The Right Way to Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar

Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can cut through dirt and grime that has built up on your most used appliances, including your dishwasher. The acidity in vinegar effectively breaks down grease, food residue, and mineral deposits inside the dishwasher. It also acts as a disinfectant, helping to kill bacteria and mildew. While vinegar is a great dishwasher cleaner, it's important to use it with caution. The acidity can damage the rubber gaskets if used incorrectly. Here, we explain how to safely clean a dishwasher with vinegar so it sparkles after every use.

How Often to Clean a Dishwasher

It's important to clean your dishwasher regularly to maintain its performance and cleanliness. "I recommend giving it a vinegar treatment about once a month," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. "This routine upkeep ensures that any buildup of grime, limescale, or lingering odors are swiftly dealt with, keeping your dishwasher running smoothly."

Type of Vinegar to Use When Cleaning a Dishwasher

Distilled white vinegar is effective for regular cleanings. "It is 5 percent acetic acid and 95 percent water," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "If it has been a while between cleanings, cleaning vinegar is about 20 percent stronger, making it more effective at cutting through the build-up." Both of these types of vinegar are distilled, so you don't have to worry about them discoloring your surfaces.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar.

• Vinegar
• Water
• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda
• Soft bristle brush
• Microfiber cloths

How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar

Deep clean your dishwasher with vinegar by following these expert-approved steps.

1. Empty your dishwasher completely, making sure to remove any dishes or utensils from the racks.
2. Fill a dishwasher-safe container filled with vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Do not add any dishwasher detergent.
3. Run a hot water cycle on the dishwasher. Choose the hottest water setting available to help dissolve any buildup.
4. Once the cycle is complete, use a soft cloth to wipe away any stubborn spots.
5. For a deeper clean: Remove your dishwasher's filter.
6. Soak the filter in hot water and mild dish soap for about 15 minutes.
7. Scrub the filter clean with a soft bristle brush, rinse, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
8. While the filter is removed, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar.
9. Let the mixture (which will fizz) sit for 15 minutes.
10. Rinse away the remaining residue and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
11. Replace the filter.
    

When Not to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar

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 Cohoon. 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.

Also avoid cleaning your dishwasher when it is full. "This ensures that the vinegar can effectively penetrate and clean all areas of the dishwasher without causing any damage to sensitive parts," says Mock.