You use your Whirlpool dishwasher every day to clean your dishes, but have you ever noticed it doesn’t seem as fresh or clean as it should? Maybe it smells a little funny, or the dishes come out with spots or stuck-on bits of food. This can happen if your dishwasher is dirty inside, even if it doesn’t have a removable filter to clean out. Don’t worry! Cleaning a Whirlpool dishwasher without a removable filter is possible and not too hard. Let me show you step-by-step how to make your dishwasher work great again.
Understanding Your Whirlpool Dishwasher and Why Cleaning Is Important
Before we jump into cleaning, you need to understand a few things about your Whirlpool dishwasher. Some models don’t have a removable filter, which means cleaning them is a little different than other dishwashers. Even without a removable filter, your dishwasher still collects food bits, soap scum, grease, and hard water deposits. These can make your dishwasher smell bad, cause poor cleaning, or even damage the machine over time.
Why Cleaning Matters
If you don’t clean your dishwasher regularly, food and grease can build up inside. This can block the spray arms, clog the drain, and cause a bad smell. You might notice your dishes don’t come out clean or have spots and stains. A dirty dishwasher also uses more energy and water. Cleaning your dishwasher helps it run better, saves energy, and keeps your dishes sparkling.
How a Dishwasher Without a Removable Filter Works
Some Whirlpool dishwashers use a self-cleaning filter or trap hidden inside. This means you can’t take the filter out for cleaning, but you can still clean the whole dishwasher to keep it working well. You will clean the spray arms, the inside walls, the drain area, and run cleaning cycles to break down grease and food bits.
Understanding this helps you know where to clean and what tools and products you will need.
Tools and Cleaning Products You Will Need
- White vinegar (helps break down grease and kills germs)
- Baking soda (removes stains and freshens up smells)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush (for scrubbing)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Toothpick or needle (to clear spray arm holes)
- Dish soap (mild and gentle)
- Hot water
- A bowl or container for soaking parts (if needed)
Now that you know why cleaning your Whirlpool dishwasher without a removable filter is important and what tools you will need, let’s get into the full cleaning guide.
How to Clean the Inside of a Whirlpool Dishwasher Without Removing the Filter
Cleaning your dishwasher inside is the best way to keep it fresh and working well. Since you can’t remove the filter, you will focus on cleaning other important parts where dirt hides.
Step 1: Remove and Clean the Bottom Rack
First, pull out the bottom dish rack completely. This gives you easy access to the bottom of the dishwasher where most food particles and grime collect. Take a close look at the area under the rack. You might see bits of food, soap scum, or sticky grime.
Use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm soapy water to wipe all surfaces around the bottom. Make sure to clean corners and hard-to-reach spots. If you see stuck-on food, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub gently.
Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms are small plastic arms with holes that spray water during the wash cycle. They can get clogged with food bits or hard water minerals. To clean:
- Look under the spray arms and find the holes.
- Use a toothpick or needle to carefully poke into each hole to clear any blockage.
- Wipe the spray arms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
- If the spray arms are loose, gently remove them for better cleaning and rinse them in warm water.
- Make sure to put them back securely after cleaning.
Step 3: Wipe the Door Seals and Edges
The rubber seals around the dishwasher door can trap water and food debris. Wipe them carefully with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Pay attention to folds or crevices where mold or mildew might grow.
If you notice any mold or stubborn grime, make a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Dip your cloth in this and wipe the seals again. This helps kill mold and freshen the smell.
Step 4: Clean the Drain Area
Even if you can’t remove the filter, you can still clean the drain. The drain is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the spray arm.
Look carefully inside the drain opening. If you see any stuck food or debris, gently remove it with your fingers or a small brush. Be careful not to push debris further down.
Run your finger around the drain area to clean any slime or buildup.
Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle
Now that you’ve cleaned the physical parts, it’s time for a cleaning wash cycle.
Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Vinegar helps break down grease, remove odors, and kill bacteria.
Run a hot water cycle (usually the “heavy” or “normal” cycle). The vinegar steam will clean inside your dishwasher, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Step 6: Sprinkle Baking Soda and Run Another Cycle
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle about one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
Run a short hot water cycle (like a rinse or quick wash). Baking soda will help remove stains and freshen the dishwasher smell.
Step 7: Clean the Exterior
Don’t forget to clean the outside of your dishwasher. Use a damp cloth and mild dish soap to wipe the door, buttons, and handle.
For stainless steel surfaces, you can use a special cleaner or just wipe with vinegar for shine.
By following these steps regularly, your Whirlpool dishwasher without a removable filter will stay clean and work great for years.
How to Maintain Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Without a Removable Filter for Best Performance
Cleaning is just one part. To keep your dishwasher running smooth and cleaning dishes well, you need to do regular maintenance.
Run Your Dishwasher Regularly
Running your dishwasher often helps prevent buildup. If you don’t use it for days, food and water inside can get stale, causing smells and clogging.
