Do you put your dishes in the dishwasher only to find them still dirty when you take them out?
Maybe it’s time to give your dishwasher a good cleaning!
And the best part?
You can do it all with a simple household ingredient – vinegar.
In this article, we’ll show you the step-by-step process for cleaning your dishwasher using vinegar, so you can enjoy sparkling clean dishes every time.
Why Use Vinegar to Clean a Dishwasher?
If you’re looking for an effective and safe way to clean your dishwasher, vinegar is a great solution.
This inexpensive household item can remove buildup from the interior of your dishwasher, eliminate unpleasant odors, and disinfect the machine all at once.
Vinegar’s acidity breaks down tough mineral deposits and hard water stains that can accumulate over time, leaving your dishwasher sparkling clean and running more efficiently.
Additionally, vinegar has natural antibacterial properties that can kill harmful bacteria and germs, making your dishwasher a more hygienic environment for your dishes.
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, vinegar is non-toxic and won’t harm the environment, making it the perfect choice for eco-conscious individuals.
Using vinegar to clean your dishwasher is also incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic steps and common household items to complete.
With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and looking great for years to come with this easy and effective cleaning method.
So, why not give vinegar a try and experience the benefits for yourself?
How to Clean the Interior of a Dishwasher with Vinegar
Cleaning your dishwasher may sound like a daunting task, but with vinegar, it becomes an easy and affordable process.
Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to clean the interior of your dishwasher with vinegar.Firstly,
remove any leftover food particles or debris from the dishwasher’s interior.
Empty the dishwasher and clear any belongings that might have stuck to its walls.
Secondly, check the dishwasher spinner and make sure it spins smoothly.
Loose its base and make sure there are no foreign objects stuck in its holes that could interfere with its smooth rolling.
Thirdly, place one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl.
Put the bowl in the top dish rack of the empty dishwasher.
The vinegar will help loosen any greasy grime that has collected on the sides of the dishwasher.
Fourthly, select the highest temperature setting on your dishwasher.
Choose the setting with the hottest water available.
Hot water will help remove germs and bacteria.
Fifthly, run the dishwasher.
The vinegar will help loosen any dirt and grime, and the hot water will ensure that any bacteria or germs will be killed.
Sixthly, wait for at least 15 minutes after the dishwasher has finished running.
The recommended time is 30 minutes, which ensures that the vinegar can completely do its job without any residue left behind.
Seventhly, open the dishwasher door and use a paper towel to wipe it out.
Pay close attention to the door seal and the crevices around it.
You can also use a toothbrush to clean those areas.
Finally, close the dishwasher and it’s ready to use!
Keep in mind, you should clean the dishwasher with vinegar at least once a month to keep it running and sanitized.
How to Clean the Exterior of a Dishwasher with Vinegar
Cleaning a dishwasher with vinegar is a great way to ensure that it functions properly and lasts a long time.
In addition to cleaning the interior of the dishwasher, it is also important to clean the exterior on a regular basis.
Fortunately, vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that can effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime from the exterior of your dishwasher.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the exterior of a dishwasher with vinegar.Step
1: Make a Vinegar SolutionThe first step is to make a vinegar solution.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl or spray bottle.
If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the solution to help remove any stubborn dirt or stains.Step
2: Wipe Down the ExteriorOnce your solution is thoroughly mixed, dip a soft cloth into the vinegar solution and use it to wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher.
Be sure to pay special attention to areas that are particularly dirty or greasy.Step
3: Clean the Control PanelIf your dishwasher has a control panel, you can also use the vinegar solution to clean it.
Simply spray the solution onto the panel and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
Be sure to avoid spraying the solution directly into any of the control buttons or openings.In
conclusion, cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar is an affordable, natural and easy way to keep your dishwasher looking and working like new.
By following these simple steps on how to clean the exterior of your dishwasher with vinegar, you can ensure that your dishwasher remains in good condition for many years to come.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar?
