It might seem strange to clean something that’s supposed to do the cleaning. But dishwashers can build up grease, grime, food particles and limescale over time, especially with all the hard work they do every day. If your plates are coming out with a cloudy film or there’s a bit of a pong when you open the door, it’s probably time to give it some love.
It’s possible to clean your dishwasher with simple ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda, and it honestly works a treat. Here’s how to get yours sparkling again the natural way.
Why Vinegar and Baking Soda Work So Well
White vinegar is a natural acid, so it’s great at breaking down limescale and cutting through grease. Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda) is mildly abrasive and brilliant at absorbing odours. Together, they’re a bit of a dream team for cleaning the inside of your dishwasher without any harsh chemicals or synthetic scents.
How To Clean Dishwasher With Vinegar And Baking Soda
Step 1: Empty and Inspect First
Start by taking everything out of your dishwasher. That includes the racks, utensil holder and filter (if it’s removable). Give the filter a quick rinse under the tap to clear away any trapped food or debris.
Then, check the spray arms and make sure the holes aren’t blocked. If they are, you can use a toothpick or an old toothbrush to loosen anything stuck in there.
Step 2: Vinegar Rinse
Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or jug and place it on the bottom rack. Don’t pour it straight into the base of the machine – it’s better to let it slosh around in the cycle.
Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle with nothing else inside. The vinegar will cut through grease, wash away old detergent build-up and help tackle any limescale hanging around.
Once it’s done, open the door and let it air out for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Baking Soda Boost
Now for the bicarb. Sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda directly onto the bottom of the dishwasher.
Run a short hot cycle – just enough to help the baking soda fizz away any lingering smells and stains.
This final step really helps freshen things up and leaves your dishwasher smelling clean rather than overly scented.
Step 4: Got Stubborn Spots?
If there’s still grime around the seals or door edges, grab an old toothbrush and dip it into a paste made from baking soda and a few drops of water. Give those areas a gentle scrub, then wipe away with a damp cloth.
You can also run a quick rinse cycle again if you’ve done any scrubbing to make sure all residue is gone.
Keep It Cleaner For Longer
Once your dishwasher’s sparkling, a few small habits will help keep it that way:
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Give the filter a rinse every week or two
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Wipe the door seals and edges regularly with a damp cloth
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Scrape off food before loading plates (no need to rinse fully)
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Do a vinegar rinse when needed to stay on top of limescale and grease
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Leave the door open slightly after a cycle to help it dry and stay fresh
No need for fancy cleaning tablets or strong-smelling sprays. Just a bottle of white vinegar, a scoop of baking soda, and a little know-how. Ready to give yours a bit of TLC?
