Has a foul odor from your dishwasher overtaken your kitchen? Are your dishes not as sparkling and clean as they used to be after being in the dishwasher? In this DIY guide, we will teach you how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher to get rid of the foul odor and improve cleaning performance. We will also show you how to deep clean your dishwasher and take care of any clogs. Don’t let your dishwasher stink anymore – follow our simple steps and get your machine smelling fresh and cleaning great again!
Wondering How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher? Follow This Guide.
It’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly in order to prevent any foul odors from building up and to ensure that it continues to clean your dishes at its best. Here are some simple steps to follow for cleaning your dishwasher.
Why Does My Whirlpool Dishwasher Stink?
Bacteria, mold, and mildew can all grow very quickly in a dishwasher if not taken care of properly. This is because food, debris, and moisture can easily build up and create the perfect environment for these microorganisms to thrive. A dirty, smelly dishwasher will also lack the cleaning power it would have if it were clean.
How to Get Smell Out of Whirlpool Dishwasher
Thankfully, there are a few simple steps that you can take to get rid of the bad odor and improve cleaning performance. Wondering how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher to remove foul smells?
How to Clean a Dishwasher That Smells:
- Clean dishwasher with vinegar by placing two cups of white vinegar in a bowl on the bottom rack of an empty dishwasher.
- Sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the wash tub and fill the detergent dispenser with baking soda.
- Run the dishwasher on its hottest setting with the longest cycle possible.
- This process will help to kill any bacteria, mold, or mildew that may be present and will also help to remove any built-up minerals, dirt, or grease.
Why Is My Dishwasher Leaving Water Spots?
Hard water is water that has high mineral content. When hard water comes into contact with dishes, it leaves spots or streaks on the surfaces of the dishes. These spots and streaks are usually white or brown in color and can be difficult to remove.
Water spots on your dishes can be caused by several other factors, including inefficient drainage, a dirty dishwasher, or using the wrong type of detergent.
How to Avoid Water Spots on Dishes
If you notice water spots on your dishes after a cycle is complete, there are a few ways to prevent them.
Tips to Prevent Water Spots:
- Use a dishwasher rinse aid – Dishwasher rinse aids help prevent water spots. Rinse aids are designed to help water bead up and roll off of dishes, rather than sit on the surface and form spots as they dry.
- Change dishwasher detergents – Some detergents contain phosphates, which can contribute to the formation of water spots. To get rid of water spots, try changing your dishwasher detergent to one that is phosphate-free. If you have hard water, try a detergent that is made for use in hard water.
- Make sure to regularly clean your dishwasher – Mineral deposits build up in a dirty dishwasher and can contribute to water spots left on dishes. Follow our step-by-step guide below to thoroughly clean your dishwasher.
How Do I Deep Clean My Whirlpool Dishwasher?
If you want to give your dishwasher a really deep clean, we recommend using Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner. Affresh is a specially designed cleaner that helps to remove any built-up food or grease from your dishwasher’s interior surfaces. It comes in tablet form.
To use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner:
- Place a single Affresh tablet into your dishwasher’s detergent dispenser.
- Run the dishwasher on its hottest setting with the longest cycle to allow the cleaner to work its magic.
- After the dishwasher cycle is complete, use a soft cloth to wipe any remaining debris from the dishwasher tub interior.
- You may notice a difference in your dishwasher’s performance and smell after just one use!
How Do You Clean the Filter on a Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Learning how to clean a dishwasher filter is an important step. The filter on most dishwashers is located at the bottom of the machine and can be easily accessed by removing the lower rack. Once you have removed the filter, give it a good scrub with hot water and soap, then rinse thoroughly. Be sure to replace the filter securely before restarting your dishwasher.
How Do I Clean My Whirlpool Dishwasher Spray Arms?
The spray arms on a dishwasher are located on the top and bottom of the machine. An important step in learning how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher is to clean the spray arms. To clean them, remove them from their housing by unscrewing them counterclockwise. Give them a good scrub with hot water and soap, paying special attention to removing any built-up mineral deposits from the spray arm holes. Once clean, rinse thoroughly before replacing them securely in their housing. Make sure the spray arms rotate freely after reinstalling them.
Why Is There Water in the Bottom of My Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Water in the bottom of your dishwasher may indicate that the dishwasher has a clog or is not draining correctly. If you find standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher, try running the dishwasher while empty on its highest setting for a full cycle to see if it will clear any clogs. If the water continues to accumulate, you may have a stubborn clog in one of the dishwasher components.
How Do You Unclog a Whirlpool Dishwasher?
There are several causes of a dishwasher not draining, including components that are not directly connected to the dishwasher. While learning how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher, you’ll need to learn how to clean a clogged dishwasher. We’ll review the most common causes and their solutions below.
Tips to Help a Dishwasher Drain Correctly:
- How to clean a dishwasher drain trap: Pour one cup of vinegar into the dishwasher’s drain trap at the bottom of the wash tub. Add one cup of baking soda to the dishwasher. Close the dishwasher door and let it run on its highest, hottest setting for a full cycle. The vinegar and baking soda can help break up clogs caused by grease, food debris, and built-up mineral deposits.
- How to clear a clog in the dishwasher drain hose: If you suspect your dishwasher has a clog in the drain hose, first unplug your dishwasher from its electrical source. If your dishwasher is connected to garbage disposal, ensure the power is disconnected from it as well. Then, remove the dishwasher’s kickplate and locate the drain hose. Use pliers to remove any debris or food that may be caught in the hose. Rinse the hose thoroughly with hot water and replace it securely before restarting your dishwasher.
- Check your garbage disposal for clogs: If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, it’s important to keep the disposal clean and clear of debris. Oftentimes, the dishwasher and garbage disposal share a drain line. If the disposal becomes clogged, it can prevent the dishwasher from draining correctly. To clean the garbage disposal, pour a cup of vinegar into it, allow it to sit for two minutes, then flush it with hot water while running until the clog clears. As a rule of thumb, always run your garbage disposal to clear it before starting your dishwasher.
- Ensure the air gap is clear: An air gap is a small hole located near the sink that is designed to prevent dirty water and food particles from draining back into the sink and contaminating the freshwater supply. If your dishwasher is not draining correctly, it may be due to a clog in the air gap. To clear the clog, use a small brush or tool to clear any debris or food particles that may be caught in the hole.
If you’ve tried our tips above, but your dishwasher still will not drain, it may be time to call a professional dishwasher repair technician.
If you continue to experience problems after following this guide on how to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher, we recommend contacting Appliance Genie for expert dishwasher repair. Our experienced technicians will be able to diagnose the problem, provide a solution, and repair your dishwasher. We offer competitive rates and excellent service. Contact us today!
