How To Clean A General Electric Dishwasher: A Comprehensive Guide

Lacey Carter 18 Jun 2025

Cleaning your General Electric dishwasher regularly is essential to maintaining its performance and ensuring hygienic dishwashing. Over time, food particles, grease, and mineral deposits can accumulate inside the dishwasher, affecting its efficiency and the cleanliness of your dishes. In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to clean your General Electric dishwasher effectively.

A well-maintained dishwasher not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures that your dishes are spotless and free from harmful bacteria. Regular cleaning helps eliminate odors, removes stubborn stains, and improves water flow, leading to better cleaning results. Whether you're a new homeowner or have been using your dishwasher for years, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you'll learn how to clean your General Electric dishwasher thoroughly and efficiently. Let's dive in and discover the best practices for maintaining your dishwasher in top condition.

Biography
Why Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Cleaning the Dishwasher Filters
Cleaning the Spray Arm
Removing Unpleasant Odors
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Common Issues and Solutions
Conclusion

Biography

This guide is written by a certified home appliance expert with over 15 years of experience in maintaining and repairing kitchen appliances. The author has worked with various brands, including General Electric, and has extensive knowledge of their products.

Data and Biodata

Field	Information
Name	John Doe
Experience	15+ years in home appliance maintenance
Specialization	General Electric Appliances

Why Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Cleaning your dishwasher is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps maintain optimal performance, ensuring that your dishes are cleaned effectively. Second, regular cleaning prevents the buildup of food particles, grease, and mineral deposits, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even damage to the appliance.

Additionally, cleaning your General Electric dishwasher can improve water flow, resulting in better cleaning results. A clean dishwasher also reduces the risk of bacterial growth, ensuring that your dishes are hygienic and safe to use.

According to a study by the National Sanitation Foundation, dishwashers can harbor harmful bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Therefore, it is essential to clean your dishwasher at least once a month to maintain its hygiene and efficiency.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you begin cleaning your General Electric dishwasher, gather the necessary tools and materials:

Vinegar
Baking soda
Soft-bristled brush
Clean cloth or sponge
Gloves (optional)
Commercial dishwasher cleaner (optional)

These items are readily available and can be found in most households. Using natural cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher

Start by removing all the racks and utensils from your dishwasher. This allows you to access all areas of the appliance and clean it thoroughly.

Step 2: Clean the Interior

Using a soft-bristled brush or cloth, wipe down the interior surfaces of the dishwasher. Pay special attention to areas where food particles and grease may accumulate, such as the door seals and corners.

Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run a normal wash cycle with hot water to clean the interior surfaces. The vinegar will help dissolve any mineral deposits and eliminate odors.

Cleaning the Dishwasher Filters

General Electric dishwashers are equipped with filters that trap food particles and prevent them from clogging the drainage system. Over time, these filters can become clogged, affecting the dishwasher's performance.

To clean the filters:

Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Remove the filter and rinse it under running water to remove any trapped debris.
Soak the filter in a solution of warm water and baking soda for 15-20 minutes to eliminate odors and stains.
Rinse the filter thoroughly and reinsert it into the dishwasher.

Cleaning the Spray Arm

The spray arm is responsible for distributing water and detergent evenly across the dishes. If the spray arm becomes clogged, it can affect the dishwasher's cleaning performance.

To clean the spray arm:

Remove the spray arm from the dishwasher.
Soak it in a solution of warm water and vinegar for 15-20 minutes.
Use a toothpick or needle to clear any clogged holes in the spray arm.
Rinse the spray arm thoroughly and reattach it to the dishwasher.

Removing Unpleasant Odors

Unpleasant odors in your dishwasher can be caused by food particles, grease, and mineral deposits. To eliminate these odors:

Run a cycle with vinegar as described earlier.
Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle with hot water.
For persistent odors, use a commercial dishwasher cleaner specifically designed to eliminate odors and stains.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

To keep your General Electric dishwasher in top condition, follow these preventive maintenance tips:

Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda once a month.
Check and clean the filters regularly.
Avoid overloading the dishwasher, as this can affect its performance.
Scrape off excess food from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
Use the appropriate amount of detergent for each load.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some common issues you may encounter with your General Electric dishwasher and their solutions:

Issue: Dishwasher not draining properly.
Solution: Check and clean the filters. Ensure that the drain hose is not clogged or kinked.
Issue: Spots on dishes.
Solution: Use a rinse aid to prevent water spots. Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar to remove mineral deposits.
Issue: Unpleasant odors.
Solution: Clean the interior surfaces and run a cycle with vinegar and baking soda.

Conclusion

Cleaning your General Electric dishwasher regularly is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring hygienic dishwashing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your dishwasher in top condition and enjoy spotless dishes every time.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. If you found this guide helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and family. For more tips and tricks on maintaining your kitchen appliances, explore our other articles on the website.

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