You might be thinking that your dishwasher has to be clean because it is always running. Not true. The bits of food and drink splash everywhere as you are loading the dishes.

First- take a sponge or old toothbrush and scrub the sides with warm soapy water. Really clean the rubber rim around the inside because that will keep your unit sealed well when running. Wash the sides of the door and the walls they meet as you close the door. If you find tough stains inside use some softscrub or baking soda to rub the stain out.

Once the unit is clean on the inside and out- keep the dishwasher empty. Fill a glass with vinegar and set it on the top rack. Set your dishwasher on the hottest setting and let it run empty. The glass of vinegar will splash out as it runs and clean the inside.