Five Simple Methods to Decontaminate a Dishwasher Using Vinegar
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the humble dishwasher during cleaning tasks. But maintaining a clean dishwasher is crucial for keeping your dishes sparkling and your kitchen smelling fresh. Here's a straightforward guide on how to clean your dishwasher using vinegar, a versatile and effective natural cleaning agent.
Marla Mock, President at Molly Maid, recommends a five-step guide for cleaning dishwashers with vinegar. Let's dive in!
Step 1 - Empty the Dishwasher
Start with an empty dishwasher. Remove any leftover dishes and drain the water.
Step 2 - Vinegar Time
Place a dishwasher-safe container filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher, or pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the bottom of the dishwasher. White House Cleaning Vinegar from Walmart is one option for this purpose.
Step 3 - Run the Cycle
Run the dishwasher through a cycle on the hottest water setting. This will help dissolve and flush away any buildup and grime.
Step 4 - Scrub-a-Dub-Dub
After the cycle, inspect the inside of the dishwasher for any remaining residue or stains. Use a soft cloth or sponge, such as Scotch-Brite Gentle Clean Delicate Scrub Sponges from Amazon, to scrub away at stubborn spots if necessary. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent, dissolving buildup and effectively killing bacteria and mold without the need for harsh chemicals.
Step 5 - Be Thorough
For an even deeper scrub, add baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher before running the hot water cycle. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will attack stubborn stains and lingering odors. Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda from Walmart can be used for this purpose.
Increasing the frequency of dishwasher cleaning to once a month is advisable if living in areas with hard water. Cleaning the dishwasher with vinegar once every two months is recommended to maintain its performance and prevent buildup of grime, limescale, and odors.
Adding dishwasher cleaning to a Sunday reset checklist can help ensure a clean kitchen to start the week. Just remember to avoid scrubbing the rubber gaskets with vinegar to prevent deterioration and damage. Instead, gently wipe them with a microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar.
Vinegar's compatibility with dishwashers for cleaning is exceptional, making it a safe and effective choice for maintaining a clean and odour-free dishwasher. So, next time you're cleaning your kitchen, don't forget to give your dishwasher some love with vinegar!
