Orange County Maid desires you to give a little tender loving care to this overlooked house appliance. It is our dishwasher, and yes, it is often neglected! Once every six months, this equipment should be thoroughly cleaned. In this step-by-step instruction, you’ll find out how to use vinegar and baking soda to clean a dishwasher. You’ll be surprised by the transformation—your computer will look and work better than ever before.
1. Filter, utensil holders, and dishwasher racks should be removed.
To get into the nitty-gritty cracks and crevices:
- Remove the racks, utensil holders, and filter (some filters twist off, but others will require tools to unscrew them).
- Remove them and soak them in a cleaning solution of 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and warm water.
- Allow at least thirty seconds for it to soak.
2. Remove any debris.
Now that you have a clear line of sight, look for any leftover debris hidden inside. Use a common house cleaning technique such as wiping the spray arms and sidewalls, particularly the top and bottom corners. Examine the filter and dispenser in the dishwasher and the small ports and slots where water sprays. If food particles or other filth become trapped in these tiny holes, use a home cleaning method to remove them, such as wiping them out with a toothbrush or a toothpick.
3. Using vinegar, run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle.
1 cup white vinegar, placed on the bottom of an empty dishwasher in a dishwasher-safe basin. Turn on the dishwasher’s hot water cycle. The vinegar will break down any leftover food, oil, soap scum, residue, or other impurities. This housekeeping method is effective when you do it properly.
4. Use baking soda in a second brief wash cycle.
After the first cycle, remove the bowl and 1 cup of baking soda from the bottom of the dishwasher. Run it through a quick cycle. Baking soda removes stains and cleans the dishwasher. What is the final outcome? Orange County Maid is pleased to report that they have a gleaming dishwasher that smells oh-so-fresh.
5. Clean the dishwasher’s outside door.
Grab a cleaner developed specifically for the surface of your dishwasher: if it’s stainless steel, for example, seek a stainless steel house cleaning product (all-purpose cleaners can leave a Be careful, as a streaky finish or even scratching steel can occur).
Check the temperature settings on your dishwasher.
Maggy Maid of Orange County says that setting the temperature to 120°F–150°F is another way to ensure that your dishwasher is performing at its optimum. To test your temperature, fill a cup with the hottest tap water you can find and place it in the sink nearest to the dishwasher. Put a thermometer inside and check the temperature. If your water heater is below 120°F or above 150°F, you’ll need to adjust it to utilize it as a cleaning device.
