How to Clean a Frigidaire Dishwasher

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: February 5, 2021 References

If you have a Frigidaire Dishwasher, cleaning it is similar to how you would clean any other model. To clean the exterior, you just need and soap and water. Frigidaire washers are self-cleaning, so you only need to put some vinegar in the dishwasher and allow it to run. Make sure to avoid harsh, chemical cleaners as these can damage your dishwasher.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Exterior

1
Get a dish cloth damp. Dip a dish rag in warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish detergent over a chemical cleaner. Ring the rag out slightly so it's just damp.^{[1]
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2
Wipe the exterior with the damp cloth. Wipe down the door with the damp cloth. Wipe off any spills, smudges, or fingerprints. The exterior should look clean and shiny when you're done.^{[2]
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3
Rinse the outer door. Get a cloth damp with clear water. Rinse down the exterior of the dishwasher until the water from the cloth runs clean. Then, pat the dishwasher dry with a towel.^{[3]
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- Make sure to rinse your dishwasher completely. Leaving residue on the dishwasher can cause damage.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Interior

1
Empty the glass trap. Frigidaire dishwashers have a glass trap that collect shattered glass. Empty this when cleaning. Grasp the glass trap's handle and push down as you turn it 90 degrees clockwise. Grab onto the spray arm to lift the glass trap out of the dishwasher. Empty the broken glass into a garbage bag. Place the trap back into its slow and turn it 90 degrees counter clockwise until it clicks back in place.^{[4]
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- Make sure to empty the glass into a heavy, thick bag to avoid getting poked.
2
Remove the dish racks and then clean the interior. Removing the racks lets you clean the interior completely.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.} Use a sponge or towel to sweep up any debris or bits of loose food. Inspect the drain carefully. If you notice any gunk blocking the drain, wipe it off.^{[6]
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3
Wipe down the interior. Use a damp cloth and mild dish detergent to wipe down the interior of the dishwasher. Wipe off any spills, dirt, or food residue from the sides of the dishwasher. When you're done, put the tray back in place.^{[7]
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- This is not always necessary. You only need to wipe down the sides if there is an abnormal amount of gunk and debris built up. If you clean your dishwasher regularly, you can probably skip this step.
4
Allow the dishwasher to self-clean. Frigidaire dishwashers clean themselves automatically during regular cycles.^{[8]
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Research source} Empty all dishes from the dishwasher. Then, place a cup filled with white vinegar on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on the longest cycle. This should sanitize the dishwasher and remove unwanted smells.^{[9]
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- If your dishwasher is very dirty, you may need to run a cycle with vinegar more than once.
- Make sure the cup you put in place is secure. You do not want it to come undone and break during the cleaning cycle.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

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Do not use harsh chemical cleaners. Harsh chemical cleaners should not be used on Frigidaire products. They can cause damage.^{[10]
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Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.}Stick to mild cleaners, like dish detergent, or non-chemical cleaners like vinegar when cleaning your fridge.
2
Make sure to remove gunk and food before running a clean cycle. Many people neglect to sweep the bottom of the dishwasher before running a cleaning cycle. Make sure you do not forget this vital step. If gunk sticks on the bottom of the dishwasher too long, it could clog the drain and cause serious problems.^{[11]
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3
Dispose of glass safely. When emptying the glass trap, make sure to take care when handling any broken glass. Wrap glass in plastic wrap and then set it in a cardboard box. Close the box and seal it with tape. Write something like "Danger" on the box to indicate it contains sharp materials before throwing it in the trash.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What is a natural way to clean the inside of a dishwasher?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Use baking soda to clean your dishwasher by hand. Take out any easily removable parts, like the rack and the filter. Then, mix together baking soda and water and apply the paste to your dishwasher with a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth. Wipe down the inside and the parts you removed. Rinse the parts off with water, then run a short hot-water cycle to finish cleaning the inside of the machine
Question

I took the dishwasher apart to clean it, and now I don't know how to put it back together. What do I do?

Community Answer

Find the model number on the side of the dishwasher and look up the owner's manual. There should be a schematic showing how the pieces fit together. There may even be videos available showing your exact model.
Question

My dishwasher doesn’t drain completely. When I open the door long after the cycle is finished the bottom is full of dirty water. What can I do?

Community Answer

Make sure there is no food at the bottom that is blocking the drainage. Also, if your dishwasher is connected to a food disposal, make sure this one has no food.