How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher With Vinegar

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This post shows how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher step-by-step, including how to use vinegar and baking soda safely for a deep clean and maintenance. I'm sharing exactly what to do (and what not to do) to keep your dishwasher running efficiently and smelling fresh without needing a degree in appliance repair!

bowl of vinegar in the middle of the dishwasher rack.

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Today, I'm breaking down how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher, including both a quick cleaning routine and a deeper cleaning method using vinegar and baking soda. It's one of those things that we all (myself included) forget to do, but if done properly, it can seriously impact your day to day chores.

If you're wondering how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher, this step-by-step guide shows exactly how to clean it using vinegar and baking soda!

If you're anything like our family, you run your dishwasher at least once a day. Between the snacks, meals, and just life, those dishes add up so fast!

After a little while, I noticed that our dishwasher wasn't drying as well and just didn't knock out stubborn messes like it did when it was new. I honestly just attributed it to the age of the machine.

As it turns out, it just needed a deep cleaning! I had no idea what kind of impact this would have. Not only is it drying better, but the cleaning is so much more efficient.

TL;DR: Cleaning Your Dishwasher Will...

Knock out yucky germs
Eliminate those "funky" smells
Help the machine clean more efficiently
Improve the drying power (no more soggy plastic!)

How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher

This whole deep cleaning tutorial doesn't need to be done very often. This is a process I complete once every few months at most.

The reason you don't want to do it every week is that vinegar can break down the rubber and plastic in your dishwasher over time. It might be natural, but it's still pretty acidic!

Quick Steps: How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Clean door seals and edges
Remove and clean dishwasher filter
Clean spray arms and vent area
Run vinegar cleaning cycle
Wipe interior and exterior surfaces

Supplies Needed

Melamine sponges
Dishwasher-safe bowl
Dish soap
Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
Vinegar
Baking soda

Step 1: Clean the Interior Edges

Let's get after the interior first. Start with a completely empty dishwasher (which is like spotting a unicorn, I know; just pile those dishes in the sink for now).

The dirtiest places on my Whirlpool are the edges and the seals. There is always a build-up of soap scum and hard water that the sprayers just don't reach.

cleaning edge of a dishwasher door with a melamine sponge

I use a wet melamine sponge and really scrub the edges of the door and the bottom frame. Be gentle with the rubber seals, though, you don't want to rip them!

Step 2: How to Clean the Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

This is a game-changer. Most Whirlpool models have a filter at the bottom to catch food particles and gunk. If this is clogged, your water lines can get backed up.

Locate the filter: On my Whirlpool, it's right below the bottom rack.

Remove it: You usually just turn the round plastic assembly counter-clockwise to dislodge it.

Scrub it: Get ready to be grossed out. I bet you had no idea how nasty this could get! Use a little dish soap and an old toothbrush to get into the mesh.

Replace it: Give it a rinse and important: place it back in the dishwasher before moving on.

Step 3: Remove & Clean the Whirlpool Vent Cover

On the inside of my dishwasher door, there is a vent that can get really gross with hard water and mildew. To take it off, I usually have to turn it counter-clockwise (I use a screwdriver to gently pry it to the left).

door of a dishwasher - vent and detergent dispenser

Once it's off, scrub both the vent and the inside. Cleaning this allows steam to escape, which is exactly why your dishwasher starts drying efficiently again!

Related: Check out a few of my tips for ordering cleaning products from grove!

Step 4: How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher With Vinegar

spray bottle of vinegar and baking soda in a canister

If you've read my other Cleaning Basics posts, you know I love vinegar and baking soda. They are non-toxic, cheap, and actually work!

To clean a Whirlpool dishwasher, spray the inside with vinegar and use baking soda to help remove buildup and odors. It will fizz a little, that's normal. Use the baking soda and a scrubber to hit any visible stains.

baking soda sprinkled in the bottom of a dishwasher

Step 5: Run a High-Temp Cleaning Cycle

bowl of white vinegar in top of a dishwasher

Place a dishwasher-safe bowl with about a cup of white vinegar in the top rack. Close it up and use the high-temperature wash setting to run a full cycle.

upside down utensil organizer in an empty dishwasher

While that's running, I usually wipe down the stainless steel exterior to get rid of water marks.

