Even if your dishes look spotless, the inside of your stainless steel dishwasher might be telling a different story.
Hidden buildup of food particles and hard water doesn’t just cause unpleasant kitchen odors; it can actually shorten the life of your appliance. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is the easiest way to ensure peak performance and long-term reliability.
We’ve put together a practical guide to help you tackle grime on both the interior and exterior using everyday items you already have under the sink. Follow these steps to keep your machine running smoothly and your dishes truly sanitized.
How to Clean the Inside of a Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Cleaning the interior of a stainless steel dishwasher starts with the basics.
Pull out the racks so you can access the walls, bottom, and door edges. Use a damp microfiber cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap to wipe down the interior walls and door seals.
Pay close attention to the rubber gasket around the door. Food residue and moisture collect here and can cause odors or leaks over time. A soft toothbrush works well for getting into tight crevices without damaging the seal.
One of the most overlooked steps is learning how to clean dishwasher filter basket properly. Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. Twist it out, rinse it under warm water, and gently scrub away grease or debris. This step alone can dramatically improve wash results.
Cleaning the Dishwasher Spray Arms
Spray arms are responsible for distributing water throughout the dishwasher, but they can clog easily. Bits of food, mineral deposits, and grease can block the tiny holes, reducing water pressure.
The first step to cleaning them is to remove the spray arms according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Most twist or pop off without tools. Rinse them under warm water and inspect each opening. A toothpick or paper clip works well to unclog dishwasher spray arm holes without scratching the surface.
Once clean, reinstall the spray arms securely. This small task has a big impact on wash performance and helps your stainless steel dishwasher clean more efficiently.
Removing Odors and Deep Cleaning
If your dishwasher smells bad, it’s usually a sign of trapped moisture, food debris, or grease buildup. Lingering odors are common but easy to fix with a little routine care.
A natural dishwasher cleaner DIY approach works well for most households. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. Vinegar helps break down grease and mineral deposits, but it should be used occasionally, not daily.
For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom and run a short hot cycle. This method ties into non-toxic cleaning solutions and is safe when used in moderation. Regular deep cleaning like this supports overall deep cleaning kitchen appliances without harsh chemicals.
➜ Learn More: Dishwasher Smells Bad? Here's What You Can Do
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Dishwasher Exterior
The outside of a stainless steel dishwasher needs a gentler touch. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. A slightly dampened microfiber cloth is often enough for daily cleaning.
For smudges, use a small amount of mild dish soap, then rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry immediately. This helps with proper fingerprint-resistant finish care and keeps the surface looking even.
Many homeowners use eco-friendly cleaning hacks like diluted vinegar or plant-based cleaners, but be sure to avoid abrasive pads or powders. Scratches are permanent, and less is more when it comes to stainless steel.
➜ Learn More: Summer Appliance Maintenance Checklist: Prep for Peak Usage Months
Removing Hard Water Stains & Rust Spots
Hard water can leave cloudy white marks on the interior and exterior of a dishwasher. To remove hard water stains, use vinegar or a citric acid-based cleaner sparingly and rinse thoroughly afterward.
If you notice rust spots, don’t panic. Light surface rust can often be treated with a baking soda paste or a stainless steel-safe cleaner. Use a soft cloth and gentle pressure to remove rust from stainless steel without damaging the finish.
Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbing. Controlled, gentle techniques protect the surface and prevent further damage.
Stainless Steel Dishwashers That Make Cleaning Easier
Some dishwashers are designed with features that reduce buildup and simplify maintenance. Here are standout models available here at East Coast Appliance that combine performance with easier cleaning.
GE Dry Boost 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Dishwasher
Shop GE Dry Boost 24" Dishwasher
A GE stainless steel dishwasher with Dry Boost technology delivers enhanced drying performance, reducing leftover moisture that can lead to odors.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps the exterior looking cleaner longer, making routine wipe-downs quick and easy.
By minimizing excess moisture, this GE stainless steel dishwasher helps reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning while supporting reliable, long-term performance.
