Mold inside a dishwasher is removed by scrubbing visible growth from the seals, filter, and tub with soap and water, then running an empty hot cycle with white vinegar followed by baking soda.
That black speckling on the rubber door seal or the musty smell when you open the dishwasher after a cycle are both signs of mold taking hold in a warm, damp environment. The fix requires cleaning the four places mold actually hides — not just the tub — and finishing with a two-step deodorizing cycle that leaves the interior fresh. Here is the exact sequence that works for standard residential dishwashers.
Where Mold Hides Inside a Dishwasher
Mold needs moisture and food particles to grow, and a dishwasher provides both in several hard-to-see spots. The most common hiding places are the rubber door gasket, the filter and drain area, the spray arm nozzles, and the seams where water pools. A cleaning that misses any of these leaves behind the spores that will recolonize the interior within days. Southern Living’s cleaning guide emphasizes that the door seal and filter are the two most neglected areas during routine cleaning.
Step-by-Step: Clean the Mold Out
1. Remove All Debris and Removable Parts
Start with an empty dishwasher. Pull out the bottom and top racks, the utensil basket, and the filter assembly (if your model has a removable filter — most modern dishwashers do). Check the owner’s manual for the specific filter release mechanism; many twist counterclockwise and lift out. Scrape any large food debris from the drain opening and spray arms by hand.
2. Scrub the Interior and Seals
Use hot water and dish soap with a soft sponge, a toothbrush, or a non-abrasive scrub brush. Work on these areas in order:
- Door gasket: Pull the rubber seal gently to expose the folds and crevices, then scrub thoroughly. This is where most black mold spots first appear.
- Filter and drain: Scrub the filter mesh gently to avoid tearing it. Clean the drain opening and the strainer or rotor under the filter.
- Spray arms: Clear any debris from the nozzles. If they are removable, rinse them under running water.
- Tub corners and seams: Scrub where the walls meet the bottom and around the detergent dispenser.
Rinse everything with clean water. The goal here is to remove any visible mold and the food residue it feeds on.
3. Run a Vinegar Cycle
Place a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl filled with one cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack. Run a full hot cycle with no dishes inside. The vinegar’s acidity helps break down remaining mold residue and deodorizes the interior.
4. Run a Baking Soda Cycle
After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle about one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub. Run a short hot cycle. This neutralizes any lingering odors and further cleans the interior surfaces.
5. Dry the Interior Fully
After the final cycle, prop the dishwasher door open a few inches and let the interior air-dry completely. Moisture left inside is the fastest way to invite mold to return. Leave the door cracked between cycles as a daily habit.
When Bleach Is Safe (and When It’s Not)
Some sources recommend adding one cup of bleach in a bleach-safe bowl on the top rack and running a full cycle for deep sanitization. However, Home Depot’s cleaning instructions and other manufacturer guidance stress that bleach should only be used if the owner’s manual explicitly permits it. Bleach can damage rubber seals, stainless steel components, and certain internal plastics. Never mix bleach with vinegar or any other cleaner — the combination produces toxic chlorine gas. If your manual allows bleach, run the bleach cycle as a separate step from the vinegar-baking soda routine.
Common Mistakes That Let Mold Come Back
The biggest error is cleaning only the visible tub while leaving the gasket, filter, and drain untouched. Using abrasive pads on the rubber seal or filter mesh also damages those surfaces, creating rough spots where mold clings even tighter. And closing the dishwasher door immediately after a cycle traps steam and humidity that regrows mold faster than any one-time cleaning can prevent.
For readers who want to skip the DIY approach, there are effective commercial options available. We tested the best dishwasher cleaners for mold to help you choose one that works with your machine and addresses persistent growth.
FAQs
Can I use vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle?
No. Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, so combining them neutralizes each other’s cleaning power. Run the vinegar cycle first, then the baking soda cycle separately as described above.
How often should I clean dishwasher mold?
Run the vinegar-baking soda routine once a month as preventive maintenance. If you already have visible mold, clean the interior thoroughly by the steps above and then continue with monthly cycles to keep it away.
Is it safe to run the dishwasher with mold inside?
Running cycles with mold present can spread spores onto dishes and into the air. Clean visible mold before running future cycles, and always use the hottest, longest setting when cleaning.
References & Sources
- Southern Living. “How to Get Rid of Mold in a Dishwasher.” Provides step-by-step cleaning guidance and identifies the door seal and filter as common mold hiding places.
- Home Depot. “How to Clean a Dishwasher.” Includes instructions for bleach-based cleaning and cautions about checking the owner’s manual.
- Living Etc. “How to Remove Mold from a Dishwasher.” Covers safe cleaning tools and the importance of drying the interior to prevent regrowth.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.