Regular cleaning is not only hygienic; it can also increase thelife expectancy of your appliance.
Luckily, regular cleaning of the dishwasher takes just one ingredientdistilled white vinegarand little effort.
The acidity in the vinegar helps break down soap scum, residue, and grime.
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Tip
Don’t forget about the outside of your dishwasher.
Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth at least weekly or as needed to remove splatters.
Distilled and cleaning vinegar do not contain tannins (plant dyes) that can discolor some surfaces.
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A good time to run a cleaning cycle is right after the clean dishes have beenunloaded.
Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Using a bit moreup to two cups if the dishwasher has never been cleanedis perfectly fine.
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Do not add any dishwasher detergent.
Run a Full Cleaning Cycle
Select a full cleaning cycle without a drying cycle.
Wipe down the door seals with a sponge dipped in vinegar.
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Run a hot water rinse cycle (no drying cycle).
Clean the Dishwasher Filter
Locate and remove the dishwasher filter.
Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled nylon brush to scrub away any trapped debris in the filter.
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Scrub the filter housing with a brush dipped in vinegar and then replace the filter.
With the filter removed, add one-fourth cup of baking soda to the drain.
Then, pour one-half cup of distilled vinegar into the drain opening.
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There will be foaming as the products react.
That reaction helps to loosen debris so it is flushed away during a dishwasher cycle.
Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean Longer
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The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
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The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
