Dishwashers are the convenient household appliance that makes cleaning dishes easier.
However, over time, food particles, grease, and mineral buildup can clog the dishwasher’s jets, reducing its cleaning efficiency.
To keep your dishwasher running smoothly and effectively, you can use a natural cleaner made of vinegar and baking soda.
In this article, I’ll show you an easy way to clean your dishwasher by using baking soda and vinegar, along with some tips for keeping your dishwasher clean.
Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need:
- White distilled vinegar
- Baking soda
- Measuring cup
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Old toothbrush (optional)
Steps:
- Empty the dishwasher: Before starting the cleaning process, make sure to remove all dishes, utensils, and any other items from the dishwasher. This will give you easier access to all parts of the dishwasher and make cleaning more effective.
- Pour vinegar into the dishwasher: Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher. The vinegar will help dissolve any mineral buildup and grime inside the dishwasher, improving its cleaning performance.
- Run the first hot water cycle: Start the dishwasher on a hot water cycle to allow the vinegar to circulate and clean the interior. This will help dissolve any food particles, grease, and mineral buildup inside the dishwasher.
- Sprinkle baking soda: After the first cycle is finished, sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher. The baking soda will help neutralize any unpleasant odors and provide additional cleaning power.
- Run the second water cycle: Start the dishwasher on another water cycle to allow the baking soda to circulate and clean the interior. This will help remove any remaining buildup and neutralize any unpleasant odors.
- Wipe down the interior: After the second cycle is finished, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a sponge. This will help remove any remaining grime and mineral buildup that the vinegar and baking soda cycles may have missed.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas: Use an old toothbrush to clean around the jets and other hard-to-reach areas of the dishwasher. This will remove any remaining buildup in these areas and ensure that all parts of the dishwasher are thoroughly cleaned.
- Optional: For extra cleaning, add a drop of dish soap to the dishwasher and run it on a hot water cycle. This will help remove any remaining grime and give your dishwasher a fresh, clean scent.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
It’s recommended to clean your dishwasher once a month to maintain its efficiency and prevent the buildup of grime and mineral deposits.
4 Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean:
- Run hot water for a minute before starting the dishwasher to clear any cold water in the pipes.
- Use a rinse aid to reduce mineral buildup and prevent spots on dishes.
- Scrape, don’t rinse, dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
- Clean the dishwasher’s exterior and door gasket regularly.
4 Benefits of Keeping Your Dishwasher Clean
- Improved cleaning performance
- Reduced mineral buildup
- Increased dishwasher lifespan
- Better-smelling dishwasher
Conclusion:
Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda is an easy and natural way to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan.
By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy a cleaner, more efficient dishwasher that provides better results for your dishes.
Looking for more cleaning hacks for your kitchen? See An Easy and Simple Way to Clean Your Air Fryer to learn more.
Thanks for reading my blog.
-Baking Soda Guy
Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay
