How to Clean a Dishwasher Using Vinegar

Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will ensure your dishes are truly clean.

Cleaning out the dishwasher on a regular basis helps to ensure its efficiency and ensures that the dishes are truly clean. The dishwasher is a dark, warm and moist location, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Fortunately, cleaning a dishwasher is quite simple

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup vinegar or 1 cup baking soda
• 1 dishwasher safe glass or cup
• Small bucket filled with hot water and soap
• Toothbrush or small bristle brush
• Damp sponge

Instructions

Cleaning a Dishwasher

1. Empty out the dishwasher if needed. Take note of any cracks or crevices in the corners, along the bottom or along the opening of the dishwasher. In most cases, the dishwasher is going to be a nearly complete shell aside from the food trap, drain area and the door opening.

2. Dip the bristle brush, or an old toothbrush, into the hot, soapy mixture scrub along the cracks and crevices in the dishwasher. This helps loosen up any stuck-on food particles, debris, grease or mineral build-up that has occurred with normal use. Use the damp sponge to wipe up the debris and remove it from the dishwasher. Do not leave the debris there as it will likely end up back where where it was when the dishwasher is used next.

3. Rinse off the bristle brush before reusing it on the walls, ceiling and interior floor of the dishwasher. Scrub away any hardened particles, as well as any soap build-up or mineral build-up. Again, use the rinsed out damp sponge to wipe up any debris.

4. Fill a dishwasher safe glass or cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack. If you do not have any white vinegar available, you can also sprinkle one cup of baking soda along the bottom and sides of the dishwasher. Close the door and run on the hottest, longest cycle to finish the cleansing process. Allow the interior of the dishwasher to dry before loading and running as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not mix vinegar and baking soda in the dishwasher. When mixed, the chemical reaction that occurs can cause gas to build up inside the dishwasher, which could cause damage.

References

• Vinegar Tips: Cleaning with Vinegar