The answer is yes, you can put a bowl of vinegar in your dishwasher to clean and sanitize it. Vinegar is a natural and eco-friendly solution that can help you get rid of grease, grime, hard water stains, and bad odors from your dishwasher. However, you should be careful not to use too much vinegar or too often, as it can damage the rubber seals and gaskets of your appliance. In this article, we will explain how to use vinegar to clean your dishwasher, what are the benefits of doing so, and what are some alternatives to vinegar.
Using vinegar to clean your dishwasher is a simple and effective method that only requires a few steps. Here is how to do it:
Empty your dishwasher and remove any food particles or debris from the filter and the drain. You can rinse the filter under running water and wipe it with a cloth.
Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup with white vinegar. You can use distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar, which has a higher acidity level. You will need about two cups of vinegar for this process.
Place the bowl or cup of vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher, facing upright. Make sure it is stable and secure.
Run a hot cycle on your dishwasher, without any detergent or rinse aid. You can choose the longest or the most intensive cycle for better results.
Once the cycle is complete, open your dishwasher and remove the bowl or cup of vinegar. You can also wipe the inside of your dishwasher with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue or spots.
Enjoy your sparkling clean and fresh-smelling dishwasher!
What Are the Benefits of Using Vinegar to Clean Your Dishwasher?
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can effectively remove mineral buildup, grease, and grime from your dishwasher. It can also help eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the overall performance of your appliance. Some of the benefits of using vinegar to clean your dishwasher are:
It is cheap and easy to find. You probably already have vinegar in your pantry or you can buy it at any grocery store for a low price.
It is safe and eco-friendly. Vinegar is non-toxic and biodegradable, which means it will not harm your health or the environment. It is also gentle on your dishes and will not leave any residue or chemical smell.
It is versatile and effective. Vinegar can be used to clean not only your dishwasher, but also other appliances and surfaces in your kitchen, such as your microwave, oven, sink, countertops, and more. It can also be used to remove stains, disinfect, and deodorize various items and fabrics.
What Are Some Alternatives to Vinegar for Cleaning Your Dishwasher?
While vinegar is a great option for cleaning your dishwasher, it is not the only one. You can also use other natural or commercial products to achieve similar results. Some of the alternatives to vinegar for cleaning your dishwasher are:
Baking soda. Baking soda is another common household item that can help you clean your dishwasher. It can help remove stains, odors, and grease from your appliance. You can sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot cycle, or you can make a paste with water and apply it to the walls and racks of your dishwasher. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice is another natural and acidic solution that can help you clean your dishwasher. It can help dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and grime from your appliance. It can also leave a fresh and citrusy scent. You can use bottled or fresh lemon juice for this process. You can either pour some lemon juice into a bowl or cup and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher, or you can cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the detergent dispenser. Run a hot cycle on your dishwasher and enjoy the results.
Commercial dishwasher cleaner. If you prefer to use a commercial product to clean your dishwasher, you can find many options in the market. These products are specially designed to clean and sanitize your dishwasher, and they usually come in liquid, powder, or tablet form. You can follow the instructions on the package and use them as directed. Some of the popular brands of dishwasher cleaners are Affresh, Finish, Lemi Shine, and Glisten.
Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar is a simple and effective way to keep your appliance in good shape. Vinegar can help you remove grease, grime, hard water stains, and bad odors from your dishwasher. However, you should be careful not to use too much vinegar or too often, as it can damage the rubber seals and gaskets of your appliance. You can also use other natural or commercial products to clean your dishwasher, such as baking soda, lemon juice, or dishwasher cleaner. By cleaning your dishwasher regularly, you can ensure its optimal performance and extend its lifespan.