Try to run the dishwasher at least once every few days, even if it’s only a short cycle.
Use the Right Dishwasher Detergent
Using good quality detergent that is made for your dishwasher helps reduce buildup. Avoid using too much detergent, as this can cause soap scum.
Check your manual or detergent package to use the correct amount for your water type (hard or soft).
Check and Clean Spray Arms Regularly
Every few weeks, check the spray arms for clogs. Use a toothpick to clean the holes if you notice weak spray or poor cleaning.
Cleaning spray arms often keeps the water flow strong.
Keep the Door Seals Dry
After each use, leave the dishwasher door slightly open to let moisture dry out. This stops mold and mildew from growing on seals.
Wipe the door seals weekly to remove moisture and dirt.
Use Dishwasher Cleaner Products Occasionally
If you want extra cleaning power, you can buy dishwasher cleaner products. These are specially made to clean inside dishwashers and remove tough buildup.
Use these once a month or as recommended.
Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher
Overloading stops water from reaching all dishes and parts inside. This causes food to stick and dishwasher to work harder.
Load dishes with space between them and follow your manual’s loading tips.
Inspect and Clean Drain Area Often
Check the drain area monthly. Even if you can’t remove the filter, you can clear any stuck food.
This helps prevent clogs and bad smells.
When to Call a Professional
If your dishwasher still smells bad, leaks, or doesn’t clean well after cleaning and maintenance, it might need a professional check.
A technician can clean hidden parts or repair problems.
By following these maintenance tips, you keep your Whirlpool dishwasher without a removable filter working strong and your dishes clean.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning and caring for your Whirlpool dishwasher without a removable filter may seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think. With simple steps like wiping, clearing spray arm holes, running vinegar and baking soda cycles, and regular maintenance, your dishwasher will stay fresh and clean. A clean dishwasher means better-smelling kitchen, spotless dishes, and a longer-lasting appliance. Take the time to clean your dishwasher regularly, and you will notice the difference every time you open it for a clean load of dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it necessary to clean a dishwasher without a removable filter?
Yes, it is necessary. Even if your Whirlpool dishwasher doesn’t have a removable filter, food particles, grease, and soap scum still build up inside. These can cause bad smells, poor cleaning, and damage to the machine. Regular cleaning keeps the dishwasher fresh and working well. Cleaning spray arms, the drain area, door seals, and running vinegar or baking soda cycles helps remove buildup and keep everything running smoothly.
Can I use vinegar to clean my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Yes, vinegar is very effective for cleaning dishwashers. It helps break down grease, removes bad smells, and kills bacteria. You can place a cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot cycle to clean inside your dishwasher. This is especially useful for dishwashers without removable filters because the vinegar steam can reach hard-to-clean areas. Just avoid using vinegar too often, as overuse may damage rubber seals.
Do I need to clean the spray arms if the dishwasher has no removable filter?
Yes, spray arms still need regular cleaning even if your dishwasher doesn’t have a removable filter. Spray arms have tiny holes that water sprays through during washing. These holes can get clogged with food bits or minerals from hard water. Use a toothpick or needle to clear the holes and wipe the arms with a cloth. This keeps water spraying evenly and your dishes cleaner.
Is it safe to use baking soda inside the dishwasher?
Yes, baking soda is safe and very helpful for cleaning. Sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and running a short hot cycle can remove stains and odors. Baking soda is gentle, non-toxic, and freshens the dishwasher. It’s a natural cleaning choice that works well after a vinegar cleaning cycle.
Can I remove any parts inside my Whirlpool dishwasher for cleaning?
If your model doesn’t have a removable filter, most internal parts like the filter or trap cannot be taken out. However, you can remove the bottom rack and sometimes the spray arms for easier cleaning. Always check your dishwasher’s manual before removing any parts to avoid damage. Cleaning without removing parts means more wiping and running cleaning cycles, but it’s still very effective.
Do I need to dry the door seals after every use?
It’s a good habit to keep door seals dry to prevent mold and mildew. After your dishwasher finishes, leaving the door slightly open allows moisture to escape and dry out. You can also wipe the seals with a cloth to remove water and dirt. Keeping the seals dry helps keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and prevents damage to the rubber.
Is it okay to use commercial dishwasher cleaners with no removable filter?
Yes, commercial dishwasher cleaners can be used safely in dishwashers without removable filters. These products are designed to clean hard-to-reach areas, break down grease, and remove mineral buildup. Use the cleaner as the package instructs, usually once a month. Commercial cleaners are a good extra step if your dishwasher has strong odors or buildup that vinegar and baking soda don’t fix.
Can overloading my dishwasher cause cleaning problems?
Yes, overloading the dishwasher can cause many problems. When dishes are packed too tightly, water and detergent can’t reach all surfaces. This leaves food stuck on dishes and can cause buildup inside the dishwasher. Overloading also blocks spray arms and reduces water flow. For best cleaning, load dishes with space between them and follow your dishwasher’s loading instructions.
