Make sure all items are dishwasher-safe. If an item can’t be heated to over 120 °F, leave it out of the dishwasher. Hand-wash wooden spoons or wood-handled utensils.

Use a citric-acid-based dishwasher cleaner, such as Affresh or Finish, to remove the deposits monthly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use your particular dishwasher cleaner.

Got mold on your dishwasher? We discovered that it might not technically be mold after all, but it’s still important to clean off. Here’s how.

Looking for the best dishwasher detergent? Read about how different types stack up in our performance tests, along with tips for getting your dishes cleaner. Ad-free. Influence-free.