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.
I’ve always been amazed at how something as simple as vinegar can tackle the grime in a dishwasher. Its acetic acid content, usually around 5%, is what makes it so effective at dissolving those stubborn mineral deposits that can build up in hard water areas. In my own kitchen, I’ve noticed that regular vinegar cleanings not only keep the dishwasher looking spotless but also help it run more efficiently, saving water and energy over time. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, maintaining appliances like dishwashers can improve their efficiency by up to 10%, which can add up on your utility bills.
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.”
I’ve found that sticking to this monthly schedule really does make a difference. If you live in an area with hard water, you might even notice limescale buildup faster, so you may want to clean every three weeks or so. Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can leave deposits that reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency. A quick tip I’ve picked up is to check the spray arms for clogs during each cleaning—it’s an easy way to spot early buildup and keep things running smoothly. Regular maintenance like this can extend your dishwasher’s lifespan, potentially saving you the cost of repairs or a replacement, which can range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the model.
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.
When I first started cleaning my dishwasher, I stuck with distilled white vinegar because it’s cheap and easy to find—usually under $3 for a gallon at most grocery stores. But after neglecting my dishwasher for a few months, I tried cleaning vinegar, and wow, it really powered through the gunk! The higher acetic acid content in cleaning vinegar (around 6%) makes it a bit more potent, but it’s still safe for most dishwashers. Just a heads-up: always check your dishwasher’s manual first, as some manufacturers warn against using anything too acidic. If you’re on a budget, sticking with distilled white vinegar works just fine for routine cleanings and keeps costs down.
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
Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning because their tiny fibers work with positive and negative components to pull away grease, dirt, and debris.
I always keep a stack of microfiber cloths in my cleaning arsenal—they’re a game-changer for wiping down the dishwasher’s interior without leaving scratches or lint. You can grab a pack of these for about $10, and they’re reusable, which is great for both your wallet and the environment. If you don’t have a soft bristle brush, an old toothbrush works just as well for scrubbing the filter. Baking soda is another must-have; its mild abrasiveness complements vinegar’s acidity, creating a fizzy reaction that lifts stubborn residue. This combo is like a one-two punch for grime, and it’s all stuff you probably already have at home, keeping the cleaning process super affordable.
How to Clean a Dishwasher With Vinegar
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 wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- While the filter is removed, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar.
- Let the fizzy mixture sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse away the remaining residue and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Replace the filter.
The first time I tried this method, I was surprised at how much gunk came off the filter—it’s like a hidden dirt trap! That baking soda and vinegar combo is my favorite part; it fizzes up like a science experiment and gets the drain sparkling clean. For an extra boost, I sometimes run a second hot water cycle after wiping everything down to ensure all the loosened debris is flushed out. If you’re dealing with persistent odors, adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to the vinegar container can leave your dishwasher smelling fresh. This step-by-step process is simple, takes about an hour, and costs less than $1 in supplies, making it a no-brainer for regular upkeep.
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 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. 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.
I learned the hard way that using straight vinegar on the gaskets can make them brittle over time—yep, had to replace one once, and it wasn’t cheap! Diluting the vinegar as suggested is a lifesaver and still gets the job done. Another thing I’ve noticed is that cleaning an empty dishwasher makes a big difference; when I tried running a vinegar cycle with a few dishes still inside, it didn’t clean as thoroughly, and some spots stayed grimy. If you’re worried about damaging sensitive parts, a quick call to your dishwasher’s manufacturer or a peek at the manual can clarify what’s safe to use. This extra caution can save you from costly repairs, which can easily hit $150 or more for gasket replacements.
