How to Clean a Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar

 Let’s be honest—dishwashers are like that one friend who does all the work but never complains. Day in and day out, they scrub, rinse, and shine your plates, glasses, and forks. But here’s the catch: while your dishes come out spotless, your poor dishwasher often ends up with soap scum, food gunk, and mystery smells. Ever opened the door and got hit with a whiff that makes you question your life choices? Yeah, me too.

The good news? You don’t need fancy (and overpriced) cleaning products. Two kitchen superheroes—baking soda and vinegar—are more than enough to bring your dishwasher back to life. They’re cheap, safe, and ridiculously effective. And today, I’ll show you step-by-step how to do it without turning it into a science experiment gone wrong. Ready? Let’s go.

Why Clean Your Dishwasher Anyway?

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: isn’t the dishwasher supposed to clean itself while cleaning the dishes? Technically, yes… but also, no.

Here’s why:

• Food particles get stuck in the filter and drain.
• Grease and soap residue build up over time.
• Hard water stains sneak onto the inside walls.
• And worst of all, bacteria and mold can start hanging out like uninvited guests.

So, unless you enjoy musty-smelling cups and cloudy glassware (spoiler: no one does), you need to give your dishwasher a deep clean every now and then. IMO, once a month works perfectly.

The Dynamic Duo: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s geek out for a sec on why these two ingredients work so well:

• Vinegar is acidic, which means it breaks down grease, kills some bacteria, and dissolves mineral deposits.
• Baking soda is alkaline, which makes it amazing at neutralizing odors and gently scrubbing without scratching.

Put them together (but not at the same time, unless you want a foamy volcano effect :/), and you’ve got the ultimate cleaning tag-team.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Alright, enough chit-chat—let’s get our hands dirty (or actually, clean).

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher

Sounds obvious, right? But trust me, you don’t want to run into a rogue spoon mid-clean. Take everything out—plates, utensils, even the racks if they’re removable.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

This is where the gross stuff hides. Pop out the filter (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher) and rinse it under hot water. If it’s extra nasty, soak it in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes. A soft brush (like an old toothbrush) works wonders here.

Pro tip: Don’t use anything sharp. Scratching the filter is a one-way ticket to future problems.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior

Grab a damp cloth or sponge and wipe around the door edges, seals, and any visible grime. This is the stuff your dishwasher doesn’t usually hit during cycles.

Step 4: Run a Vinegar Cycle

• Fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with one cup of white vinegar.
• Place it on the top rack.
• Run a hot water cycle (no dishes, please).

The vinegar will swoop in, dissolve grease, and sanitize the inside.

Step 5: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Once the vinegar cycle finishes:

• Sprinkle about one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle.

This will deodorize and leave everything sparkling fresh. No weird smells, no cloudy build-up—just pure dishwasher bliss.

Bonus Tips for an Extra-Clean Dishwasher

Want to go full-on “dishwasher spa day”? Try these:

• Check the spray arms: Poke out any food bits stuck in the little holes with a toothpick.
• Clean the exterior: Vinegar works great for wiping down stainless steel doors.
• Use lemon: Want that “fresh” smell? Toss in a few lemon peels before running the baking soda cycle. Instant upgrade.
• Hard water hack: If you’ve got hard water stains, repeat the vinegar step more often—it’s basically the kryptonite of mineral deposits.

What Not to Do (Because, Yes, People Do These Things)

• Don’t mix baking soda and vinegar in the same cycle. Unless, of course, you want a kitchen volcano.
• Don’t use bleach if your dishwasher has stainless steel parts. Bleach + metal = bad combo.
• Don’t forget the filter. Cleaning the inside without touching the filter is like brushing your teeth but never flossing.

FAQs About Cleaning a Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

A: Technically, yes, but you’ll make your dishwasher smell like a salad dressing. Stick with white vinegar.

Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?

A: Once a month is ideal. If you cook a lot or notice smells sooner, clean it every two weeks.

Q: What if my dishwasher still smells after cleaning?

A: Check the drain hose. Sometimes gunk hides there, and no amount of baking soda will fix it.

Q: Can I use this method for dishwashers with delicate parts?

A: Yep. Baking soda and vinegar are gentle compared to chemical cleaners, so they’re safe for most machines.

My Personal Experience (AKA, How I Learned the Hard Way)

Confession time: I used to think dishwashers were self-cleaning (don’t judge). After a few months of neglect, I opened mine one day and—bam!—got hit with a smell that I can only describe as “wet dog meets leftover spaghetti.”

I tried every overpriced cleaner on the supermarket shelf, but nothing worked as well as good ol’ vinegar and baking soda. Honestly, it felt like magic the first time. Now I keep a bag of baking soda in my pantry specifically labeled “For Dishwasher, Not Pancakes.” Priorities, right? :)

Why This Method Beats Store-Bought Cleaners

• Cost-effective: A box of baking soda and a bottle of vinegar will last you months.
• Non-toxic: Safe for your family and pets.
• Eco-friendly: No harsh chemicals down the drain.
• Just as effective: IMO, it works better than those little “cleaner pods” you pay $$$ for.

So, unless you enjoy throwing money at brands that basically sell you vinegar in a fancy package, this DIY method is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar is simple, cheap, and effective. You don’t need to be a cleaning guru or spend a fortune on specialty products. Just follow the steps: vinegar cycle, then baking soda cycle, and you’re golden.

Next time your dishwasher smells funky or your glasses come out cloudy, you’ll know exactly what to do. And trust me—your future self (and your dishes) will thank you.

So, go ahead and give your hardworking dishwasher the TLC it deserves. After all, it puts up with your late-night mac-and-cheese bowls without complaining. The least you can do is return the favor. ;)