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 minutesminutes
Running Time 1 hourhour20 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour30 minutesminutes
Servings 1clean dishwasher
Author Jill Nystul
Equipment
Dishwasher-safe cup
Measuring Cups
Ingredients
1cupdistilled white vinegar
1cupbaking soda
1cupbleachoptional
Instructions
Examine the Drain
Pull the bottom rack out, examine the drain area, and remove the foreign material you find (if any).
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.
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.
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.)