If you want your dishwasher to run efficiently and last long, you should clean it regularly.
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help remove mineral buildup and sanitizes the interior of your dishwasher.
The frequency of cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar depends on how often you use it and how hard your water is.
If you use your dishwasher every day and have hard water, you should clean your dishwasher with vinegar once a month.
If you use your dishwasher less frequently and have soft water, you can clean it every two to three months.
You can also check for signs of buildup, such as cloudy glassware or a film on the dishwasher interior, and clean it as needed with vinegar.
By following these recommendations on how often to clean your dishwasher with vinegar, you can ensure its longevity and keep your dishes sparkling clean.
Conclusion
A dishwasher is a true blessing for any homeowner who wants to enjoy a hassle-free meal cleaning experience.
However, just like any other home appliance, a dishwasher needs occasional cleaning to maintain its optimal performance for a longer period of time.
One of the best and easiest ways to clean a dishwasher is by using vinegar.
Vinegar is an all-purpose household cleaner that can effectively remove any stubborn dirt, grime, and buildup from the dishwasher and other surfaces.
Here’s how you can clean your dishwasher with vinegar:1.
Remove any debris from the dishwasher filter.2.
Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.3.
Run a hot water cycle with the bowl of vinegar inside the dishwasher.
The vinegar will help loosen and remove any grime and buildup on the interior surfaces of the dishwasher.4.
After the cycle is complete, remove the bowl of vinegar from the dishwasher and sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.5.
Run another hot water cycle to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda residue from the dishwasher.To
keep your dishwasher in top condition, it’s recommended that you clean it with vinegar at least once a month.
Regular cleaning will not only help enhance its performance but also extend the life of the machine.
So, say goodbye to the hassle of hand-washing dishes and hello to a sparkling clean dishwasher!
FAQs
How often should I clean my dishwasher with vinegar?
It is recommended to clean your dishwasher with vinegar once a month to keep it fresh and free of buildup.
Can I use other types of vinegar besides white vinegar?
While white vinegar is the most commonly used vinegar for cleaning dishwashers, you can use other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. However, they may not be as effective at removing buildup and stains like white vinegar.
Can I use vinegar to clean a dishwasher that has food particles stuck in the drain?
Yes, vinegar can be used to clean a dishwasher that has food particles stuck in the drain. The acidic properties of vinegar can help break down and loosen any build-up in the drain. It’s recommended to first remove any visible debris and then run a cycle with a cup of vinegar placed in the top rack of the dishwasher, without any dishes inside.
Should I add baking soda with vinegar to clean my dishwasher?
Yes, adding baking soda to the vinegar can create a more effective cleaning solution. The baking soda will help to scrub away stains and residue, while the vinegar will help to dissolve any remaining buildup. Simply sprinkle the baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher, then pour the vinegar on top and let it sit for an hour before running a wash cycle.
Can I clean the dishwasher with just vinegar and water?
Yes, you can clean your dishwasher with just vinegar and water. This natural solution is effective at removing buildup and disinfecting the interior of your dishwasher. Simply run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack and hot water to leave your dishwasher looking and smelling fresh.
Can I run the dishwasher immediately after cleaning it with vinegar?
Yes, you can run the dishwasher immediately after cleaning it with vinegar.
Do I need to use hot water to clean the dishwasher with vinegar?
Yes, it is recommended to use hot water when cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar. Hot water will help dissolve any buildup or debris in the dishwasher, allowing the vinegar to better penetrate and clean the machine.
How long should I let the vinegar sit inside the dishwasher?
Let the vinegar sit inside the dishwasher for approximately 20 minutes.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar to clean a dishwasher. However, white vinegar is preferred as it is more acidic and will clean more effectively.
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean the dishwasher if I have a septic system?
Yes, it is safe to use vinegar to clean the dishwasher if you have a septic system. Vinegar is a natural and safe cleaning agent, and it is not harmful to your septic system. In fact, vinegar can even help to maintain the balance of bacteria in your septic tank.