Posted on May 27th, 2022
Your dishwasher is one of the many home appliances that don’t always get the TLC it deserves. This super practical and convenient household essential that takes care of washing your dishes every day also needs to get proper cleaning once in a while.
In this article, we share expert cleaning tips to maintain it and discuss how often you do not do it to keep it smelling fresh and clean and in tip-top shape. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your dishwasher using eco-friendly cleaners you probably already have stocked in your pantry.
Cleaning Your Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Ideally, you can use commercially available dishwasher cleaners, like affresh, specially formulated to remove limescale buildup effectively. However, if you are looking for cost-effective and natural alternatives, our house cleaning experts recommend using vinegar and baking soda.
They are common ingredients in green cleaning solutions because of their impressive cleaning, disinfecting, and antibacterial properties. In addition, vinegar is a mild acid, baking soda is a gentle abrasive, and both are eco-friendly odor neutralizers.
Here’s a quick guide on how to use it for cleaning your dishwasher.
1. Remove and clean the filter, racks, and utensil holders
Remove your dishwasher’s accessories because you need to clean them separately. Most filters can be twisted off easily; others require tools to be unscrewed, and some cannot be removed from the unit, so always check your user manual first to avoid any untoward incident. Fill a large washbasin (or your sink, if it’s big enough) with water and white vinegar. Soak them here for an hour.
2. Check for food debris and clean them out
Inspect the interior of your dishwasher for food residue or debris, like bits of glass, paper, soap scum, and other debris that may cause clogging. Double-check the filter, dispenser, and the tiny holes where the water comes out. Use a toothpick or an old toothbrush to clean every nook and cranny.
3. Put vinegar and run on a normal water cycle
Get a dishwasher-safe glass bowl or measuring cup and fill it with two cups of white vinegar. You can also use apple cider vinegar, but don’t forget to dilute it properly as it has coloring properties that can stain your dishwasher. Put the bowl on the bottom rack. Run your dishwasher on a normal cycle and turn off the heat dry option. The vinegar breaks down any grease or grime stuck in your dishwasher.
4. Add baking soda
Once you’re done with the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom part of your dishwasher. This time, run a hot water cycle to disinfect and eliminate any funky odor lingering inside the appliance. And voila! You’ve got your dishwasher sparkling clean and smelling good again.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Ideally, it would be best to deep clean your dishwasher monthly using vinegar and baking soda at least once a month. However, if you know you have hard water at home, you may have to do it more often to prevent stains and mineral buildup.
Professional Deep Cleaning in Oklahoma City
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