How to Remove Hard Water Buildup From a Dishwasher
Hard water is a problem for many households. The water contains minerals that stick to surfaces and build up overtime into unsightly stains. They are hard to remove with general cleaning solutions, and often you resort to buying special chemical-based formulas that will remove the stains. Features that need cleaning periodically with such cleaners are showers, tubs, sinks, washing machines and dishwashers. When you need to remove hard water deposits from a dishwasher, you have several options from which to choose. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Vinegar or Lemon Juice
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1
Remove any dishes that might be in the dishwasher.
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2
Clear the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher of any food particles that might block water flow.
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3
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar or 2 cups lemon juice into the bottom of the dishwasher and set it to run on the light cleaning setting; do not use a heated drying cycle. The acid in the liquids will dissolve the mineral buildup.
Chemical Cleaner
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4
Open the dishwasher and remove the racks so that you can reach all areas inside the machine.
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5
Wipe the walls, ceiling and floor of the machine with a damp rag and the hard-water buildup remover. This can be found at a grocery store or home-improvement store.
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6
Rinse the area with a clean wet rag, and then run the machine as you would normally to ensure that the chemical is completely rinsed away. Do not put any dishes in the machine during this cycle.
Cream of Tartar
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7
Mix together a paste with cream of tartar and water in a bowl.
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8
Smear the paste on the inside surface of the dishwasher and let it sit for half an hour.
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9
Wipe the surface with a damp rag to remove the paste and hard water stains. Run the dishwasher on the rinse cycle after you are done to remove any remaining residue.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves when working with chemicals. The chemicals in the mineral-deposit remover can damage the skin.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
