What is the best thing to clean a dishwasher with?

The best thing to clean a dishwasher with depends on a few different things like what you're trying to clean, the style of the dishwasher, and the overall condition of the machine. There are some DIY solutions that will help with some aspects of the problem, but the best overall product we've found is the Dishwasher Cleaner from ACTIVE.

Do dishwasher cleaners really work?

Yes, assuming it's a quality cleaning product. Dishwashers have water and detergent running inside them on a regular basis so it may seem unnecessary to use another type of cleaner. However, normal operation isn't actually cleaning the machine. Food debris and grime builds up in the internal areas of the machine and water spots can form on the interior. Regular dish detergent doesn't address these issues so it's important to use a dishwasher cleaner.

How do you super deep clean a dishwasher?

To fully deep clean a dishwasher, start by removing the machine's filter which is usually at the bottom of the machine near the drain. Scrape off any visible food and other debris from the filter then reinstall it. Next you'll want to run a wash cycle using some kind of dishwasher cleaning product - we've found ACTIVE dishwasher cleaner to be very effective. After running a cleaning cycle, open the dishwasher door slightly to let it air-dry then it'll be ready for the next use.

What is the best dishwasher cleaner for hard water stains?

Hard water stains can be difficult to remove from inside dishwashers. Staining can occur over time even if your home has a water softener system. Dishwashers in homes with hard water or high mineral content will accumulate water stains even faster. When searching for a dishwasher cleaner for hard water stains, you want to find a product that contains citric acid. Citric acid helps to dissolve limescale which is one of the main causes of hard water stains. In our experience, ACTIVE dishwasher cleaner has been the most effective cleaner for removing hard water stains due to its citric acid content and other ingredients.

What are the different types of dishwasher cleaners?

Dishwasher cleaners can come in a variety of forms like liquid, powder and tablets. There are benefits and limitations for each type of dishwasher cleaner. Liquid dishwasher cleaners can be fast-acting since there is no dissolving required, but they also take up more space due to the amount of volume required. Powder dishwasher cleaners have a concentrated formula but can be messy to measure and use. Dishwasher cleaning tablets are our top choice due to their concentrated formula and ease of use.

After how many days should I use the dishwasher cleaner?

The frequency of dishwasher cleaning depends on a mix of factors but in general, most dishwasher cleaners are recommended to be used 1-2 times per month. For dishwashers that are extra dirty, multiple cleanings may be required initially to remove stubborn grime. After that, typically maintenance cleaning is done once or twice a month, or whenever odors are present.

How do I clean the smell out of my dishwasher?

Dishwasher odors can happen from a few different causes but usually the problem comes from food residue and other grime in the internal parts of the machine. So in order to clean the smell from inside a dishwasher, you'll need a cleaning product that thoroughly penetrates the hard-to-reach areas of the machine. We've found that ACTIVE dishwasher cleaner is the most effective for cleaning the smell from a dish washer appliance.

Can I use Dawn or other dish soap in my dishwasher?

No, you absolutely should not use dish soap inside of a dishwasher appliance. Dish soap will create a large amount of foam which can overflow from the machine and create a mess in your kitchen. It is only recommended to use dish detergent or approved dishwasher cleaning products.

Home & Garden

Best Dishwasher Cleaners in 2026 – Our Top Ranked Products

Brooke Carter

Nov 27, 2023

	Our Top Pick
Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid	ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets	Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets