How to Clean Dishwasher with Vinegar and Bicarb

Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential for ensuring your dishes come out sparkling every time. Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum can build up, leading to unpleasant odors and reducing the efficiency of your machine.

Fortunately, cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is an effective and natural way to keep it in top condition.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the detailed steps to clean your dishwasher thoroughly using these common household items.

How-to-Clean-a-Dishwasher-With-Vinegar-and-Baking-Soda

How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda

Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is a simple and effective way to remove any built-up grime, odor, and limescale.

To start, remove any food debris from the filter and spray arms. Then, place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to allow the vinegar to clean and disinfect the interior of the machine.

Next, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot water cycle.

This will help to further remove any lingering odors and leave your dishwasher looking fresh and clean.

Remember to regularly clean your dishwasher using this method to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

Why Clean Your Dishwasher?

Preventing Build-Up and Blockages

A dishwasher that isn’t cleaned regularly can develop build-up in the filters, spray arms, and along the door seals.

This build-up can cause blockages that reduce the dishwasher’s efficiency and can even lead to costly repairs.

Eliminating Odors

Food particles trapped in the filter or interior components can start to decay, causing unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can help neutralize these smells.

Improving Efficiency

A clean dishwasher runs more efficiently, using less water and energy. This not only saves you money but also ensures your dishes come out cleaner.

How to Clean Dishwasher with Vinegar and Bicarb

Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following materials:

  • White vinegar
  • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • Soft cloth or sponge
  • Old toothbrush
  • Toothpick or a skewer
  • Microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by emptying your dishwasher completely. Remove any dishes, utensils, and racks to access all areas of the machine. It’s easier to clean the interior thoroughly when the dishwasher is empty.

Step 2: Cleaning the Filter

Locate the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher. Remove it according to your dishwasher’s manual instructions. Rinse the filter under hot running water to remove debris.

Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn particles or grease. Once clean, set the filter aside to dry.

Dishwasher Smells Bad

Step 3: Inspecting and Cleaning the Spray Arms

The spray arms are crucial for distributing water evenly throughout the dishwasher. Over time, these can become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits.

  1. Remove the spray arms: Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to unscrew or unclip them.
  2. Inspect the nozzles: Use a toothpick or skewer to clear any blockages in the spray arm holes.
  3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the spray arms under hot water, ensuring all debris is removed.
  4. Reattach the spray arms: Once clean, reattach them securely.
how to clean dishwasher racks

Step 4: Cleaning the Interior

Using Vinegar

  1. Place a cup of vinegar: Fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the empty dishwasher.
  2. Run a hot water cycle: Run the dishwasher on the hottest water setting. The vinegar will help break down any remaining food particles, grease, and soap scum inside the machine.

Using Bicarbonate of Soda

  1. Sprinkle baking soda: Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle a cup of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
  2. Run a short cycle: Run a short, hot water cycle. The bicarbonate of soda will help remove stains and deodorize the interior.
How to Clean Dishwasher with Vinegar and Bicarb

Step 5: Cleaning the Door and Seals

The door seals can accumulate grime and mold, which can affect the dishwasher’s performance and cause odors.

  1. Wipe down the door: Use a damp cloth or sponge with a little vinegar to wipe down the inside of the door, focusing on the edges and seals.
  2. Scrub the seals: Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the rubber seals around the door, ensuring all grime and mold are removed.
  3. Rinse and dry: Wipe down the seals with a damp cloth and dry them with a microfiber cloth.

Step 6: Exterior Cleaning

Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your dishwasher.

  1. Wipe the front panel: Use a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a little vinegar to clean the front panel of your dishwasher.
  2. Polish stainless steel surfaces: If your dishwasher has a stainless steel finish, use a stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to polish it, following the grain of the steel for a streak-free shine.
how to install a dishwasher

Maintenance Tips

To keep your dishwasher in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Clean the filter regularly: Aim to clean the filter at least once a month to prevent blockages.
  • Run hot water cycles: Periodically run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar to maintain cleanliness.
  • Check the spray arms: Inspect and clean the spray arms every few months to ensure they remain unblocked.
  • Wipe the seals: Regularly wipe the door seals to prevent mold and grime build-up.
  • Use the right detergent: Ensure you are using a high-quality dishwasher detergent that suits your water type (hard or soft).

Conclusion

Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is an effective, natural, and budget-friendly way to maintain its efficiency and cleanliness.

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your dishwasher remains in excellent working condition, providing you with spotless dishes and a fresh-smelling kitchen.

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