Top Features
- The Piranha hard food disposer
- 3-Rack Dishwasher
- Adjustable interior racks
Café 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Shop Café 24" Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Café dishwashers combine style and function. Strong spray arms and precise filtration help minimize residue buildup, while the exterior finish resists smudging and streaks.
The interior layout promotes better water flow, which helps prevent food particles from settling in corners. This design makes ongoing maintenance simpler and more predictable.
Top Features
- 4 Bottle Wash Jets
- Active Flood Protect
- Customizable Dishwasher Handles
Whirlpool 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Shop Whirlpool 24" Stainless Steel Dishwasher
This Whirlpool stainless steel dishwasher emphasizes total coverage wash action, helping prevent food debris from settling inside.
Auto-open air dry reduces moisture, supporting odor control. Less trapped moisture also means fewer mineral spots on the stainless steel interior. Over time, this makes cleaning faster and helps maintain consistent wash results.
Top Features
- Total Coverage Wash System
- Maximum Heat Dry Option
- Self-Cleaning Filtration System
Maytag Eco Series 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Dishwasher
Shop Maytag Eco Series 24" Stainless Dishwasher
Built for durability, this Maytag stainless steel dishwasher handles heavy loads while keeping maintenance simple.
The eco-focused design supports efficient cleaning with less residue buildup. Strong internal components help prevent food particles from breaking down into fine debris.
This reduces filter clogging and keeps the interior cleaner between deep cleans.
Top Features
- Durable wash components
- Eco-efficient performance
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
Bosch Benchmark 24" Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Shop Bosch Benchmark 24" Stainless Steel Dishwasher
The Bosch dishwasher is known for its exceptionally quiet performance, energy efficiency, and advanced filtration system.
Designed with long-term care in mind, the Benchmark series helps minimize debris buildup and maintain a cleaner interior over time.
Its advanced filtration system captures fine food particles before they can circulate back into the tub.
Top Features
- Precision filtration system
- Ultra-quiet operation
- built-in water softener
How Often Should You Clean a Dishwasher?
Most homeowners should deep-clean their stainless steel dishwasher lightly once a month. This includes wiping the interior, checking the filter, and running a vinegar cycle if needed.
Every three months, inspect the spray arms and clean the filter basket. These steps support long-term performance and should be part of your regular home maintenance checklist. Staying consistent prevents bigger problems down the road.
➜ Learn More: How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Make Dishwasher Cleaning Part of Your Kitchen Routine
Keeping your dishwasher clean doesn’t require a full teardown or harsh chemicals. Regular wiping, filter cleaning, and occasional deep cleaning keep performance high and odors away.
A clean stainless steel dishwasher looks better, smells better, and works better. When problems persist, professional guidance from appliance experts can help you stay ahead of repairs and replacements.
Trust the Experts at East Coast Appliance
While regular cleaning goes a long way, we know that wear and tear happen. Whether you’re looking for professional advice on maintaining your current unit or you’ve decided it’s finally time to upgrade to a whisper-quiet, fingerprint-resistant model, our team is ready to help.
As your local appliance experts, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best brands and the latest technology to make your life easier.
Visit any of our East Coast Appliance showrooms today! Let us help you find the perfect stainless steel dishwasher that fits your style and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a microfiber cloth and mild soap to wipe with the grain. Always dry the surface immediately to prevent watermarks.
Yes, when used occasionally. Vinegar is effective for breaking down grease and mineral buildup but shouldn’t be used too frequently.
Odors usually come from trapped food debris, dirty filters, or leftover moisture. Regular filter cleaning and hot cycles help prevent this.
Use a baking soda paste or stainless steel-safe cleaner with gentle pressure. Avoid abrasive tools that can damage the surface.
Once a month is ideal for most households, or more often if you run the dishwasher daily.
Yes. Many eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaners handle grease and odors well when used consistently and correctly.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Stainless Steel Dishwashers at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop dishwashers online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the perfect stainless steel dishwasher for your kitchen, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!