How to Deep Clean a Maytag Dishwasher: Filter, Spray Arms, and Tub

Maytag dishwashers are built around their Dual Power Filtration system and stainless steel chopper blade, which work together to grind and flush food debris during every cycle. Over time, grease, mineral deposits, and small food particles accumulate in areas the self-cleaning system cannot reach. This guide covers a thorough cleaning procedure specific to Maytag MDB-series dishwashers that restores full wash performance and eliminates odors.

Maytag dishwashers share the Whirlpool Corporation platform, so the internal layout is familiar if you have worked on Whirlpool or KitchenAid units. However, Maytag models include the Dual Power Filtration system with an additional fine-mesh filter stage and the stainless steel chopper that requires specific attention during cleaning. The PowerBlast cycle generates higher water pressure and temperature than standard cycles, which means mineral buildup accumulates faster on spray arm nozzles in hard-water areas.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Torx T20 driver, soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush works), microfiber cloths, wooden toothpick or bamboo skewer
• Supplies needed: White distilled vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, spray bottle
• Time required: 30-40 minutes (plus one empty cleaning cycle)
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Safety: No electrical disconnection needed for cleaning. Keep the door open while scrubbing to prevent accidental cycle starts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Remove the racks and spray arms

Pull out the upper and lower dish racks. On Maytag models, the upper rack has adjustable height clips on each side. Set racks aside in the sink. The lower spray arm lifts straight up off its center post with a slight twist. The upper spray arm (attached to the underside of the top rack or mid-level support) unclips by pressing the locking tab and pulling down. The third spray arm at the tub ceiling (present on models with the PowerBlast option) twists counter-clockwise a quarter turn to release.

Step 2: Remove and disassemble the Dual Power Filtration system

The Maytag filter assembly sits at the bottom center of the tub. Grip the cylindrical upper filter and twist it counter-clockwise approximately a quarter turn until it lifts free. Beneath it is the flat fine-mesh lower filter that lifts straight out. On Maytag models with the Dual Power Filtration badge, there is an additional secondary mesh screen around the chopper housing. Lift this ring out carefully. You now have three filter components to clean. Note the stainless steel chopper blade visible in the sump. Do not attempt to remove it. Inspect it for trapped debris like fruit pit fragments or broken glass.

Step 3: Clean the filter components

Rinse each filter under warm running water. Use a soft-bristle brush with a drop of dish soap to scrub the mesh surfaces. Pay attention to the fine-mesh lower filter where grease film accumulates and blocks water flow. For stubborn buildup, soak filters in a bowl of warm water with two tablespoons of white vinegar for 15 minutes, then scrub again. Rinse thoroughly. Never use a wire brush or abrasive pad on the filter mesh because damage creates holes that allow debris back into the wash water.

Step 4: Clear the spray arm nozzles

Examine each spray arm hole under bright light. Mineral deposits from hard water and food particles frequently clog these small openings, reducing spray pressure. Use a wooden toothpick or bamboo skewer to clear each hole individually. Push debris inward so it falls into the arm interior where it will flush out during the next cycle. For heavy calcium buildup, soak the spray arms in a basin of undiluted white vinegar for 20-30 minutes. The PowerBlast spray arm (top of tub) has slightly larger nozzle holes but accumulates deposits faster because it operates at higher pressure. Give it extra attention.

Step 5: Clean the door gasket and tub edges

The door perimeter seal on Maytag dishwashers collects food splatter and mildew in its folds. Pull the gasket gently away from the tub edge and wipe along the entire perimeter with a cloth dampened with vinegar solution. Pay attention to the bottom corners where standing water accumulates between cycles. Wipe the inner door panel, including around the detergent dispenser housing and the vent opening. On models with stainless steel tub interiors (most current Maytag MDB models), wipe the tub walls and floor with a vinegar-dampened cloth to remove water spots and film.

Step 6: Clean the drain area and chopper housing

With the filters removed, look into the sump area at the bottom of the tub. Remove any visible debris such as broken glass, fruit labels, or hard food remnants caught around the chopper blade. Use a damp cloth to wipe the sump walls. If you see standing water in the sump with the filters removed, this is normal. A small amount of water keeps the pump seal lubricated. If the water is cloudy or foul-smelling, there may be a drain restriction requiring further investigation.

