Tips&TricksRevitalize your dishwasher: Effective home cleaning hacks using kitchen vinegar

Revitalize your dishwasher: Effective home cleaning hacks using kitchen vinegar

How to clean a dishwasher using home methods? Photo: Freepik
How to clean a dishwasher using home methods? Photo: Freepik

2:43 PM EST, February 6, 2024, updated: 4:07 AM EST, March 7, 2024

Most of us rarely clean our dishwashers, mistakenly assuming that if it cleans dishes, it must clean itself. Unfortunately, this is not the truth. Over time, food remnants build up in nooks and crannies, which can deteriorate the appliance and even lead to breakdowns. Hence, a periodic degreasing and refreshing rinse is crucial. After the first rinse, the difference will be noticeable. The secret ingredient? Kitchen vinegar.

Are your dishes dirty even after a wash? Your dishwasher needs care

Ever been in a situation where you removed dishes from the dishwasher only to find them still dirty? Or grimaced at the unpleasant smell that lingers on the dishes and fills your kitchen? These are classic indications of a neglected dishwasher that needs immediate attention. If left unaddressed, it could lead to malfunction, and eventually, a breakdown. Fortunately, cleaning is simple. No need for costly products; just kitchen vinegar and a little effort will do the trick. Keep reading to learn how to clean a dishwasher in a few easy steps.

Practical Guide: How to clean a dishwasher at home?

Cleaning a dishwasher may seem like a chore, but done intelligently, it can save you from running into bigger, costlier problems later. After the first clean, you'll quickly spot the difference when your dishes come out sparkling and impeccably clean. The trick lies in using kitchen vinegar, a terrific solution for eliminating grease and food remnants that tend to stick around inside the dishwasher. It can even clear residue and scale that start to line the narrow channels of the spray arms over time.

So, how do you carry out the dishwasher cleaning? Simply start by unloading the dishes and cutlery baskets from the device. Then, pour vinegar into a cup and place it on the bottom of the dishwasher. Set the cleaning cycle to 158 degrees Fahrenheit—no need to add any detergents. When the washing cycle ends, you'll find a shiny, clean dishwasher free of any unpleasant odors. You need not worry about any residual vinegar odor, as vinegar evaporates quickly.

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