How To Clean A Frigidaire Dishwasher [Inc. The Filter]

It's no surprise that Fridigidaire dishwashers, like other dishwasher brands, can become very dirty with continued use. Things such as soap residue, food and grease build-up, and hard water can cause the inside of a dishwasher to easily develop a buildup of germs and stains--not to mention that it may emit foul odors if the filter is not cleaned. We've done a bit of research to find the best way to clean Frigidaire dishwashers, and in this post, we will discuss it.

Here we've outlined the steps to clean your Frigidaire dishwasher:

  1. Remove the dish racks.
  2. Clean the drain and filter.
  3. Check the spray arm.
  4. Clean the glass trap.
  5. Clean the interior walls.
  6. Run the self-cleaning setting.
  7. Wipe down the exterior door/latch.

Cleaning a Fridgidaire dishwasher is a pretty simple process. If you haven't cleaned the dishwasher in a while, or if you're someone who uses it frequently, you may have a few extra steps to complete to get it spic and span. Continue reading the details about the steps involved with cleaning a Frigidaire dishwasher. We'll also share some mildew, odor, and stain removal tips and how to keep your dishwasher draining smoothly.

A dishwashing rack with plates and glass on it, How to Clean A Frigidaire Dishwasher (Inc. The Filter)

How to Clean A Frigidaire Dishwasher

Unwashed dishes on a dishwasher

Things you'll need:

  • Cleaning sponge
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Cleaning gloves
  • Cream of tarter
  • 1 microfiber cloth
  • Vinegar
  • Stain/rust remover
  • Baking soda

1. Remove The Dish Racks

Before cleaning your dishwasher, be sure to remove the upper and lower dish racks by sliding them to the front and lightly lifting them up and out of the dishwasher. Removing them allows you easier access to the dishwasher's interior so you can clean all of the walls. Give the racks a quick wipe down with your damp dishcloth.

2. Clean the Drain & Filter

Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the door. You can use an all-purpose cleaner to clean the dishwasher or a homemade cleaner as well. When cleaning the door, be sure to open and wipe down the detergent dispenser to remove any caked up grime that may be present. Inspect the inside of the drain as well as the area around it. If you notice any foreign objects, remove them and toss them in the trash.

Press down and then lift out the filter and clean it out. You may want to spray the fine filter by running it under warm water. Ensure that you have thick rubber gloves on, as you don't want to cut yourself on any glass shards or sharp pieces of plastic that it may contain.

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3. Check The Spray Arm

Next, take a look at the spray arms to see if any of the holes are grimy or visibly clogged; if they are clogged, you can just toss them in the sink and let them soak for a few minutes or clean them with a toothbrush.

4. Clean The Glass Trap

Press down and twist the glass trap clockwise to lift it out of its place. If there are objects present, empty them into the trash bin.

5. Clean The Interior Walls

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior walls of the dishwasher. You may find it easier to use a cloth rather than a sponge, as it will allow you to maneuver around the parts inside the dishwasher. Any mild all-purpose cleaning solution will work to clean the inside of the dishwasher. Be sure to wipe down the bottom of the dishwasher around the spray arms. If you have any areas where food particles have stuck to the walls and become difficult to remove, try using a toothbrush or plastic dish scrubber to help remove them.

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6. Run the Self-Clean Setting

After you have wiped down the dishwasher and removed any mildew or stains (expert stain removal tips below!), place the dishwasher on the "self-clean" setting. If you've already used the setting to clean the dishwasher with vinegar or bleach, you can run it once more to rinse out the interior components.

7. Wipe Down The Exterior Door/Latch

Clean dishes and kitchen utensils placed on a dishwasher

After you have clean the interior, wipe down the exterior door with your microfiber cloth and be sure to get the handle as well. Use a plastic scrubber to remove any crusted food particles are tough stains. Next, rinse your cloth in warm water and wipe down the door again to remove the cleaning solution. Finally, wipe down the door with a dry cleaning cloth to not have any streaks.

