How to Clean Westinghouse Dishwasher

A dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in any modern kitchen, taking the hassle out of cleaning up after meals. However, a dishwasher’s ability to deliver sparkling dishes depends heavily on how well you care for it. Over time, food particles, soap scum, and mineral deposits can accumulate inside, leading to unpleasant odors, poor cleaning results, and unnecessary strain on the appliance.

That’s why knowing how to clean Westinghouse dishwasher—and doing it regularly—is critical. Maintaining a clean dishwasher not only helps keep your kitchen hygienic but also extends the lifespan and maintains the high efficiency of your appliance. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the practical steps and maintenance strategies that ensure your Westinghouse dishwasher stays in top shape, so you can enjoy spotlessly clean dishes and peace of mind with every wash.

Why Your Westinghouse Dishwasher Needs Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your Westinghouse dishwasher is not simply a matter of looks—it’s essential for the machine’s performance, your family’s health, and your own convenience. Over time, food residue, grease, and detergent can build up in hidden areas, such as the filter, spray arms, and seals. As these substances accumulate, they can clog important components, reducing the power of your dishwasher’s spray jets and leaving dishes less than clean.

Soap scum and limescale, which are particularly common in areas with hard water, can cause streaks on dishes and dull the stainless steel interior. These deposits also make it more difficult for your dishwasher to rinse fully, encouraging mold, mildew, and bacteria growth—a top cause of musty or sour smells. Left unchecked, grime and mineral buildup will force your Westinghouse dishwasher to work harder, potentially leading to breakdowns or the need for costly repairs. In some cases, the efficiency of the entire detergent-dispensing and draining system can be compromised.

Routine, thorough cleaning prevents these common issues and protects your investment. Not only will you enjoy fresh-smelling, truly sanitized dishes, but you’ll also extend the useful life and optimize the performance of your Westinghouse appliance—making every cycle count.

Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start the cleaning process, it’s important to gather the right supplies. Using the appropriate tools and cleansers will help you achieve the best results and avoid damaging sensitive parts of your Westinghouse dishwasher. Cleaning your dishwasher doesn’t require any specialty products, but choosing gentle, non-abrasive materials ensures longevity and safety for your machine.

Essential Tools and Cleaners

You’ll want to have the following ready before you begin: white vinegar (for sanitizing and removing limescale), baking soda (for odor removal and gentle abrasiveness), a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge for surfaces, a small soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) for corners and filter cleaning, and a dishwasher-safe bowl to hold your vinegar during cleaning cycles. These household items are safe for use on both stainless steel and plastic interiors and do an excellent job at breaking down dirt and grease.

What to Avoid Using

While it may be tempting to reach for strong chemical cleaners, especially bleach or harsh abrasive powders, these products can do more harm than good. Bleach and strong chemicals can damage the stainless steel interior and plastic parts, while abrasive pads and scrubbers may scratch surfaces or compromise the integrity of seals and gaskets. Always consult your Westinghouse dishwasher’s user manual for manufacturer-recommended cleaning products and steer clear of anything not explicitly approved.

3 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Westinghouse Dishwasher Interior

Thoroughly cleaning the inside of your Westinghouse dishwasher will help eliminate grime and odors, safeguard performance, and prevent future buildup. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step process for achieving the best results.

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher and Remove Racks

First, make sure the dishwasher is completely empty. Remove all dishes, cutlery, and any food debris that might be loose at the bottom. Next, carefully pull out the upper and lower racks. Most racks lift out or slide off easily, but check for any clips or latches according to your model’s manual. Removing the racks gives you complete access to the tub, spray arms, and filter, making cleaning safer and more effective.

Step 2: Clean the Dishwasher Filter

The filter is the heart of your dishwasher’s cleaning efficiency. It traps food particles and prevents them from being redeposited onto your dishes. Locate the filter at the bottom center of the dishwasher, often below the lower spray arm. Turn or unlock the filter cover according to instructions—most filters twist counterclockwise and lift out.

Once removed, rinse all parts of the filter thoroughly under warm running water. Use your brush to scrub away stuck-on debris and grease; pay special attention to crevices, as this is where odors and bacteria often collect. If your filter is in multiple pieces, separate them to access all surfaces. After cleaning, reassemble the filter and set it aside until you’re ready to put it back.

Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms

Spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher and are critical for proper cleaning. Over time, tiny food particles, seeds, or minerals can clog the small holes in the spray arms, reducing washing power. Gently lift out both the lower and upper spray arms as instructed in your user guide. Hold each spray arm up to the light; you should see clear holes.

Use a toothpick, straightened paperclip, or fine wire to poke out any visible clogs in the spray arm holes, taking care not to damage the plastic. Rinse the arms under running water while shaking gently so that any loosened debris is washed away. Wipe the spray arms with a damp cloth or sponge if necessary. Once they’re clean and clear, set them aside.

With the racks, filter, and spray arms removed, wipe down the exposed interior walls, corners, and around the door edges with your cloth or sponge. Don’t forget to clean under the door lip, which is a common area for buildup.

