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.
The effectiveness of vinegar as a cleaning agent stems from its pH level of approximately 2.4, making it acidic enough to dissolve mineral buildup without being harsh enough to damage most dishwasher components. Studies show that acetic acid, vinegar’s active component, can eliminate up to 99% of bacteria and 82% of mold species commonly found in kitchen appliances. This natural cleaning approach can save homeowners an average of $50-75 annually compared to commercial dishwasher cleaners, while also reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Expert Contributors:
- Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company
- Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds
- Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations for Two Maids
How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda
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.”
The frequency of cleaning may need adjustment based on usage patterns and water hardness. Households that run their dishwasher daily should consider bi-weekly cleanings, while those with particularly hard water (above 7 grains per gallon) may benefit from weekly treatments. Hard water affects approximately 85% of American homes, with mineral concentrations that can reduce dishwasher efficiency by up to 12% when left untreated. Signs that indicate more frequent cleaning is needed include spots on glassware, a musty odor when opening the dishwasher, or visible mineral deposits on the interior walls.
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.
The choice between regular and cleaning vinegar can impact both effectiveness and cost. Standard white vinegar typically costs $0.50-1.00 per gallon, while cleaning vinegar ranges from $1.50-2.50 per gallon. However, the 6% acetic acid concentration in cleaning vinegar makes it approximately 20% more effective at breaking down calcium carbonate deposits, the primary component of limescale. For severely neglected dishwashers, the higher acidity can reduce cleaning time by 30-40%. Never use colored vinegars like apple cider or balsamic, as their additional compounds can leave stains and residues that may affect dishwasher performance.
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.
The total cost for these materials typically ranges from $15-25, providing supplies for 6-8 monthly cleanings. Microfiber cloths are particularly valuable due to their electrostatic properties, which allow them to capture particles as small as 1/300th the width of a human hair. When selecting a soft bristle brush, opt for one with nylon bristles rather than metal, as metal can scratch stainless steel surfaces and potentially damage the dishwasher’s finish. A dedicated cleaning caddy to store these supplies can help maintain consistency in your cleaning routine and prevent cross-contamination with other household cleaning tools.
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 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.
This process typically takes 2-3 hours from start to finish, though most of this time is passive waiting. The optimal water temperature for maximum effectiveness is 140°F (60°C), which helps activate the vinegar’s cleaning properties and ensures complete dissolution of mineral deposits. The baking soda and vinegar reaction creates carbonic acid, which provides additional cleaning power for 10-15 minutes before neutralizing. Professional appliance technicians report that regular vinegar cleaning can extend dishwasher lifespan by 15-20%, preventing the buildup that leads to pump failures and heating element damage. The filter cleaning step is particularly crucial, as a clogged filter can reduce cleaning efficiency by up to 40% and increase energy consumption by forcing the motor to work harder.
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.
Additional situations where vinegar should be avoided include immediately after using chlorine-based cleaners, as the combination can create harmful chlorine gas. Wait at least 24 hours between different cleaning agents. Dishwashers with natural stone components (rare but present in some high-end models) should never be cleaned with vinegar, as the acid can etch and permanently damage marble or granite elements. If your dishwasher has a warranty, check the manufacturer’s guidelines, as some brands specifically prohibit acidic cleaners and using vinegar could void coverage. The average cost of replacing damaged rubber seals ranges from $75-150, making proper dilution a worthwhile precaution that costs mere pennies per cleaning.
