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How To Clean Your Dishwasher
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How To Clean A Dishwasher

This tried-and-true dishwasher cleaning method will leave your dishwasher squeaky clean, smelling fresh, and working great. It can even help eliminate standing water!
Cook Time 10 minutes
Running Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 1 clean dishwasher
Author Jill Nystul

Equipment

  • Dishwasher-safe cup
  • Measuring Cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup bleach optional

Instructions

Examine the Drain

  • Pull the bottom rack out, examine the drain area, and remove the foreign material you find (if any).
    How To Clean Your Dishwasher

Vinegar Wash

  • Place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the bottom rack of your dishwasher, then run your dishwasher on a hot water cycle.
    Start cleaning your dishwasher by using a cup of white vinegar with the hottest wash cycle.

Baking Soda Wash

  • After the first wash cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda around the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through another hot water wash cycle.
    How To Clean Your Dishwasher

Bleach Wash (Optional)

  • To eliminate mold and mildew, add ½-1 cup bleach to the bottom of the dishwasher and run another full wash cycle. (Skip this step if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior, as bleach can corrode stainless steel.)
    How To Clean Your Dishwasher

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