We all love our dishwashers purely because they take so much effort of our hands, but not many people realise they need to be cleaned themselves.
If you don’t, grease and dirt will build up causing you blockages, poorly cleaned dishes and a haven for germs.
Experts say you should clean the filter and the drain once a month, and I agree. Fortunately, it is not a difficult task to do.
Our 3 step process will explain to you how you can get your dishwasher, deep cleaned using white vinegar and baking soda.
Check out this video, and watch how this lady cleans her dishwasher with white vinegar + baking soda.
Best vinegar for cleaning a dishwasher
The type of vinegar you use matters. While there are many types of vinegar available, distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar are the best choices for cleaning your dishwasher.
Distilled white vinegar is made by fermenting grain alcohol and is a clear, colourless liquid. It’s the most commonly used vinegar for cleaning because it’s effective and affordable.
Distilled white vinegar is also safe to use on most surfaces and won’t leave behind any residue.
Cleaning vinegar, on the other hand, is a more powerful vinegar that’s specifically designed for cleaning.
It’s made by fermenting grain alcohol with vinegar to create a vinegar with a higher acidity level.
Cleaning vinegar is more effective than distilled white vinegar for tough stains and build up, but it can be more expensive.
No matter which type of vinegar you choose, make sure it’s free of any additives like sugar or caramel color.
These additives can leave behind a residue that can clog your dishwasher’s spray arm and prevent it from working effectively.
How often to clean a dishwasher with vinegar
Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar is a great way to keep it running smoothly and smelling fresh.
But how often should you be cleaning it?
Most experts recommend cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar once a month. This will help prevent any build up of minerals or food particles that can clog your dishwasher’s spray arm and prevent it from working effectively.
However, if you use your dishwasher frequently or notice any strong odours or build up, you may want to clean it more often.
In this case, you can clean your dishwasher with vinegar every two weeks or as needed.
It’s important to note that while vinegar is a safe and effective cleaning solution, you don’t want to overdo it.
Using vinegar too frequently can damage your dishwasher’s rubber seals and hoses. So, stick to cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar once a month or as needed and you’ll be on your way to a clean and well-functioning dishwasher.
How To Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar
Step 1: Empty The Dishwasher
It’s recommended to begin cleaning the dishwasher when it’s empty. Make sure you complete this step before moving on to the next.
Step 2: Unblocking the drain
Remove the bottom dish tray and inspect the drain. Remove any debris like food and gunk that may be caught there. You will improve the drainage and efficiency of your dishwasher massively if you do so.
Step 3: Add The Vinegar And Run Full Cycle
Get a dishwasher safe container and add one cup of white vinegar. Place it on the top racking, then run it through a hot wash cycle.
The vinegar will wash away any grease and grunge build-up; also it eliminates any smelly odours. It is crucial you do this with an empty dishwasher.
Step 4: Clean Interior Of Dishwasher With Vinegar
After the dishwasher cycle is finished, make sure to check the detergent dispenser and utensil holder for any trapped particles.
If necessary, use a small brush dipped in vinegar to give them a quick clean. Wipe down the door seals with a sponge dipped in vinegar as well.
To allow the interior to air-dry, it’s recommended to leave the dishwasher door open for an hour or so. Once it’s dry, the dishwasher will be ready to use again.
Vinegar And Baking Soda For Deep Cleaning Dishwasher
In case you detect any strong odours, food particles on the dishes, or poor drainage, it may be necessary to perform a more thorough cleaning.
The process is similar to the vinegar cleaning cycle, but requires an additional step…
Add Baking Soda
Add half a cup of baking soda to the bottom rack. Re run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. Once it has finished, your dishwasher will look brand new on the inside.
You will have a fresh, pleasant smelling, and ready to work dishwasher.
How to clean the dishwasher drain with Vinegar
If you find you may have a blockage deep down in the dishwasher draining system, then you can add two tablespoons of baking soda straight down it, and then add half a cup of vinegar.
Together they will clear away any bad blocks, and it does not take longer than five minutes.
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Founder of homeappliancegeek.com, avid cook, and lover of Asian food.
Signature dishes include Thai Red Curry, Chicken Saag, Bibimbap and Sushi.
Massive clean freak; a habit baked-in after spending 9 years in the catering industry.
The one appliance he couldn’t live without? Easily the dishwasher (total relationship saver!).
