Erase Dishwasher Grime With Vinegar: A Simple Step-By-Step Guide

Are you tired of your GE dishwasher leaving your dishes with a cloudy or smelly residue? The culprit could be hard water minerals, food particles, and grease buildup. But don’t worry, you don’t need to spend a fortune on harsh chemical cleaners. The solution is right in your pantry: vinegar!

Why Vinegar?

Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic acid that effectively dissolves mineral deposits and removes grease. It’s also a great disinfectant, killing bacteria and mold that can lurk in your dishwasher.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your GE Dishwasher with Vinegar

1. Gather Your Supplies

• White vinegar
• Measuring cup
• Soft cloths or sponges

2. Remove the Filter

Locate the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it by turning it counterclockwise. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any debris.

3. Fill the Dispenser with Vinegar

Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser. Do not add any other cleaning agents.

4. Run a Normal Cycle

Start a normal wash cycle on the hottest water setting. The vinegar will circulate throughout the dishwasher, dissolving mineral buildup and removing grease.

5. Clean the Door Gasket

While the dishwasher is running, use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in vinegar to wipe down the door gasket. This will prevent mold and mildew from forming.

6. Clean the Spray Arms

Once the cycle is complete, check the spray arms for any clogs or debris. If necessary, remove them and soak them in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly before reattaching them.

7. Wipe Down the Interior

After the dishwasher has cooled down, wipe down the interior with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in vinegar. This will remove any remaining vinegar residue and ensure a fresh smell.

Additional Tips

• Run the vinegar cleaning cycle monthly to prevent buildup.
• If your dishwasher has a “sanitize” cycle, use it after the vinegar cycle to kill any remaining bacteria.
• For heavily soiled dishwashers, you may need to repeat the vinegar cleaning cycle.
• Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.

Troubleshooting

My Dishwasher Still Smells After Cleaning

• The vinegar solution may not have been strong enough. Try using a higher concentration of vinegar (up to 4 cups).
• There may be a clog in the drain hose or garbage disposal. Check for any obstructions and remove them.
• The dishwasher may need a deeper clean. Contact a professional appliance repair technician.

My Dishwasher Has Hard Water Buildup

• Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner specifically designed to remove hard water buildup.
• Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.
• Install a water softener to prevent future buildup.

What You Need to Know

How often should I clean my GE dishwasher with vinegar?

• Monthly to prevent buildup.

What type of vinegar should I use?

• White vinegar is the most effective.

Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?

• Yes, but lemon juice is less acidic than vinegar, so you may need to use more.

What if I don’t have a dishwasher dispenser?

• Pour the vinegar directly into the bottom of the dishwasher.

Is it safe to use vinegar in all dishwashers?

• Yes, vinegar is safe for all GE dishwashers.