Does your dishwasher sometimes smell a little… funky? Even after a wash cycle, you might notice a faint, unwelcome odor. It’s frustrating when the machine meant to clean your dishes seems a bit grubby itself! You deserve sparkling dishes and a fresh-smelling appliance every time.
Choosing the perfect dishwasher cleaner can feel like a chore in itself. Should you use a tablet, a liquid, or a powder? Do certain brands work better on hard water buildup? These questions pile up, and you just want a simple solution that actually works without breaking the bank.
This post cuts through the confusion. We break down the best dishwasher cleaners on the market. You will learn exactly what to look for to tackle grease, hard water stains, and those lingering smells for good. Get ready to keep your machine running like new!
Top Dishwasher Cleaner Recommendations
- NO. 1 RECOMMENDED DISHWASHER CLEANER brand by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana and JennAir.* *affresh products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, foggy limescale and mineral deposits hiding deep inside the dishwasher’s pump, filter, tub, valve, drain, washer arms and recirculation hoses to help optimize appliance performance.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT DISHES. Unlike other brands, affresh dishwasher cleaner is safe to use while running a full load.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Liquid Dishwasher Cleaner targets hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and limescale in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
- IMPROVES DISHWASHER PERFORMANCE: Your dishwasher cleans dishware better with Finish dish washer machine cleaner.
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER HEALTH: Use every 3 months to help keep your dishwasher clean and performing at its best.
- 5X MORE CLEANING PERFORMANCE: Finish dishwasher cleaners have 5X more cleaning performance than dishwasher cleaner tablets.
- Wide Compatibility - ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is suitable for Most Residential or Commercial Automatic Dishwashing Units. Compatible with GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana models, all styles including plastic & stainless steel. To ensure proper cleaning, we recommend to monitor your dishwasher during cycle. If you see any foam or water leaking from the machine, stop dishwasher and allow foam and water to drain before continuing
- Deep Descaling Formula - Make your dish washing appliance shine. Removes hardwater, lime, scale, grime, grease, stain and more with a simple citric acid powder diswasher cleaning agent. Removes gunk spot and can help prevent clog and clear out foam in jet, tubes, and filter area.
- Fresh Odor Eliminator - Dual action freshener booster tablet for smelly dishwashers. ACTIVE Dishwasher cleaner's Natural Lemon-citrus Scent leaves your dishwaser smelling and looking good.
- Monthly Maintenance Solution - Keep your dishmachine cleaned with ACTIVE kitchen cleaning supplies. Use single or 2 treatment tabs per month. Place pod inside empty disheasher, run a self clean or regular dishwash to restore your machine. If extra cleaning is needed, always perform two separate cleaning cycles with a single tablet each, adding more cleaner can result in excess foam that effects function.
- Bulk 24 Count Kit - Contains 24 ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets - You're set for a year or more. That's our Best Value Promise - Compare to product with less tablet or single-use liquids.
- NO. 1 RECOMMENDED DISHWASHER CLEANER brand by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana and JennAir.* *affresh products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, foggy limescale and mineral deposits hiding deep inside the dishwasher’s pump, filter, tub, valve, drain, washer arms and recirculation hoses to help optimize appliance performance.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT DISHES. Unlike other brands, affresh dishwasher cleaner is safe to use while running a full load.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- 12-Month Supply for Continuous Cleaning: Get a full year of heavy-duty cleaning with 24 powerful tablets, perfect for keeping your dishwasher running smoothly month after month.
- Lemon Fresh Scent: Experience a burst of freshness with every cycle! Bastion Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are infused with a delightful lemon scent, leaving your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.
- Deep Cleaning Action for a Spotless Dishwasher: Effectively removes grease, grime, limescale, and buildup, ensuring your dishwasher operates at peak performance and stays sparkling clean.
- Easy to use: Just place one tablet in the dishwasher's detergent compartment and run a normal wash cycle. No mess, no hassle – just an incredibly clean dishwasher ready for your next load.
- Protects and Extends Dishwasher Lifespan: Regular use helps prevent clogs, buildup, and unpleasant odors, extending the lifespan of your dishwasher and ensuring it continues to function optimally. Ideal for all major dishwasher brands.
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets target hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and grime in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
- NO EXTRA WASH CYCLE: Finish Cleaner Tablets work during your normal dish cycle—just drop one in the bottom of dishwasher and clean your machine while washing your dishes.
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER: Use once a month to help maintain your dishwasher health and keep your dishwasher clean.
- 100% MORE DEGREASING POWER: Powerful formula offers 100% more degreasing power vs. detergent alone.*
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Liquid Dishwasher Cleaner targets hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and limescale in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
- IMPROVES DISHWASHER PERFORMANCE: Your dishwasher cleans dishware better with Finish dish washer machine cleaner. *
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER HEALTH: Use every 3 months to help keep your dishwasher clean and performing at its best.
- 5X MORE CLEANING PERFORMANCE: Finish dishwasher cleaners have 5X more cleaning performance than dishwasher cleaner tablets.
- Powerful Disinfectant: Deep clean, freshen, and help maintain your dishwasher with our powerful cleaner. The quick, easy-to-use dishwasher cleaner helps break up dirty residue and buildup for a fresh appliance every day.
