Are your dishes coming out of the dishwasher dirty? Don’t worry, there’s an easy fix – you just have to give the machine a good cleaning.
Not only will that give you sparkly clean dishes but it’ll also prevent a smelly dishwasher.
What’s the best way to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher? Can you use dish soap? What about vinegar and baking soda?
We’ll be going over how to clean the appliance – including the dishwasher tub and dishwasher door below!
Table of Contents
ToggleImportance of Cleaning Your Whirlpool Dishwasher
A well-maintained and clean Whirlpool dishwasher is crucial when it comes to its performance.
While dishwashers are designed to remove food debris from your dishes, some small pieces may end up trapped in various parts of the machine over time, such as the spray arms or filter assembly.
These bits can affect cleaning performance if not addressed.
The Role of a Clean Filter
A vital part of maintaining a sparkling-clean appliance involves regular care for the dishwasher filter. It’s specifically designed to trap food particles that would otherwise redeposit on your dishes during cycles or clog up important components, affecting both short-cycle and normal-cycle functions.
If neglected, this could cause issues with water drainage and leave stubborn stains on dishes after they’ve been washed.
Cleaning The Interior Matters Too

It’s also important to clean the interior as buildup can prevent water from reaching all surfaces inside, which would effectively reduce the machine’s efficiency during hot water cycles.
To avoid these complications and maintain a smoothly running kitchen helper, regular maintenance is key.
Using quality products like ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner makes it easier than ever to keep dishwashing machines performing at their best – be sure to include it in your routine.
Problems Caused by Neglecting Dishwasher Cleaning
Cleaning your Whirlpool dishwasher regularly is more than just a chore; it’s essential for its optimal performance.
However, many overlook this task and face issues that can turn serious over time.
Impact on Dishwasher’s Pump
When you don’t clean the appliance frequently, food particles can build up in nooks and crannies. Over time, these particles may lead to water spots on dishes or cause foul smells in your kitchen.
The real issue arises when the accumulated debris starts clogging the pump of your dishwasher. A clogged pump will drastically reduce your dishwasher’s performance as it cannot circulate water effectively during cycles anymore.
Foul smells and reduced cleaning efficiency are mere inconveniences compared to potential damage to one of the most crucial components—the pump itself.
With all those unwanted food bits swirling around inside, they can jam up things leading to costly repairs.
Why ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is the Best Solution
When it comes to maintaining a sparkling clean Whirlpool dishwasher, nothing beats the power of ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets. These little wonders are specially designed to give your appliance an effective deep clean.

The beauty of these cleaning tablets lies in their ability to remove stubborn stains that often accumulate over time. They don’t just stop at making your dishwasher’s interior shine; they also play a vital role in improving its performance.
If you’re wondering how this works, let me break it down for you: When food debris and residue build up inside your dishwasher components like the spray arms or filters, they can prevent water from flowing freely.
That can reduce the machine’s cleaning efficiency and may leave spots on dishes even after a wash cycle.
Besides tackling stains head-on, using ACTIVE tablets will also help prevent issues by ensuring all parts get thoroughly cleaned. So not only do you end up with visibly cleaner interiors but you’ll also be able to enjoy optimal performance from your Whirlpool dishwasher.
How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher with ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets
For the best results, we recommend using an ACTIVE tablet once every month; that will keep residues and odors at bay.
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher

Start by emptying the dishwasher. Make sure there’s nothing left on the racks or trays.
Step 2: Add ACTIVE Tablet

Unwrap one ACTIVE Cleaner Tablet and place it in the detergent dispenser tray.
Step 3: Run the Dishwasher

Run a ‘normal’ wash cycle. The ACTIVE tablet will automatically work its magic once it’s exposed to water.
Step 4: Let the Dishwasher Air Dry

Once the wash cycle is finished, open the dishwasher door and let it air dry.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner
- Empty dishwasher
ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner
Clean and refresh your Whirlpool dishwasher quickly and easily.

