How to Remove a Water Stain From a Dishwasher

Hard water stains are created in your dishwasher by a buildup of mineral deposits left by the water, which contains magnesium and calcium. These minerals combine to produce limescale, the nasty, dark brown substance that is difficult to remove. The longer these stains remain intact and continue to build up, the harder it is to get rid of them. However, it is not impossible to beat these water stains. Start off gently with vinegar and lemon juice, and resort to a heavy-duty household cleaner, if necessary. Make sure that you remove everything from inside the dishwasher before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar Lemon Juice CLR household cleaner Dishwasher detergent Plastic spray bottle Non-abrasive kitchen scrubber

Instructions

1. Fill a plastic spray bottle with full strength white vinegar, and spray it onto the hard water stains in the dishwasher. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes. The acetic acid in the white vinegar will begin to loosen and break down the minerals and trapped dirt deposits.

2. Scrub the stains vigorously with a non-abrasive kitchen scrubber. Run a short hot rinse cycle.

3. Fill a plastic spray bottle with lemon juice, and spray any remaining residual staining. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes. The acid in the juice will further break down soap scum.

4. Scrub the stained area with a non-abrasive kitchen scrubber. Follow with a short hot rinse cycle.

5. Pour about a half cup of CLR household cleaner into the bottom of the dishwasher for highly stubborn or resistant staining. Run a short hot rinse cycle. Repeat this step once or twice if necessary.

6. Run a hot wash and rinse cycle using your regular dishwasher detergent to remove the unpleasant odor that CLR creates.

Tips & Warnings

• Try baking soda for removing hard water stains on your dishes. Just put about 1/4 cup of it into a bowl, and set the bowl in the center of the top rack of the dishwasher with the dishes. Run a long hot wash cycle, which you may have to repeat once or twice.