In many households, the dishwasher is in use several times a week. However, contrary to popular belief, the machine does not clean itself during the wash cycle. Although it may seem obvious that the combination of warm water and dishwasher detergent cleans the inside of the appliance, this is (unfortunately) not the case. If your dishwasher smells after the wash cycle and the dishes are no longer really clean, you should clean your dishwasher – preferably with vinegar!
Simple household remedy ensures cleanliness
Cleaning household appliances is a rather unpopular task. Or when was the last time you cleaned your vacuum cleaner? And the dishwasher should also be thoroughly rinsed at regular intervals – at best every 4 to 8 weeks. There are special products on the market that promise hygienic cleanliness. The best cleaning agent is already in your cupboard!
All you need to clean your dishwasher is a little vinegar. It is best to use table vinegar, as the acid concentration of table vinegar is quite low at 5% – and it is also diluted by the rinsing water! This prevents damage to the rubber seals of your machine. You can simply pour the vinegar into the detergent compartment.
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Cleaning the dishwasher with vinegar: How this popular household remedy works
Vinegar has always been known as a powerful limescale remover. And so it also ensures that limescale deposits inside the dishwasher are gently removed. Select a program with high temperatures for the wash cycle, the dishwasher should be empty. You should avoid pre-rinsing.
To enhance the effect of the vinegar, you can sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda on the bottom of your empty dishwasher. You’ll be surprised how clean and shiny your dishwasher will be after the vinegar wash cycle! Now nothing stands in the way of clean dishes.
FAQ
Can I clean the dishwasher with a tab while it is idle?
Yes, you can clean the dishwasher with a tab while it is idling. This helps to remove deposits or odors. It is important to run the cleaner at a high temperature to achieve optimum results.
Can you clean the dishwasher with citric acid?
Yes, you can use citric acid to clean the dishwasher. Citric acid helps to dissolve limescale and grease. Simply add some citric acid powder or solution to the detergent compartment and start a hot cleaning cycle on empty. However, be careful not to use too much, as the acidic environment could damage sensitive parts.
Is vinegar harmful to the dishwasher?
Vinegar can damage the seals and rubber parts of the dishwasher if used frequently. Although it is an effective cleaning agent against limescale and grease, its acidity could cause material wear in the long term. For occasional cleaning, it is usually harmless in moderate quantities. If you want to use vinegar, it is best to choose the diluted version and make sure that it does not get directly onto sensitive parts.
Source: merkur.de