Deep Cleaning Cycles for a Sparkling Finish

Manual cleaning removes debris and buildup, but the next step is to sanitize and deodorize the dishwasher with deep cleaning cycles. This approach targets hard-to-see bacteria and mineral deposits in lines and crevices.

The Vinegar Rinse Cycle

Pour one to two cups of white vinegar into your dishwasher-safe bowl and place it securely on the top rack. Do not add detergent or dishes at this stage. Close the door and run the hottest, longest wash cycle available. The heat and acidity of the vinegar work together to dissolve grease, soap scum, and mineral scale. Vinegar’s natural antibacterial properties also help eliminate lingering germs.

If hard water is a persistent problem in your area, consider repeating the vinegar rinse once a month to minimize scaling and keep the machine running efficiently. After the cycle, check for any stubborn stains; you can wipe these away with the sponge now that they’ve been softened.

The Baking Soda Deodorizing Cycle

After completing the vinegar wash, remove the bowl. Sprinkle about one cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Baking soda is a gentle, food-safe abrasive and natural deodorizer. Select a short, hot water cycle—such as “Rinse Only”—and run the dishwasher empty. This cycle will neutralize any lingering odors, brighten the interior, and tackle tough stains that vinegar alone may not remove.

Combining these two cycles ensures not just a clean but a fresh-smelling and sanitized dishwasher. After the cycles are complete, leave the door ajar for a few hours to allow air circulation and ensure the tub and seals dry completely, which helps prevent mold and mildew.

Cleaning the Exterior of Your Westinghouse Dishwasher

While the inside of your dishwasher is essential to clean, don’t overlook the exterior. A well-maintained appliance not only functions better but looks great in your kitchen, too.

Wiping Down the Door and Control Panel

Start with the front door, handle, and electronic touchpad or button controls. Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge with warm water, then add a tiny drop of mild dish soap if needed. Wipe all external surfaces gently, paying special attention to spots that collect fingerprints or food splatters. For stainless steel finishes, wipe with the grain to avoid streaks. Avoid excessive water around electronic controls and never spray cleaner directly onto the control panel—apply it to your cloth instead. Dry the door and controls with a clean towel to prevent streaking and protect the electronics.

Don’t Forget the Door Seal

The rubber gasket, or seal, around the door edge keeps water inside during cycles—but it’s also a haven for mold, mildew, and food residue. Periodically inspect the seal for dirt or black spots, which indicate mold growth. Dampen your cloth or use your toothbrush to carefully wipe and scrub the gasket and the edges where buildup may occur. Do not use harsh chemicals or sharp objects, as these can degrade or tear the seal, causing leaks. Once clean, dry thoroughly so no moisture is left behind.

Creating a Routine Maintenance Schedule

Keeping your Westinghouse dishwasher performing at its best is much easier with a consistent routine. Adopting regular habits prevents bacterial growth, buildup, and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.

Daily: Before loading dishes, scrape off excess food scraps into the trash or compost. Avoid rinsing plates unless food is heavily stuck—modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle typical residue.

Weekly: At least once a week, quickly inspect and wipe down the door seal to prevent mold buildup. Check the filter for any large debris or particles that could cause a blockage, and give it a quick rinse if needed.

Monthly: Set aside time once every month to carry out a comprehensive clean. Remove and thoroughly clean the filter and spray arms, wipe down the tub and door edges, and run the vinegar and baking soda cleaning cycles consecutively as described earlier.

These simple efforts will save you time and frustration in the long run, keep odors at bay, and minimize the risk of costly repairs. Set reminders if needed so this important maintenance never gets left behind.

Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Odors and Issues

Even with the best intentions, dishwashers can sometimes develop unusual smells, leave dishes dirty, or create spots on glassware. Most of these issues are a result of the exact types of buildup that routine cleaning addresses.

If you detect a persistent musty or foul odor, check the filter first—the majority of dishwasher smells originate from trapped food particles. Remove, rinse, and brush the filter as described above. Next, make sure the spray arms aren’t clogged with debris that could interfere with rinsing and washing effectiveness.

Cloudy glassware or white film usually points to limescale buildup or rinsing issues, especially if your area has hard water. Running the vinegar rinse cycle more frequently can help dissolve these minerals, while occasionally using a rinse aid can improve the final results.

Should you notice water not draining or pooling at the bottom of the tub, first clean out the filter and check for blockages in the spray arms and drain area. Regular maintenance, as detailed in this guide, will resolve nearly all of these routine issues and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Conclusion

In summary, taking the time to learn how to clean Westinghouse dishwasher models and performing regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your appliance functioning at its best. Not only will it ensure that your dishes are consistently washed and sanitized, but it can also save you money on costly repairs or replacements in the long run.

Moreover, by properly caring for your dishwasher, you can extend its lifespan, reduce energy consumption, and contribute to a more eco-friendly household. So don’t wait until there’s a problem to start maintaining your dishwasher – make it a part of your routine cleaning tasks and enjoy the benefits of a clean appliance every day. Happy dishwashing!