Step 7: Reassemble and run a cleaning cycle

Reinstall the filters in reverse order: flat mesh first, then the secondary ring (if present), then the cylindrical filter twisted clockwise until it locks. Snap the spray arms back onto their posts. Place one cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Run a complete hot water cycle with no dishes. On Maytag models, use the Normal cycle with the Heated Dry option. Do not use PowerBlast for cleaning cycles because the high-pressure spray can redistribute loosened debris rather than draining it. After the vinegar cycle completes, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the tub floor and run a short rinse cycle to neutralize odors and brighten the stainless interior.

Step 8: Clean the exterior and control panel

Wipe the door exterior with a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner if applicable. Clean the control panel buttons with a lightly dampened cloth. Never spray cleaner directly on the control panel because liquid can seep behind buttons and damage the electronic control board. For fingerprint-resistant stainless finishes (standard on current Maytag models), wipe in the direction of the grain.

Maintaining Your Maytag Between Deep Cleans

The stainless steel chopper in Maytag dishwashers reduces maintenance compared to filter-only systems because it grinds soft food waste rather than trapping it. However, this means the chopper housing accumulates grease over time. Run a monthly hot cycle with vinegar to prevent buildup. Scrape large food debris from plates before loading but avoid pre-rinsing because the soil sensors in Maytag dishwashers calibrate water usage based on detected debris. The Dual Power Filtration system should be removed and hand-cleaned every 2-4 weeks depending on usage frequency.

Troubleshooting After Cleaning

If your Maytag dishwasher still has odor or poor wash performance after a thorough cleaning:

• Check the drain hose under the sink for a high loop. Without a proper high loop or air gap, dirty water can siphon back into the tub between cycles, causing persistent odor
• Verify the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed during installation. A blocked knockout is a common cause of drainage issues and odor in newer installations
• Inspect the door vent area for trapped moisture. On Maytag models with the ProDry system, the vent fan housing can collect lint and restrict airflow
• Run the diagnostic mode (press any three buttons in sequence 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 within 8 seconds) and check for stored error codes that indicate a sensor or pump issue masquerading as a cleaning problem

When to Call a Professional

A deep clean resolves most odor and performance issues. Contact a professional if:

• The chopper blade is damaged, chipped, or jammed. This component is covered under Maytag's 10-year limited warranty on the stainless steel chopper and tub
• You find cracks in the tub floor or sides during cleaning. The stainless steel tub carries a 10-year warranty against defects
• The dishwasher produces a grinding noise even after clearing debris from the chopper area
• Water remains in the tub 30+ minutes after a cycle completes, indicating a drain pump issue rather than a cleaning problem

Cost: DIY Cleaning vs Professional Service

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FAQ

Q: How often should I clean my Maytag dishwasher's Dual Power Filtration system? A: Remove and rinse the filters every 2-4 weeks. Do a full deep clean including spray arms, gasket, and vinegar cycle monthly. Maytag's stainless steel chopper reduces how often you need to clean versus filter-only systems, but the filters still require regular maintenance to maintain water flow.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my Maytag dishwasher? A: Only if your Maytag has a stainless steel interior (most current MDB models). Never use bleach in a dishwasher with a plastic tub. For stainless tubs, a half-cup of bleach in an empty hot cycle removes mildew effectively. However, white vinegar is safer for routine cleaning and will not damage rubber seals over time.

Q: Does the 10-year warranty cover cleaning-related issues? A: Maytag's 10-year limited warranty covers the stainless steel tub, racks, and chopper blade against manufacturing defects. It does not cover performance issues caused by lack of maintenance. However, if your chopper blade chips or cracks during normal use, that is a warranty claim regardless of cleaning history.

Q: Why does my Maytag dishwasher smell even after cleaning? A: The most common cause is a drain hose without a proper high loop allowing dirty water to siphon back. Second is a blocked air gap on the countertop. Third is debris trapped in the drain pump housing below the tub, which requires removing the lower access panel (two 1/4-inch hex screws) to inspect. If the smell is specifically a burning odor, stop using the dishwasher and call for service immediately.

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