Put on a pair of rubber gloves first to protect your hands.

The filter is prime real estate for food particles, bacteria, and fungal growth, so it’s important to clean it weekly (or even daily if you use the dishwasher a lot). To remove stubborn food residue, gently scrub with an old toothbrush.

When you’re done, put the bottom dish rack back onto its rails.

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills mold and sanitizes surfaces effectively. Alternatively, you can put bleach in the cup instead of vinegar. [4] X Research source

You can also use the self-clean cycle if your dishwasher has one.

If your dishwasher has a “sanitize” option, you can also use that.

To get down into the smaller crevices for a super deep clean, try using a toothpick or cotton swab. [11] X Research source