Whirlpool Dishwasher Cleaning & Maintenance

Have you ever walked past your dishwasher and thought, “phew, that stinks?” You might think your dishwasher is getting cleaned as often as you run a cycle, but the counterintuitive reality of it is without regular Whirlpool dishwasher cleaning and maintenance, hard water deposits, grease, soap scum, food particles, bacteria and mildew can cause your dishwasher to start emitting a horrendous odor. 

Frequent Whirlpool dishwasher maintenance and cleaning of the exterior, interior and filters will not only prolong the working life of your machine but keep your dishes squeaky clean and free of streaks.

Supplies You’ll Need 

• Microfiber cloth
• Mild detergent 
• Stainless steel cleaner 
• Soft brush
• Vinegar 
• Baking soda 
• Measuring cup

Exterior Cleaning 

If you notice smudging, fingerprints or that the keypad is a little greasy, that’s a good indicator that it’s time to give your Whirlpool dishwasher a little extra attention. 

• Step 1. Wipe down the control panel – With a microfiber cloth and mild detergent, give the control panel a hardy wipe-down to remove fingerprints, grease and other residues. 
• Step 2. Polish the stainless steel – Spray a commercial stainless steel cleaner onto a separate microfiber cloth, wiping down the stainless steel surface. 
  • Note: Do not use detergent on stainless steel surfaces, as this can cause damage to the metal.

Interior Cleaning 

Along with exterior Whirlpool dishwasher cleaning, there are a couple of techniques you can employ to keep your dishes and glassware as transparent and sparkling as the day you got them. 

First, leave the dishwasher door cracked after each cycle to ensure proper ventilation and evaporation so mold, mildew and bacteria can’t get their foot in the door. Scrape food debris off plates before loading to prevent clogging the filter and spray arms. And lastly, make sure to run through these steps at least once a month to ensure your Whirlpool dishwasher is running at peak performance.    

• Step 1. Clean the Filter – Remove the filter and rinse under running water. If your dishwasher’s filter cannot be removed, conversely, extract any obstructing food particles or debris by hand. 
• Step 2. Place a dishwasher tablet into the detergent dispenser – If you’re cleaning with dishes, you can place the tablet on the bottom of the dishwasher while adding detergent to the dispenser as usual. If you’re running a cycle without dishes, go ahead and place the tablet directly into the detergent dispenser.
  • Note: Whirlpool recommends using affresh, but any dishwasher cleaning product will suffice. 
• Step 3. Run a regular wash cycle – Run a normal wash cycle regardless of whether you’re washing with or without dishes. 

How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher with Vinegar & Baking Soda

If you don’t have an approved dishwasher cleaner on hand, baking soda and vinegar will do the trick. Just note that using vinegar to clean your dishwasher too often can damage your machine.  

• Step 1. Clean the filter – Remove the filter and rinse under running water. If your dishwasher’s filter cannot be removed, conversely, extract any obstructing food particles or debris by hand. 
• Step 2. Add white vinegar – Measure two cups of distilled white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack. Without adding any dirty dishes or detergent, run a regular cycle with the heat/dry setting turned off.
• Step 3. Add baking soda – Once your vinegar has run through the cleaning cycle, remove the dish and sprinkle a cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher. Next, run a hot water cycle, and that’s how you clean a dirty dishwasher!

How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

You can find the Whirlpool dishwasher filters located on the bottom interior either in the center or back corner of your unit. For very hard water (15 grains and above), Whirlpool recommends cleaning your filter at least once per month. 

• Step 1. Remove the filters – First, you’ll have to take out the lower dishrack to find the filter in the center or back corner. Next, Turn the upper filter counterclockwise to unlock it and take it out. The lower filter is not held in place by any locking mechanism. Simply lift and remove. 
• Step 2. Clean the filter – Place the filter under running water until dirt and debris are down the drain. If you notice that no amount of rinsing is taking care of it, you can take a soft brush or sponge to gently rub away grime.
  • Note: Do not use wire brushes, scouring pads or other abrasive cleaning tools on your filters, as this could cause damage. 
• Step 3. Reinstall the filter – Return the filter back to where you found it, taking care to lock the upper filter back into place.
  • Note: Do not run your dishwasher without the filters, as this could damage your machine.

How Often Should You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

Whirlpool recommends cleaning your dishwasher filter according to this cleaning and maintenance guide below. However, if you notice visible food debris and mineral buildup on your filters or your dishes come out feeling gritty, this is a good indication that you should follow the Whirlpool dishwasher cleaning instructions above.

Please contact a local service company who can help with these specific units and all your home appliance needs.