Last Updated on October 12, 2023
You might use a dishwasher to clean dishes, but it must be cleaned properly and regularly to make it spotless, odor-free, and sparkling. When you clean your dishes in a dishwasher, the soap scum, food debris, and grease pile up, making your dishwasher stink.
It can perplex you to wonder how to clean a dishwasher regularly. However, just like other appliances used in the kitchen, such regularly used handy appliances also require proper cleaning. The residue in the dishwasher, including grease, food particles, and scum, makes the dishwasher stink badly because of bacteria inside it.
Learning to keep a dishwasher clean does not demand much effort, and it can be done by following some effective tips and this step-by-step procedure. In this article, we have provided simple instructions to clean a dishwasher without using vinegar.
If you own a Samsung Dishwasher, you must know How to Clean the Samsung Dishwasher.
List of Non-Vinegar Cleaning Materials Without Vinegar
Provide a comprehensive list of all the items your readers will need. Be sure to include common household items and specialized products or tools. For example:
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- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
- Dishwashing detergent
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Dishwasher-safe cleaning tablets (if preferred)
- Safety gloves (optional but recommended)
- Screwdriver (for removing and cleaning specific dishwasher parts, if necessary)
Safety Precautions
Mention any safety considerations or precautions to be taken while cleaning the dishwasher. This may include wearing gloves to protect your hands from cleaning agents, ensuring the dishwasher is unplugged, the power is turned off before manual cleaning, and keeping the area well-ventilated when using cleaning agents.
Things Useful to Clean A Dishwasher
Cleaning the dishwasher without using vinegar is safe for several reasons. Here are a few things that you can use in place of vinegar and the right way of using each cleaning material:
Baking Soda
Baking soda can work wonders in cleaning your dishwasher as it is a natural cleaning ingredient. It can help remove food particles and scum by mixing it with hot water.
Salt
Salt softens the water as it acts as a natural scrubbing agent. It helps to scrub the dishwasher along with its walls.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the best cleaning agents. As it is acidic, it helps lift grease from the dishwasher and makes it smell fresh.
Discover why your dishwasher might emit unpleasant odors in our article on Why does my dishwasher smell, and learn how to combat these issues effectively, even without vinegar.
How to Clean Dishwasher Without Vinegar?
The following steps are involved in cleaning a dishwasher without vinegar. To get smooth results, follow each step accordingly and get things done within less time.
Baking Soda and Water Mixture
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- Mixing instructions: Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1-2 cups of water to create a paste.
- Application method: Spread the paste inside the dishwasher, focusing on the walls, door, and other surfaces. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth or sponge.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
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- Mixing instructions: Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of baking soda to form a thick paste.
- Application method: Apply the paste to the interior of the dishwasher, including the racks and spray arms. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets
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- How to use them effectively: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package for dishwasher cleaning tablets. Generally, you’ll place a tablet in the detergent dispenser or a designated compartment and run a hot water cycle. These tablets often contain citric acid, enzymes, and surfactants to break down residue and mineral deposits.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
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- Mixing instructions: Mix 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water.
- Application method: Pour the solution into the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. Hydrogen peroxide can help remove stains and sanitize the interior.
Dish Soap and Hot Water
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- Mixing instructions: Fill a bowl or container with very hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
- Application method: Place the container on the top rack of the empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. The hot, soapy water will help break down grease and grime.
Citric Acid Solution
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- Mixing instructions: Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid powder in a cup of hot water.
- Application method: Pour the citric acid solution into the detergent compartment and run a hot water cycle. Citric acid is effective at removing limescale and mineral buildup.
Removing the Rust Stains
The dishwasher door latch may start getting rusty after a few years of excessive use. To fix this issue, you can rub it down with steel wool and a cleanser made up of stainless steel. Now, it’s time to rinse it and let it get dried with a soft cotton cloth. For the finishing, coat it up with vivid and clear nail paint. It will help to waterproof the metal and protect it from further rusting.
Oxygen Bleach (Sodium Percarbonate)
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- Mixing instructions: Follow the package instructions for diluting oxygen bleach in water.
- Application method: Pour the diluted solution into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. Oxygen bleach can help remove stains and sanitize.
Cleansing your dishwasher is essential for optimal performance. Learn how to drain your dishwasher effectively here.
How to Get Rid of Dishwasher Smell
If your dishwasher has started to stink excessively, some easy ways exist to cope with its bad odor and make it clean and fresh. Some people use vinegar for the deep cleaning of dishwashers, which can intensely damage the plastic of your dishwasher. Therefore, you should use a more effective and suitable method instead.
Sprinkle some baking soda on the lower part of your dishwasher and then run a cycle, applying its hottest setting to allow the cleaner to wash it efficiently.
Conclusion
We’ve explored a variety of effective non-vinegar cleaning methods for your dishwasher. From baking soda to lemon juice and specialized cleaning tablets, these alternatives can keep your appliance sparkling and odor-free. It’s crucial to remember that regular maintenance is not just about cleanliness but also about the efficiency and longevity of your dishwasher. By following these cleaning techniques and adopting a routine maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your dishwasher continues to work at its best, saving you time and money in the long run. A clean dishwasher isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a key to a well-functioning kitchen appliance.
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