How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar or Cleaning Tablet

This is a cleaning post with tips on how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar (for green cleaning) or cleaning tablets.

Sometimes, when we walk in the house we are hit with that familiar stench.  No, not the kitty litter box. It’s the dishwasher. As much as I love our Bosch dishwasher, it needs to be run frequently and aired out, or else it will have a foul odor.  

There are lots of things in the house that need to be cleaned, but often I forget about the fact that our kitchen and cleaning appliances need to be cleaned as well.  

I had already found ways to clean my washing machine and clean my Keurig, but it was time to figure out how to clean my dishwasher too.

I try to use natural cleaning as much as possible and make a lot of my own household cleaning products.  So, I figured if there are good ways to use green cleaning products for my other appliances, I was pretty sure I could use some for my dishwasher too.  

So, if you too often get hit with that horrible dishwasher smell, then this post is for you. 

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Some dishwashers need to be cleaned more often than others.  In our home, we have a Bosch dishwasher. Although we love how well it cleans the dishes, we have found that if we don’t run it frequently and let it air out after use, we will have a smelly dishwasher.

Why do you need to clean your dishwasher?

First, let’s talk about why you need to clean it and then we will get to the how.  

What is black stuff in my dishwasher?

If you find black particles in your dishwasher, then that is a sign you need to clean it.  The black stuff in your dishwasher is most likely bacteria caused by food particles that block the drain.  

If you don’t clean the drain, door, and tub, the bacteria will continue to grow and stick to surfaces.

Why does the dishwasher smell bad?

Again, you can blame those food particles.  As they accumulate over time in the filter and small crevices, they begin to smell and cause you to have a stinky dishwasher.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Now that you know your dishwasher filter needs cleaning, let’s talk about how to clean a filter.  To optimize your dishwasher’s performance, Bob Villa recommends taking a few minutes each month to clean the dishwasher filter.

There are two types of dishwasher filters – self-cleaning filters and manual filters.  In order to figure out which type of filter you have, you will need to check the owner’s manual or look in the bottom of the dishwasher.  If you have a manual filter, you will see a removable cylindrical piece.

To clean a manual filter, you can use a gentle soap or vinegar along with a  scrubber.   You can find some cleaning gloves to protect your skin and hands.

For step-by-step deals head over to Bob Villa’s post.

How to Clean the Inside of the Dishwasher

Cleaning the inside is very easy.  You can use tablets or manually clean it yourself.  I alternate between the two.

How to Use Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets

You can use dishwasher cleaning tablets with or without dishes.  To use cleaner with dishes, put one tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher and use your regular detergent as directed.  

To clean it without dishes, put one tablet in the detergent tray. For a lot of buildup or smell, you can place a second tablet at the bottom of the dishwasher.  Then, run a normal cleaning cycle.

How to Clean with Vinegar

If you prefer green cleaning and want to naturally clean your dishwasher, then you can use vinegar as a cleaner.  To clean with vinegar, first, clean the seals and small crevices using white vinegar and a clean cloth.  

For hard to reach spots, a toothbrush or toothpick comes in handy. Then, wipe down the walls and racks.

Finally, add a cup of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cleaning cycle.

Now, you have several ways to clean your dishwasher including a green option.  You know how to clean filters and deep clean the inside.  

As soon as you start to see those black particles or get a whiff of that fishy dishwasher smell, you’ll know what to do. 

For more cleaning ideas, hacks, and guides check out Green Cleaning.

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