How to Easily Clean Your Dishwasher for a Fresher, More Efficient Kitchen
Dishwashers are an essential kitchen helper, saving you from hours of scrubbing plates, cups, and silverware by hand. Not only do they save time, but they also sanitize your dishes—something especially valuable for maintaining a healthy home. However, like all appliances, dishwashers require regular cleaning themselves to keep running efficiently and to avoid unpleasant odors caused by trapped food or mildew.
Appliances that use water are prone to mineral buildup, especially if you live in an area with hard water. So, how do you clean your dishwasher effectively—and with what? Fortunately, you only need two simple ingredients likely already in your pantry: white vinegar and baking soda.
The Dynamic Duo: White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Step 1: Prepare the Dishwasher
Start by removing the bottom rack of your dishwasher. This part isn’t difficult but does require you to be at dishwasher level. If kneeling is uncomfortable, ask a family member or friend to help—perhaps in exchange for a home-cooked meal! Once the rack is out, check the drain area for any leftover food debris or small items like lids or silverware that may have slipped through the cracks. Removing these prevents clogs, improves efficiency, and avoids standing water.
If you find smaller items frequently slipping to the bottom, consider using a small basket designed to hold these pieces safely in place.
Step 2: Vinegar Cycle
Replace the bottom rack and pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container placed on the rack. Run a hot water cycle without the drying phase—there’s no need to waste energy on drying for this cleaning step.
Step 3: Baking Soda Refresh
Once the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle about one cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher. It’s okay if some lands on the rack—it won’t cause any harm. Run a short hot water cycle again, skipping the drying option. This step helps eliminate odors and leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh and looking sparkling clean.
Step 4: Exterior Wipe-Down
Finish up by wiping down the outside of your dishwasher with a sponge or microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. Use a gentle dish soap—the same kind you use for hand-washing delicate or non-dishwasher-safe items—to avoid scratching the surface. This simple exterior cleaning helps maintain the dishwasher’s appearance and hygiene.
Extra Tips for a Healthy Dishwasher
Rinse your dishes before loading to reduce leftover food buildup inside the dishwasher.
Perform these cleaning steps once a month to keep your dishwasher fresh and efficient.
While cleaning monthly, take a moment to inspect under your kitchen sink for leaks where the dishwasher connects to the water supply or drain lines. Early leak detection can save you from costly repairs and water damage.
With just vinegar, baking soda, and a little time, you can maintain a clean, fresh-smelling dishwasher that works at its best—making your kitchen chores easier and more pleasant.