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Cleaning the Other Parts of a Whirlpool Dishwasher
Your dishwasher needs regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Here’s how you can deep clean your Whirlpool dishwasher using ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets.
Cleaning The Filter
The lower filter assembly traps food debris during the water cycle, preventing clogs and keeping dishes clean. However, over time this collected grime can hinder your dishwasher’s performance. That’s why it’s so important to clean the filter regularly.
Supplies:
- Soapy water
- Scrub brush

Step 1:
To keep your Whirlpool dishwasher filter clean, first remove all dishes from the dish rack.

Step 2:
Take out the lower spray arm and lift up on the cylindrical part of the filter to get it out.

Step 3:
Run warm soapy water through it with a scrub brush until no more residue comes off.
Once it’s clean, place the filter back into the dishwasher.
Cleaning The Spray Arms
The spray arms also need attention to ensure they don’t harbor stubborn stains or residue that could affect your appliance’s cleaning efficiency.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Soft-bristle brush
- Large container or bucket
- Warm soapy water
- Screwdriver (optional)
Step 1:
Carefully unscrew and detach the upper and lower spray arms. Depending on the model, you may need to use a screwdriver to access the parts.

Step 2:
Fill a large container or bucket with water and add one cup of white vinegar.

Step 3:
Place the spray arms in the solution. Allow them to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. The vinegar will help break down any residue or mineral deposits on the arms.
Rinse with water afterwards.

You can use toothpicks or pipe cleaners to clean the spray holes in the arms.
Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher
Let’s dig into some additional tips that can help you maintain your Whirlpool dishwasher and keep it sparkling clean.
Using Baking Soda or Vinegar

If stubborn stains are giving you trouble, don’t fret. A natural solution is at hand – that is, you can use baking soda or distilled white vinegar.
Just remember to do this on an empty load. Start by adding two cups of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the bottom rack. Run a short cycle with hot water. That will dislodge any stuck food particles and eliminate odors.
In the case of tough stains, sprinkle one cup of baking soda in the bottom after running the vinegar cycle then run another short hot water cycle. This combo will works wonders to refresh your dishwasher interior without harming its components.
Running Short Cycles Regularly
Rinsing dishes before loading them into your machine helps trap food particles preventing clogs but running regular short cycles is also key to keeping things flowing smoothly.
You might ask why. Well, even when not heavily loaded, quick washes help to prevent build-up within the spray arms, ensuring optimal cleaning performance during normal cycles.
Note: Routine cleaning of the dishwasher filter, done in just a few minutes with warm soapy water and a soft brush is crucial in preventing nasty clogs.
How to Deal with Standing Water in Your Dishwasher
If you find standing water in your Whirlpool dishwasher, it’s often due to a clogged filter or drain hose. Don’t fret. Try these tips to get rid of that troublesome pool.
Cleaning the Drain Hose
The first thing we need is hot water and our ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets. But before we start, make sure there isn’t any debris stuck inside the dishwasher filter. Get this done by giving your dishwasher filter a quick clean.

Once clear, let’s turn our attention towards the drain hose. The trick here is similar – eliminate whatever’s causing the blockage.
A clog could be stubborn at times but don’t worry because ACTIVE has got your back.
Our cleaner can handle even tough jobs like these. Dissolve an ACTIVE tablet into warm water and pour this solution into the drain line through an accessible opening (usually found under your sink).
Let it sit for about 15 minutes; during which time, it works its magic on dissolving those hard-to-reach food particles and grease deposits that might have caused trouble in paradise.
Afterwards, flush out all that gunk with more hot water until everything runs freely again.
How to Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher – FAQs
How do I self clean my Whirlpool dishwasher?
You can kick off a self-clean by running a hot water cycle with ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets or vinegar, sans dishes.
How do I clean the filter in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
To scrub your filter, pull it out from its slot, rinse under warm water and brush off debris before popping back in.
Can I use vinegar to clean my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Absolutely. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into a container on the lower rack and run an empty cycle for effective cleaning. Keep in mind, however, that it may not be as effective as using a dedicated cleaner like ACTIVE.
How to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher without removable filter?
If your model lacks a removable filter, opt for regular hot cycles using either ACTIVE cleaner tablets or distilled white vinegar instead.
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