Over time, dishwashers can accumulate food particles, soap scum and grease, which can lead to unpleasant odors and reduced efficiency. Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar is a simple and effective way to keep it running smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Why clean your dishwasher?
Cleaning the dishwasher not only improves its performance but also extends its lifespan. Regular maintenance helps prevent clogs, keeps your dishes cleaner and eliminates lingering smells. Vinegar, a natural and non-toxic cleaning agent, can effectively break down mineral deposits, grease and soap residue.
Gather your supplies
Before you start cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- White vinegar
- A dishwasher-safe bowl or cup.
- A clean cloth or sponge.
- A soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- Baking soda — this is optional.
Step-by-step cleaning process
With these easy steps, it’s simple to clean both the interior and exterior of your dishwasher with vinegar. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is especially important after washing dishes with greasy foods like bacon and starchy foods like pasta.
For optimal performance, aim to clean your dishwasher’s interior monthly. An effective cleaning method is to run an empty cycle with white vinegar instead of detergent. The vinegar’s acidity helps remove buildup without harming the dishwasher’s internal parts.
“I clean my dishwasher about once a month to prevent buildup and keep it running efficiently. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep it clean with just vinegar or lemon juice. No harsh chemicals are needed. Everyday ingredients are all I need to keep my dishwasher sparkling and odor-free.”
— Jessica Haggard, Easy Homemade Life
Empty the dishwasher
Start by removing all the dishes, utensils and racks from your dishwasher. This will give you full access to hard-to-reach areas that need cleaning.
Clean the filter
Locate the dishwasher filter, usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove it and rinse it under warm water to clean any food particles or debris. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn residue. Once clean, place the filter back in its position.
Clean the drain
Locate the drain at the bottom of your dishwasher. Check for any debris or food particles that might be clogging it. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any residue.
Wipe down the interior
Using a clean cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior walls and door of the dishwasher. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners where grime tends to accumulate. If you notice any tough stains or buildup, a bit of baking soda on the sponge can help scrub them away.
Clean the spray arms
The spray arms are responsible for distributing water throughout the dishwasher. Over time, they can get clogged with food particles and mineral deposits. Remove the spray arms and use an old toothbrush to scrub away any buildup. If needed, use a toothpick to clear the small holes in the spray arms. Rinse them thoroughly under hot water before reattaching them.
Place a bowl of vinegar in the dishwasher
Return all the racks to the dishwasher and reattach the spray arms. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 2 cups of white vinegar and place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
Run a hot water cycle
Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will be dispersed throughout the dishwasher, cleaning and deodorizing it as the cycle runs. This step helps to ensure that all the internal components of the dishwasher are thoroughly cleaned.
Wipe down the door seals and exterior
While the dishwasher is running, take a moment to clean the door seals and the exterior. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the rubber seals around the door, removing any grime or mold that may have accumulated. For the exterior, fill a reusable spray bottle with a one-to-one combination of white vinegar and water. Spritz it on the door to wipe away smudges and fingerprints.
Optional final rinse with baking soda
For an extra boost of freshness, once the vinegar cycle is complete, you can sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. Baking soda helps to eliminate any remaining odors and leaves the dishwasher smelling clean.
Maintenance tips
To keep your dishwasher in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs.
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle once a month to prevent buildup.
- Wipe down the door and gasket after several uses to remove any leftover food particles.
- Check the spray arms periodically and clean them as needed.
One last thing
By following these steps, you can easily maintain a clean and efficient dishwasher using the natural cleaning power of vinegar. Regular cleaning not only improves the performance of your dishwasher and avoids the need for repairs but also ensures even your parfait glasses come out spotless every time.
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things parenting.