How to Descale a Dishwasher
Dishwashers are a godsend. When pots and dishes need cleaning, the dishwasher allows you to go on about your day without spending a lot of time washing and scrubbing. In addition, they’re more hygienic: dish sponges are a breeding ground for 362 types of bacteria. Who wants to smear that on their plates?
That said, hard water results in mineral deposits that leave unsightly spots on dishware, and they tend to be even more visible when you run your kitchenware through the dishwasher. This is one of the signs of hard water.
While there are dishwashing soaps that could remove the deposits from your wine glasses, there may still be hard water buildup left behind on your most valuable kitchen appliance.
What can you do to get rid of the stains?
How to Descale a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Materials
- Screwdriver
- Toothbrush
- Dishwashing Detergent
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
Directions
Follow the steps below to decalcify your dishwasher:
Step 1. Empty the dishwasher. While it may be tempting to kill two birds with one stone by cleaning your dishwasher at the same time as it’s washing dishes, your dishwasher needs to be completely empty for the best results.
Step 2. Clean the bottom filter. It’s best to remove the filter from the dishwasher prior to cleaning the filter. Depending on the machine’s make and model, you may need to unscrew it to remove it. Run the filter under hot tap water and scrub gently with a toothbrush and dishwashing detergent.
Step 3. Run the dishwasher with a container of vinegar. Once the dishwasher is empty, place an uncovered bowl or glass full of vinegar on the top rack. Run a full cycle on the “regular” setting. If you’re not a fan of the smell of vinegar, you can use Lime-A-Way.
Step 4. Run the dishwasher with baking soda. Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle.
Step 5. Leave the dishwasher open overnight. Leaving the machine open for several hours will ensure that there won’t be any odor left behind.
How to Prevent Future Buildups
Clean your dishwasher regularly. Just like the rest of your home, your dishwasher requires cleaning on a regular basis. Hard water will build up again over time. Make sure to include reminders on your calendar to do this at least every two months or so.
Become familiar with your dishwasher’s features. If your dishwasher is relatively new, it may have the capability to soften your water. Look for this option in the machine’s panel and use it every time you run a cycle.
Removing hard water buildup is important, not only to keep your dishes and glasses looking as clean as possible but also to extend the life of your dishwasher. By performing regular maintenance, you’ll prevent mineral deposits from clogging the water lines.