Just like any appliance, your Whirlpool dishwasher needs regular cleaning and maintenance. If you’ve let it go a little long between cleans, don’t give up! We created this comprehensive, step-by-step guide to walk you through how to deep clean your Whirlpool dishwasher. You’ll have it looking brand new in no time at all.
This guide applies to all main models of Whirlpool dishwashers, including:
7DP840CWDB0
7DP840CWDB1
7DU840CWDB0
7DU840CWDB1
7DU900PCDB0
7DU900PCDQ0
7DU900PCDQ1
7DU900PCDQ2
7TUD4000EB0
WDF520PADM7
WDT710PAYM3
WDT710PAYM5
WDT710PAYM6
WDT720PADM0
WDT720PADM1
WDT720PADM2
WDT750SAHZ0
WDT780SAEM1
WDT780SAEM2
WDT970SAHZ0
WDTA50SAHZ0
You will need:
The first step to cleaning your Whirlpool dishwasher is to clean the filter and housing. Over time, the filter can become filled with food remains and other debris, causing a blockage. When the filter is blocked, your dishes won’t get cleaned effectively, and the interior of your dishwasher can get even dirtier.
To clean the filter:
Next, it’s time to clean inside the dishwasher. Take out the racks, spray arms, and cutlery basket, and thoroughly wipe down the interior with a soft cloth and mild detergent. In Whirlpool dishwasher models the arms can be unscrewed—the top one unscrews clockwise and the bottom one counterclockwise.
When cleaning the interior, make sure you pay special attention to the detergent dispenser unit. This often has a buildup of detergent and may require some scrubbing with a brush to get it perfectly clean.
Now it’s time to clean the spray arms. Although they might look clean on the outside, spray arms can often get blocked with mildew or food debris, which can prevent water from flowing through them.
To clean the spray arms:
The dishwasher seals ensure that your Whirlpool dishwasher shuts tightly, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Thoroughly cleaning the seals is a great way to get rid of any lingering smells, and also ensure that they’re working optimally. If the seals are dirty or moldy, they won’t allow the door to shut effectively, which can lead to leaks.
To clean your dishwasher seals:
After thoroughly cleaning the inside of your Whirlpool dishwasher, it’s time to clean the outside. Use a clean, soft cloth to carefully wipe down the entire outside of the dishwasher. Pay special attention to the keypad and the door handle, as these are the areas grime tends to accumulate.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the outside, dry the dishwasher with a dry microfiber cloth. If your dishwasher is a stainless steel model, it will show streaks if it isn’t dried and polished, so ensure you dry it thoroughly.
It’s easy for dust and grime to gather underneath the dishwasher or down the sides. When deep cleaning your dishwasher, you may want to clean the areas surrounding the dishwasher as well, to ensure everything is perfectly clean.
If your dishwasher is easy to remove, pull it away from the wall—this will make it easier to clean. If it’s screwed into place, just clean around it.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to vacuum up any loose dust and debris. Then use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any remaining hard-to-reach grime. Once you’ve finished, put the dishwasher back neatly in place if you removed it.
Now it’s time to put everything back together and run a final cleaning cycle. Replace the spray arms, the filter, the racks, and the cutlery basket. Run a final cleaning cycle to sterilize the interior of the dishwasher and get rid of any lingering pieces of debris.
Congratulations! Your Whirlpool dishwasher is now clean, disinfected, and ready to wash your dishes efficiently once again.
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