Do you know how to clean a dishwasher? Its okay if the answer is no. After all, Lucy Peachy Challenger, a cleaning influencer and TV star based in Blaenavon, Wales, notes that most people often forget about scrubbing the easily overlooked appliance when cleaning their kitchen. But forgetting to clean your dishwasher regularly can mean that your dishwasher doesnt clean your dishes as well as it could, Challenger says. Its a simple 10-minute task that should be done approximately every four weeks if used regularly.In the following guide from AD, learn how to clean a dishwasher with white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. Not only will your machine look brand-new, but it will also run more efficiently than ever.Find what you needWhy dishwasher cleaning is importantHave you ever put your dishes into the dishwasher and they come out dirty? Or find a glass tainted with soap scum, or worse, bits of food left on a plate? If youre experiencing this, your dishwasher might need some extra care.Regular cleaning helps to provide the best cleaning experience and keep your dishwasher in top shape for years to come, Morgan Eberhard, senior scientist at Cascade based in Cincinnati, Ohio, says.By regularly cleaning your machine, you can ensure that you wont have to rewash your dishes in a frustrated rush. (Knowing how to properly load your dishwasher the right way can also make a world of difference.)In short, cleaning your dishwasher can help save you time, prevent costly surprise repairs, and get rid of any foul odors.How often you should clean a dishwasherHow often you clean your dishwasher depends on your schedule and needs, but Eberhard recommends cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month. If you think about it, this appliance is responsible for ensuring the surfaces you eat food off of every day are sanitary. So, youll want to make sure youre cleaning it often and well.Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum can build up in the filter and the holes of the spray arms, affecting its efficiency and even causing unpleasant odors, Eberhard says.By cleaning your dishwasher regularly, you can ensure it will function well and last longer. A little effort now can save money and time in the long run. Tip: Pick a day each month to deep clean your major appliances to make them less overwhelming to keep track of.How to clean a dishwasherFor a quick clean, Eberhard recommends running the dishwasher in an empty wash cycle with a single dose of Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner to prevent food particles and soap scum from building up.For a deeper clean, follow the below steps.Step 1: Gather your suppliesYou cant clean a dishwasher without gathering a few cleaning products first. But, great news, you probably already have most of them. The following steps are general guidelines, but make sure to look at your specific appliances manual.What is the best thing to clean the inside of a dishwasher?While there are different products you could use, youll need the following for this method:Warm waterDish soapDistilled white vinegarBaking sodaToothpickToothbrushMicrofiber clothRubber glovesNotice: Experts do not recommend using bleach when cleaning your dishwasher.Step 2: Remove the filter, utensil holders, and dishwasher racksCleaning the filter will ensure your dishwasher runs smoother.Phto: Tatjana Meininger/Getty Images