A dishwasher is a kitchen workhorse, but it needs regular cleaning to perform at its best. Over time, grease, food particles, soap scum, and mineral deposits can build up, leading to odors, reduced efficiency, and even dirty dishes. Vinegar, with its natural acidity, is a powerful, budget-friendly solution to keep your dishwasher sparkling clean. Below, we’ve compiled expert-approved methods from trusted sources to guide you through cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar, ensuring it runs smoothly and your dishes come out spotless.
Cleaning the Dishwasher Interior with Vinegar
Method 1: Basic Vinegar Rinse (HGTV)
Cleaning the dishwasher can be the easiest chore on your list. Here’s how to keep your dishwasher clean using a cup of white vinegar. Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe mug. The mug should be about 2/3 full of vinegar. Place the mug upright on the top rack of your dishwasher and then close the door of the appliance. Run the dishwasher on the normal cycle with hot water for extra sterilization. The vinegar loosens soap scum, food particles and grease from the dishwasher’s walls and racks and washes it down the drain. Once the cycle is complete, open the door and remove the mug. Check the drain below the bottom rack for any large particles that may have settled in the filter there. Repeat this white vinegar cycle every few weeks to keep the dishwasher clean. Vinegar is highly acidic. That’s why it’s great at breaking down grease and other tough deposits inside your dishwasher. But there’s a reason that the vinegar is placed in an upright cup in this tutorial and not poured all over the surfaces: Rubber seals and gaskets can break down over time when in contact with highly acidic cleaners. It’s always best to target your rubber seals with a soapy cloth to loosen any build-up. Do not apply undiluted white vinegar to any rubber gaskets and seals. Only run white vinegar through your dishwasher if the dishwasher is empty. Dirty silverware or other metal containers that previously contained salt can be affected by a chemical reaction when in contact with vinegar.
Method 2: Deep Clean with Vinegar (Martha Stewart)
Deep clean your dishwasher with vinegar by following these expert-approved steps. Empty your dishwasher completely, removing any dishes or utensils from the racks. Fill a dishwasher-safe container filled with vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Do not add any dishwasher detergent. Run a hot water cycle on the dishwasher. Choose the hottest water setting available to help dissolve any buildup. Once the cycle is complete, use a soft cloth to wipe away any stubborn spots. For a deeper clean: Remove your dishwasher’s filter. Soak the filter in hot water and mild dish soap for about 15 minutes. Scrub the filter clean with a soft bristle brush, rinse, and wipeContrato con una toalla de microfibra. Mientras el filtro está retirado, vierte 1/2 taza de bicarbonato de sodio en el desagüe, seguido de 1/2 taza de vinagre. Deja que la mezcla efervescente repose durante 15 minutos. Enjuaga el residuo restante y limpia con una toalla de microfibra.
Method 3: Cleaning the Drain (Southern Living)
Cleaning your dishwasher drain trap requires a bit more care than cleaning your overall dishwasher. First, put 1 cup of white vinegar in a large, microwave-safe bowl, then heat it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds so it is slightly warm. Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in two tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. In the meantime, boil a kettle of water. Just as the boil is dying down, carefully pour the water down the dishwasher drain to help clear out any debris or clogs. Do this slowly, taking care not to get splashed with the hot water. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure that it’s also clean and running well, as dishwasher clogs and draining problems can sometimes be traced to a clogged or dirty garbage disposal.
Cleaning Removable Parts with Vinegar
Soaking Racks and Utensil Holders (The Home Depot)
One of the easiest ways to clean a dishwasher is by starting with the removable parts. Take out the utensil holder and dishwasher racks. Rinse or wipe them to remove bits of food. If foods are caked-on, fill your sink half-full with warm water and add two cups of white vinegar. Vinegar is natural and safe to use in your dishwasher and works as a DIY dishwasher cleaner. Place the parts in the sink and let them soak for 20 minutes. Then rinse them and put them back in place.
