How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar

Dishwashers, the unsung heroes of our kitchens, work tirelessly to ensure our dishes are sparkling clean. Ironically, the appliance that cleans our dishes also needs regular maintenance. A buildup of food particles, grease, and mineral deposits can leave your dishwasher grimy, smelly, and less efficient. That’s where vinegar comes in – a natural, inexpensive, and readily available cleaning powerhouse.

Why Vinegar?

• Natural Cleaning Agent: White distilled vinegar’s acidity cuts through stubborn grease and grime effortlessly.
• Deodorizes: It neutralizes unpleasant odors, leaving your dishwasher smelling fresh.
• Disinfects: Vinegar has mild antibacterial properties, helping to sanitize the inside of your dishwasher.
• Prevents Mineral Buildup: Especially if you have hard water, vinegar helps dissolve limescale and mineral deposits.
• Affordable and Eco-friendly: Vinegar is budget-friendly and a safer alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

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What You’ll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dishwashing detergent
• Dishwasher-safe bowl or mug
• Cleaning tools (old toothbrush, microfiber cloth)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Empty Your Dishwasher: Remove all dishes, racks, and utensils to get full access to the dishwasher’s interior.
2. Clean the Removable Parts:
   • Filter: Locate the filter (usually at the bottom). Soak it in warm, soapy water and scrub away debris with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.
   • Spray Arm: Remove the spray arm and check for any clogged holes. Use a toothpick or paperclip to clear them. Rinse and reinstall.
   • Utensil Basket: Wash in warm soapy water to remove any trapped food particles.
3. Wipe Down the Interior: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the sides, door, and bottom of your dishwasher, removing loose buildup.
4. The Vinegar Cycle:
   • Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or mug with 1-2 cups of white vinegar.
   • Place it securely on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
   • Run a full cycle on the hottest water setting. The vinegar will circulate, tackling grime, and deodorizing in the process.
5. Baking Soda Boost (Optional): For extra cleaning power, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another short cycle on a warm setting. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and further helps remove buildup.
6. Wipe it Down: Once the cycles are complete, wipe the interior with a dry cloth. Leave the dishwasher door open to air dry completely.

Deep Cleaning the Exterior & Seals

• Use a soft cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent to clean the dishwasher’s door, panel, and handle.
• For a thorough clean, remove food residue and gunk from the rubber seals around the door. A mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) works well with an old toothbrush for scrubbing.

Helpful Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Run a vinegar cycle once a month to keep your dishwasher in top condition.
• Avoid Overloading: Overloading your dishwasher hinders water circulation and cleaning efficiency.
• Pre-Rinse Dishes: While modern dishwashers don’t require extensive pre-rinsing, scraping off large food scraps helps prevent clogging.
• “Clean” Light Confusion: The clean light on some models may illuminate even if the dishwasher isn’t completely clean. Always check the filter area for debris.

A Word of Caution

While vinegar is generally safe, avoid using it on natural stone surfaces within your dishwasher, and consult the manufacturer’s manual for any specific cleaning restrictions.

The Sparkling Result

By incorporating vinegar into your dishwasher cleaning routine, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, fresher, and more efficient appliance, ready to keep your dishes sparkling effortlessly.

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