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Save Money And Time: The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Your Dishwasher With Home Remedies

Mark Evans is the owner and operator of Nesting Nicely home paint blog. With over 15 years of experience in the painting industry, he is passionate about helping homeowners find the right paint colors and solutions for their living spaces. Mark got his start in the family painting business and...

What To Know

  • Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Dishwashers are a staple in modern kitchens, offering convenience and ease when it comes to cleaning dishes. However, over time, dishwashers can accumulate grease, food particles, and limescale, affecting their performance and efficiency. To maintain a clean and hygienic dishwasher, regular cleaning is essential. In this blog post, we will explore how to clean a dishwasher using effective home remedies, saving you time, money, and harsh chemicals.

White Vinegar: The All-Around Cleanser

White vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent with antibacterial and antiviral properties. It effectively removes grease, food buildup, and odors from dishwashers.

Instructions:

1. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl.
2. Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle.
4. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Baking Soda: The Odor Absorber

Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors and neutralize acids, making it an excellent choice for cleaning dishwashers.

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda onto the bottom of the dishwasher.
2. Run the dishwasher on a short cycle with hot water.
3. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Lemon Juice: The Natural Deodorizer

Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer that leaves a fresh and citrusy scent. It also helps remove limescale and food buildup.

Instructions:

1. Cut 2 lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a dishwasher-safe bowl.
2. Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle.
4. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Salt: The Scouring Agent

Salt is a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn food particles and grease.

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle 1 cup of salt onto the bottom of the dishwasher.
2. Run the dishwasher on a short cycle with hot water.
3. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Bleach: The Disinfectant

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria and germs. However, it is important to note that bleach can damage the dishwasher’s components if not used properly.

Instructions:

1. Wear gloves and open windows for ventilation.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of bleach into a dishwasher-safe bowl.
3. Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher.
4. Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle.
5. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets: The Convenient Option

If you prefer a more convenient cleaning method, dishwasher cleaning tablets are a good option. These tablets are specifically designed to clean dishwashers and remove grease, food buildup, and odors.

Instructions:

1. Place a dishwasher cleaning tablet in the detergent compartment of the dishwasher.
2. Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle.
3. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

Maintenance Tips for a Clean Dishwasher

  • Run a hot water cycle with white vinegar or baking soda once a month to prevent buildup.
  • Clean the dishwasher filter regularly to remove food particles and debris.
  • Wipe down the dishwasher door and gasket with a clean cloth after each use to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Wrapping Up:

Keeping your dishwasher clean and hygienic is essential for its optimal performance and longevity. By following the home remedies outlined in this blog post, you can effectively remove grease, food buildup, odors, and limescale without harsh chemicals. Remember to practice regular maintenance tips to maintain a clean and efficient dishwasher.

Top Questions Asked

Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: It is recommended to clean your dishwasher once a month or more often if you use it frequently.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher every time?
A: No, bleach should only be used occasionally as it can damage the dishwasher’s components over time.

Q: What should I do if my dishwasher is not draining properly?
A: Check the dishwasher filter for food particles or debris and clean it if necessary. If the problem persists, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Q: Can I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my dishwasher at the same time?
A: Yes, you can run a cycle with vinegar followed by a cycle with baking soda for a deeper clean.

Q: What is the best way to clean the dishwasher filter?
A: Remove the filter and rinse it under warm water to remove food particles and debris.

Mark Evans

Mark Evans is the owner and operator of Nesting Nicely home paint blog. With over 15 years of experience in the painting industry, he is passionate about helping homeowners find the right paint colors and solutions for their living spaces. Mark got his start in the family painting business and has since grown Nesting Nicely to be a top resource for home painting projects both large and small. When he isn't blogging, you can find Mark working with clients one-on-one to help transform their homes with the perfect coat of paint. He lives in small town America with his wife Sarah and their two children.
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