Cleaning the Filter (Architectural Digest)
Cleaning the filter will ensure your dishwasher runs smoother. To get down into the nitty-gritty cracks and crevices, you’ll need to remove the racks, utensil holders, and filter (some filters simply twist off, but others will require tools to unscrew them). Take them out and place them in a mixture of warm water—about half of your sink—and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, it’s time to clean your dishwasher filter. And it’s one of the most critical steps to cleaning a dishwasher, according to Eberhard. So, make sure you’re following the specific guidelines your manual has laid out to ensure you’re doing so correctly. Once you’ve read up on your filter, remove it carefully and clean out any visible gunk. She recommends first running the filter under warm water to shake out anything stuck inside.
Cleaning the Door and Gaskets
Gasket Maintenance (Southern Living)
To clean the gasket, mix a half cup of vinegar with three cups of hot water in a bucket or container. Using your toothbrush and the solution, gently loosen and wipe away any grime in the gasket. A few times a year, clean mildew and mold build-up around the door gaskets using a toothbrush dipped into a mixture of half a cup of vinegar and 3 cups of hot water. Wipe away any remaining grime.
Avoiding Damage to Gaskets (Martha Stewart)
Avoid cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar when you need to clean the rubber gaskets. “Full-strength vinegar can break down rubber gaskets and seals,” says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations for Two Maids. You can dilute the vinegar (1/4 cup vinegar to 2 cups water) and dampen a cloth with the mixture to gently scrub the gaskets, or opt for water and gentle dish soap.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Distilled White Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar is recommended for its 5% acetic acid content, ideal for regular cleaning. For tougher buildup, cleaning vinegar (6% acetic acid) can be used but is more expensive. Avoid apple cider vinegar or other types with tannins that may discolor surfaces.
- Check Your Manual: Some manufacturers, like Miele, advise against using vinegar due to potential damage to internal components. Always consult your dishwasher’s manual before proceeding.
- Run Hot Water First: Run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure the cycle begins with hot water, enhancing vinegar’s cleaning power.
- Air Dry: Skip the heated dry cycle and open the dishwasher door after the vinegar cycle to let it air dry, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold.
- Clean Regularly: Experts recommend cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar once a month to prevent buildup and maintain performance. If you use your dishwasher less frequently, every few months may suffice.
FAQs About Cleaning a Dishwasher with Vinegar
1. Can I use vinegar and baking soda together in the same cycle?
No, you should never mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cleaning cycle. The two will react, creating a foamy mess that could leave residue in your dishwasher. Run a vinegar cycle first, then follow with a separate baking soda cycle for best results.
2. Is vinegar safe for all dishwashers?
Vinegar is generally safe for most dishwashers, but some manufacturers warn against it due to its acidity, which could damage rubber seals or internal components over time. Check your dishwasher’s manual to confirm. If in doubt, use a diluted vinegar solution or a commercial dishwasher cleaner.
3. How often should I clean my dishwasher with vinegar?
For households that run the dishwasher daily, a monthly vinegar cleaning is ideal. If you use it less often, every two to three months is sufficient. Clean sooner if you notice odors, cloudy dishes, or reduced performance.
4. Can I use other types of vinegar besides distilled white vinegar?
Distilled white vinegar is the best choice because it lacks tannins that could stain surfaces. Cleaning vinegar is stronger and effective for heavy buildup but more costly. Avoid apple cider vinegar or other flavored vinegars, as they may leave residues or odors.
5. What should I do if my dishwasher still smells after cleaning with vinegar?
If odors persist, try running a second cycle with baking soda to neutralize smells. Check the drain and filter for trapped debris, and clean the gaskets with a diluted vinegar solution to remove mold or mildew. Leaving the door open after cycles can also prevent moisture-related odors.
Conclusion
Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar is a simple, cost-effective way to maintain its performance and keep your dishes sparkling. By following these expert methods—whether it’s a quick vinegar rinse, a deep clean of the drain, or soaking removable parts—you can ensure your dishwasher stays odor-free and efficient. Regular maintenance, combined with careful attention to your dishwasher’s manual, will extend its lifespan and keep your kitchen running smoothly.