New dishwasher needs more protection for a durable life. Currently, various companies are offering high-quality dishwashers to make utensils cleaning easier. Bosch, Kenmore, and Whirlpool are some of them. Using vinegar to clean the dishwasher means that you are putting strong acid inside the dishwasher. Vinegar can prove destructive for the rubber seals. It can also deface the stainless steel cutlery, which is to be washed in the dishwasher. With all the damages vinegar can cause, your dishwasher may not last as long as you would expect it to.
Cleaning the dishwasher is important not only for hygiene purposes but also for it to run smoothly. For unstained and shiny dishes, it is mandatory to clean the dishwasher at least once a month. Instead of using vinegar, there are a number of things that you can use to clean your machine. Some ways to clean a dishwasher without vinegar are described below:
1) Lemon Based Cleaner
The natural acid in lemons acts as a cleaning agent for many household objects. It leaves a refreshing scent and gets the job done perfectly. You can make a lemon cleaner at home with only a few ingredients and use it to clean items like microwave, dishwasher, and fridge.
Take 1.5 glass of water and put it on the stove in a pan. When the water is lukewarm, put 8-10 lemon peels in it. When the lemon peels become soft, turn off the burner and let it cool down. Next, squeeze the lemons to get the leftover juice. Filter the water using a strainer. Then transfer the lemon juice to a spray bottle half-filled with water. Put 2 tablespoons of dishwasher liquid detergent and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Close the bottle and shake the mixture. Now, spray the cleaner in the dishwasher and leave it for about 5 – 10 minutes. After that, scrub off the mixture by using any cleaning towel.
2) Essential Oil
Cleaning your dishwasher with essential oils can be remarkably effective. They are made of non-toxic and chemical-free substances. Thus, they can be quite useful in maintaining hygiene while getting the dishwasher clean. Different essential oils can be used to refine and disinfect household objects. Below is the method mentioned to make essential oil pods for your dishwasher.
Take 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of citric acid. Put some liquid soap in it and slowly mix it. Next, take essential oil of your preference (which has the right cleaning ability) and add 15 – 20 drops of it. Put the combination in a mold of pods and leave for 5 – 6 hours (or more) to dry. Then use them to clean your dishwasher.
3) Dishwasher Tablets
Using dishwasher tablets is an easy way to clean your machine thoroughly. They are widely used and help remove tough stains and break down the grease built up in the dishwasher. In addition, these tablets are relatively inexpensive if compared with other cleaners.
Know more: Is it a Good Idea to use Dishwasher Tablets to Clean Toilet?
Place a tablet in the dishwasher while it is empty. Then, run the water for a while to make your machine look clean and spotless.
It is important to use only 1 tablet at a time; otherwise, it will form a lot of bubbles and create a mess.
4) Bleach Wash
Bleach can be used to deep clean a dishwasher from inside. A solution made with bleach helps remove mold and fungus. Also, it disinfects the interior.
Mix some bleach with water and apply the diluted solution to the area you need to clean. Scrub gently if needed and rinse the area with clean water.
Never use bleach if your dishwasher is made of stainless steel. It will damage the interior.
5) Baking Soda Rinse
Baking soda helps to get rid of food stains in your dishwasher and removes any bad odor. As a result, you have a clean and shining machine.
Take 1 cup of baking soda and sprinkle it on the bottom tub of your dishwasher. Run a wash cycle with hot water for a few minutes. You will get rid of stains and spots.