Step 6: Clean the Dishwasher Exterior

stainless steel dishwasher with a blue towel hanging on handle

While you're waiting for that cleaning hot water cycle to run, you might as well clean the outside of the dishwasher! I wipe my stainless steel down a few times a month...it tends to get a ton of stains and water marks around the vent.

Final Result: A Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher

In just a couple of hours (with very little effort), you'll have a new and improved dishwasher. This is one of those tasks you won't notice as much in looks as you will in performance. Your dishes will be cleaner, and your kitchen will smell so much better.

In-Between Cleanings

Now, as I mentioned above, this process isn't something I do every month. I have a reminder on my cleaning schedule to give the dishwasher a light cleaning once per month, during my kitchen week.

When I do this cleaning, I...

wipe around the edges of the door
wipe the sides and the bottom of the inside
scrub the utensil rack, if needed
give the vent a light scrub with a scrub brush or old toothbrush
rinse out the filter

This is a process that takes maybe 10 minutes - no biggie! It just keeps mildew and hard water at bay in between cleanings.

More Tips to Keep Your Whirlpool Running Like New

If you want to stretch out the time between cleanings, these little habits make a huge difference in how your Whirlpool performs day to day.

Scrape, don't rinse. You don't need to fully wash your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, but you should scrape off any significant food. Anything caked on will eventually end up in that filter we just cleaned, and a clogged filter is the number one cause of poor drainage.
Prioritize glass over plastic. Have you ever noticed your glass cups are bone-dry while the plastic Tupperware is still dripping? Most modern dishwashers use residual heat to dry, which works great on glass but not so well on plastic. Using more glass will actually help your dishwasher dry everything more efficiently.
Give your water heater a head start. Dishwashers need very hot water to sanitize and melt away grease. To help yours out, run the kitchen sink for a few seconds until the water is hot before you start a cycle. Also, try to avoid running the washing machine or taking a shower at the same time so your dishwasher isn't fighting for the hot water.
Watch the "nesting" dishes. It is so tempting to cram every last plate in there, but if the dishes are touching, the water can't reach them. Make sure your bowls and spoons aren't "nesting" together in a single layer. If the water can't circulate, you'll just end up having to wash them all over again by hand!

Common Whirlpool Dishwasher Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Both can work - it just depends on what you prefer. Vinegar is great for a quick, natural clean using something you probably already have at home. Dishwasher cleaners like Affresh are designed specifically for breaking down buildup inside the machine. I usually stick with vinegar for regular cleaning and only reach for a cleaner if things are really bad.

To clean your dishwasher filter, pull out the bottom rack and look for the round filter at the base. Twist it counter-clockwise to remove it, then rinse it under hot water and scrub it with a little dish soap and a soft brush (an old toothbrush works great). Once it's clean, just pop it right back in before running your dishwasher again.

Yes, you can - but not all the time. Vinegar is great for breaking down grease, odors, and hard water buildup, which is why I use it for deep cleaning. That said, it is acidic, so using it too often can wear down rubber parts over time. Think of it as an occasional reset, not an every-week habit.

I like to deep clean mine every couple of months, depending on how much we're using it. If you're running your dishwasher daily, you might want to clean it a little more often. In between deep cleans, a quick wipe-down and rinsing the filter once a month goes a long way.

That funky smell usually comes from trapped food, grease, or gunk sitting in the filter or along the edges and seals. If it's been a while since your last deep clean, there's a good chance something is building up in there. A good filter cleaning and vinegar cycle usually takes care of it fast.

On most Whirlpool dishwashers, the filter is located at the bottom of the tub, underneath the lower rack. It's usually a round piece that twists out easily. If you've never checked yours before…just prepare yourself. 😅

More Kitchen Cleaning Guides

Clean on, cleaner friends! 🧽 I would love to see some of your favorite dishwasher cleaning tips & tricks- leave them in the comments. And, make sure to follow along via email for my latest cleaning updates.