•To clean the inside surface of a dishwasher, use a mild dish soap solution with hot water (not too much soap; you don’t want bubbles later on), and use a sponge and an old toothbrush to get in all the corners, and the sides and bottom of the interior. Use your toothbrush or a toothpick to clear out the drain holes and water sprayers. Wipe down your surfaces with plain water when you’re done.

•Clear out the drain. Ew.

•Using your soapy water, wipe down any rubber gaskets and seals.

•If you’re having residue issues, switch your detergent type. Most people find that switching to powder works best, but I’ve also had reports that liquid and pellets/packs solved this problem for them. Whatever you’re using, try something else.

•If you have a garbage disposal, run it before you run your dishwasher.

•Put a bowl (face up) containing about a cup of vinegar on the top rack with nothing else in the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.