Clean Your Dishwasher — The Easy Way!

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You have to admit that having a dishwasher is one of those “luxuries” that actually ends up being a necessity. Who has time to stand at the sink and wash dishes several times a day? But even running your dishwasher with your favorite detergent at least once a day, it tends to get dirty and / or stinky inside. And you know what a dirty dishwasher means? That’s right…dirty dishes. Here’s a sure-fire way to get the inside of your dishwasher clean — almost no elbow grease required.

1. Remove the Rack & Spray

Your bottom rack should simply roll out. Once it’s out of the way, simply spray the bottom of your dishwasher with straight vinegar. Make sure you get all the little nooks and crannies, plus the heating element. The bottom is where all the gunk collects, and where bad smells usually originate. While you’re at it, check your dishwasher’s food disposal for any yuckiness that might have gotten stuck there, and pull it out! Wear gloves if you find yourself to be a bit squeemish.

 

2. Wipe it Down

Grab a soft, clean cloth and give the inside a good wipe-down. Make sure you also clean the rubber seal inside the door hinge.

3. Replace & Pour

Put your bottom rack back into place, and pour 1 cup of plain vinegar into the bottom. You don’t need to put it in a cup — just dump it directly in there!

4. Add Baking Soda

You probably know about the cleaning properties of baking soda. It works great with the vinegar you just added to clean your dishwasher. Simply add 1 cup of baking soda to the bottom of your dishwasher, along with the vinegar. It’ll start to fizz. If you like, you can also add a little lemon juice or essential oil for a fresh scent.

5. Run & Repeat Monthly

If you have a “light” or “fragile” cycle on your dishwasher, go ahead and run it. If not, you can use your normal cycle. When the cycle is finished, your dishwasher will be clean and bad odors will be long gone. Try doing this cleaning procedure once a month. You’ll have cleaner dishes, and you’ll keep mold and mildew at bay.