors |
| Vinegar cycle | White vinegar | Loosens mineral deposits and cleans interior walls |
| Baking soda rinse | Baking soda | Neutralizes odors, removes stains, and brightens tub |
| Exterior wipe | Damp cloth, mild cleaner | Removes fingerprints, spills, and keeps finish shiny |
| Check and reassemble racks | Hands, cloth | Ensures racks and spray arms fit correctly and rotate freely |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use vinegar in my Maytag dishwasher?
Yes, vinegar is safe and effective for cleaning your dishwasher. It removes odors, loosens mineral deposits, and is gentle on most dishwasher parts. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. This helps clean the interior and improves water flow. Avoid using it too often on rubber seals, as prolonged exposure could eventually dry them out.
Can I clean the spray arms without removing them?
Yes, you can try to clean spray arms while they're attached. Use a toothpick to poke out clogged holes and rinse under warm water. However, removing them makes it easier to clean thoroughly. A full removal ensures every hole is clear, and soaking in vinegar can remove mineral buildup more effectively.
Do I need to clean the dishwasher filter every time I run it?
No, the filter doesn't need daily cleaning. A weekly rinse is usually enough, but if you wash heavily soiled dishes, check it more often. A clean filter prevents odors and ensures water flows properly. Scrubbing with a soft brush under warm water is usually sufficient to remove trapped food particles.
Is it necessary to run a vinegar cycle monthly?
Yes, running a vinegar cycle monthly helps remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and lingering odors. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. This keeps your dishwasher performing efficiently and maintains freshness inside the tub.
Can I use baking soda in every cleaning cycle?
No, baking soda is best for monthly use. Sprinkle one cup on the bottom and run a short cycle. It helps remove stains and neutralize odors. Using it too often isn't harmful but is unnecessary if regular cleaning is maintained.
Do I need special tools to clean the racks?
No, just a sponge, mild dish soap, and a soft brush or toothbrush will work. Small crevices can trap food, so a toothbrush helps. Avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the coating. Warm water and gentle scrubbing usually do the job.
Is it safe to use harsh chemicals on my Maytag dishwasher?
It's better to avoid harsh chemicals. Vinegar and baking soda are safe and effective. Strong chemicals may damage seals or internal parts. Stick to mild soap and natural cleaners to protect your appliance and your dishes.
Can I clean the exterior with any cleaner?
Yes, you can use a damp cloth or mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the finish. For stainless steel models, a gentle stainless cleaner or even a vinegar wipe keeps it shiny without harming the surface.