Cleaning Tips:

  • If you have an issue with excessive mold buildup in your dishwasher, you can add a 1/2 cup of bleach to a cup and place it on the top rack. When doing this, be sure that your dishwasher does not have any stainless steel internal components as they may become damaged during the cleaning--this can result in an expensive repair.
  • Always clean the filters and the drains before running each cleaning cycle. If they contain any large particles of food or chunks of grime, it may clog the drain line and cause other issues.
  • Regularly overloading your dishwasher or placing too much detergent in the detergent dispenser can be detrimental to its longevity. Adding too much detergent can also clog up the water lines and the drain, which may ultimately cause the dishwasher to malfunction.
  • Crowding too many dishes into the dishwasher for one cleaning can prevent them from being thoroughly clean and cause the dishwasher to leak.
  • During regular cleanings, always use a mild detergent or cleaning solution on your Frigidaire dishwasher, avoid harsher products (such as acidic or abrasive cleaners) that may damage the dishwasher's interior walls and components.

Odor, Mildew, & Stain Removal

Get Rid of Mold & Mildew

It's not uncommon for a dishwasher to develop mold and mildew, especially if used frequently. There is a quick way to tackle this. The most common one is to add a cup of non-chlorine bleach to the dishwasher dispenser (or pour 1/2 cup in a plastic cup and set it on the top rack) and allow the dishwasher to run through a complete cycle (only use this method if your dishwasher does not contain stainless steel components).

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Get Rid of Bad Odors

Baking Soda

If your dishwasher emits foul odors, the quickest way to help rid it of this problem is to wipe it down with a homemade paste from baking soda and water. Also, fill your kitchen sink about half full of warm water and add two to four tablespoons of baking soda. Next, take out any removable components from the dishwasher and place them in the water so that they may soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse them with cold water, dry them, and place them back in the dishwasher.

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White Vinegar

You can also use distilled white vinegar to wipe down your dishwasher if there is a bad odor coming from it. Make a vinegar solution by adding one cup of vinegar to two cups of water. Place the solution in a water bottle to spray onto your microfiber cloth. After wiping down the dishwasher, be sure to run it on the rinse cycle to get rid of the smell of vinegar (though it will dissipate within about 10 minutes).

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Get Rid of Rust Stains

Given their exposure to the water, some dishwashers are also known to develop rust stains on their interior. There are a couple of ways that you can get rid of them. You can use a commercial arrest removal of such as OxiClean Maxforce, or you can create a homemade rust-removal paste (combine 1tsp of baking soda with 5-6 drops of hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of cream of tartar) and wipe it on the stain using a microfiber cloth (or soft rag).

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Get Rid of Hard Water Stains

If you live in an area where the water contains a lot of minerals, you may find that your dishwasher has developed lime or water deposits at some point. These can be removed by adding wiping the stains down with the baking soda paste mention earlier. You can also set a cup of lemon juice on the top rack and run the dishwasher on a full cycle.

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Where is the filter in my Frigidaire dishwasher?

Frigidaire dishwashers actually have two filters, a fine filter and a coarse filter. The fine filter is designed to collect larger pieces of debris such as bones, broken glass, and peels. The course filter is designed to catch smaller pieces such as seeds, paper, and lint. The filters can be removed by rotating them counter-clockwise and lifting them out.

Does Frigidaire dishwasher have a self-clean setting?

Yes, most of the current Frigidaire models include a self-cleaning dishwasher setting to help expedite regular cleanings.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

It depends on how often you use your dishwasher. If you have a large family or use the dishwasher daily, cleaning it once a month can help to prevent smudges and food splatters from hardening.

Why won't my Frigidaire dishwasher drain?

There are a few factors that can cause your Frigidaire dishwasher not to drain. Here are the most common ones:

  • The drain basket is clogged.
  • Damaged/broken drain impeller.
  • The drain hose is clogged.
  • It has a broken drain pump.
  • A faulty pump and/or motor assembly.
  • The water pump belt is malfunctioning.
  • It has a worn check valve.
  • The motor timer is faulty.
  • The drain valve is clogged.

It's best to inspect all of the drain-related components to troubleshoot any drainage issues with a Frigidaire dishwasher. This may require the removal and eventual replacement of any faulty parts. If you can't figure out what's causing the drain to malfunction after disassembling it, you may need to call an appliance repair contractor or the company that installed the dishwasher (if you purchased the dishwasher yourself). It's also helpful to look at the instruction manual for guidance on how to troubleshoot drainage issues.

Wrapping Things Up

One of the best ways to keep your dishwasher clean is to rinse off dishware before placing it in the washer and regularly cleaning the drain. In addition to this, a good monthly cleaning will help to ensure that it remains free of odor-causing food and debris.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

Are Plastic Food Containers Dishwasher Safe?

6 Best Countertops for Outdoor Kitchen

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