- Clean and Freshen: This liquid cleaning solution works to remove odor-causing buildup and residue from your dishwasher and other hidden areas. This formula is dishwasher, plumbing, and septic-friendly.
- EPA Safer Choice Approved*: Dishwashing machines can have lingering smells from trapped odor-causing food particles and buildup. It powerfully removes limescale, rust, grease, and buildup caused by hard water, detergent, and food residues.
- Easy To Use: Place bottle upside down in silverware basket and run machine on the hottest cycle. Use monthly or as needed to keep your dishwasher clean, deodorized, and performing like new. Please refer to the package for detailed instructions.
- Performance Guarantee: Our cleaning products come with a satisfaction guarantee. We will meet or exceed your expectations with our specially-formulated cleaners, proudly made in the USA
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dishwasher Cleaners
Your dishwasher works hard to keep your dishes sparkling. Over time, though, it can get greasy and smelly. A good dishwasher cleaner brings back that new-machine shine! This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label for these important features:
- Deep Cleaning Action: The cleaner must break down tough grease, soap scum, and mineral buildup (like hard water stains). Look for phrases like “heavy-duty” or “grease-cutting.”
- Odor Elimination: A great cleaner doesn’t just mask smells; it removes the source of the bad odors.
- Machine Safety: Ensure the product is safe for all dishwasher parts, including rubber seals and stainless steel interiors. Some strong chemicals can damage these parts.
- Ease of Use: Most cleaners come in liquid, powder, or tablet form. Tablets are often the easiest—you just drop one in and run a cycle.
Important Materials Inside the Cleaner
What makes these cleaners work? They use powerful, yet safe, ingredients. You will often see:
- Citric Acid: This is a natural acid that is excellent at dissolving hard water scale and rust stains. It is often used in eco-friendly formulas.
- Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents that grab onto grease and dirt so the water can wash them away.
- Enzymes: These are special proteins that “eat” food particles and fats that get stuck inside the machine.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all cleaners perform the same. What makes one better than another?
What Improves Quality:
- Concentration: A highly concentrated formula means you need less product for a powerful clean.
- Dual-Action Formulas: The best cleaners clean the machine *and* protect it from future buildup.
What Reduces Quality:
- Heavy Bleach Use: While bleach cleans, overuse can degrade plastic and rubber parts in your dishwasher over time.
- Weak Scent Masking: If the cleaner only covers up smells instead of removing the cause, the smell will return quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner affects your experience. Most cleaners require you to run an empty dishwasher on the hottest, longest cycle available.
Common Use Cases:
- Routine Maintenance: Running a cleaner once a month keeps your machine running efficiently. This prevents slow draining and poor cleaning of your dishes.
- After Repair: If your dishwasher was recently repaired or sat unused for a long time, a deep clean is necessary before you use it for food again.
- Dealing with Smells: If you notice a sour or musty smell, run a cleaning cycle immediately.
Good user experience means the process is simple. Tablets that sit securely in the utensil basket or bottle caps that self-dispense during the cycle are very convenient.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dishwasher Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: Most experts suggest cleaning your dishwasher once a month for regular use. If you have very hard water or use your dishwasher daily, consider cleaning it every two to three weeks.
Q: Can I use vinegar instead of a store-bought cleaner?
A: Yes, white vinegar is a good, natural option for light cleaning and deodorizing. Pour two cups in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot cycle. However, commercial cleaners often contain stronger agents for heavy grease.
Q: Will dishwasher cleaner damage my stainless steel interior?
A: Quality cleaners are safe for stainless steel. Avoid cleaners with very harsh, undiluted acids or strong chlorine bleach if your machine has stainless steel parts.
Q: Should I put dishes in the dishwasher when I run the cleaner?
A: No. Dishwasher cleaners are designed to clean the machine itself. Always run the cleaning cycle when the dishwasher is completely empty.
Q: What is the difference between a dishwasher cleaner and rinse aid?
A: Rinse aid helps water sheet off your dishes so they dry faster and prevents water spots. A dishwasher cleaner cleans the inside of the machine where food and soap scum hide.
Q: Why does my dishwasher still smell after using a cleaner?
A: The cleaner may not have removed all the gunk, or the smell might be coming from the drain hose. Try running a second cycle with a stronger cleaner or check the drain hose connection.
Q: Can I use a dishwasher cleaner in a regular washing machine?
A: No. Dishwasher cleaners are formulated for the high heat and water pressure of a dishwasher. They might not work well or could even clog a washing machine.
Q: How do I know if my dishwasher actually needs cleaning?
A: Look for white, chalky buildup on the racks or spray arms. If your dishes come out looking cloudy, or if you notice standing water after the cycle finishes, it definitely needs a clean.
Q: Are tablet cleaners better than liquid ones?
A: Tablets are often easier to use because they are pre-measured. Liquid cleaners sometimes allow you to control the amount used, which can be helpful for very small or lightly used machines.
Q: How long does a cleaning cycle usually take?
A: Since you must use the hottest, longest cycle, expect the cleaning cycle to take between 60 and 90 minutes, just like a normal heavy-duty wash.